Do you or someone in your life use hearing aids and know how to properly maintain them? You should know that proper maintenance of hearing aids is crucial for extending their lifespan, preventing breakdowns, and ensuring optimal performance. Proper care is not difficult but it is essential that you follow the necessary steps to maximize their lifespan.
Protect Your Hearing Aids from Water Damage
It is essential to keep your hearing aids dry and free from water exposure. Even though often they are water resistant, fully submerging your hearing aids in water is a risky practice. We advise you not to wear them during activities like showering, swimming, or bathing. Moreover, never attempt to clean your hearing aids using water.
Moisture can prove detrimental to the inner components of your hearing aids, potentially causing severe and even permanent damage. To safeguard your devices, always remove them before immersing yourself in water, whether in a pool, hot tub, or steam room.
If your hearing aids accidentally get wet, gently dry them with a towel. Refrain from using hair dryers or high-heat devices, as they may distort, melt, or impair the functionality of the components. Adhering to these precautions will ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your hearing aids.
Properly Store Your Hearing Aids for Optimal Care
After removing your hearing aids each night, ensure they are kept in a safe and dry environment. If your home tends to be humid, investing in a hearing aid dryer or dehumidifier is a wise choice, as it will help maintain their dryness. Overnight, store your hearing aids in an open-air setting, leaving the battery doors open to prevent moisture buildup.
Select a secure location for storing your hearing aids to prevent accidental damage. This precaution is especially crucial if you have small children or pets who might inadvertently push, smash, or drop the devices. By adhering to these storage practices, you can safeguard your hearing aids and maximize their longevity.
Proper Earwax Management for Hearing Aid Users
Earwax, or cerumen, is essential for ear health, but it can adversely affect electronic devices like hearing aids. Accumulated earwax around the devices can hinder their performance. As hearing aids inevitably come into contact with earwax daily, it is crucial to incorporate regular cleaning into your maintenance routine.
At the end of each day, clean your hearing aids to remove earwax, oil, moisture, and debris. Using a dry cotton swab or a soft toothbrush, pay special attention to the receiver and microphone when cleaning your devices. Additionally, the wax filter in your hearing aids serves as protection against earwax damage to the internal components. Frequently check the filter for earwax buildup and promptly replace it with the correct type of wax filter for your device. By diligently managing earwax, you can ensure optimal performance and longevity of your hearing aids.
Effective Battery Management
The batteries in your hearing aids play a crucial role in their functionality, but they require proper care and frequent replacement to prevent malfunctions. Even the tiniest amount of trapped moisture can lead to battery corrosion, causing damage to the hearing aid's interior. To ensure your hearing aids function optimally, follow these battery care guidelines:
● Moisture Prevention: When your hearing aids are not in use, always open the battery doors to release any trapped moisture. If you anticipate not using your devices for a few days, remove the batteries during this period to safeguard against moisture-related issues.
● Frequent Battery Replacement: Regularly replace the batteries in your hearing aids to maintain their performance. Develop a replacement cycle by noting the typical battery lifespan and anticipating the correct replacement time.
● Clean Battery Contacts: During each battery replacement, clean the battery contacts with a dry cotton swab. This practice ensures optimal battery connection, reducing the risk of power interruptions.
Schedule Professional Cleanings
Proper cleaning and care go a long way in protecting your devices. However, to ensure their continued optimal performance, scheduling professional cleanings every four to six months is equally crucial.
During these appointments, a skilled professional will conduct a thorough cleaning of your hearing aids, ensuring they are free from any accumulated debris or earwax. They will inspect the devices for any potential damage and provide necessary repairs if needed.
Professionals can fine-tune the settings on your hearing aids to cater to your unique hearing needs. This personalized adjustment ensures you receive the best possible hearing experience from your devices.
Schedule an appointment with us today!
Would you like to learn more about proper hearing aid care? Set up an appointment with one of our audiologists! Along with providing advice, we provide hearing evaluations and hearing aid fitting services to help you feel confident in managing your hearing health.