How to Care for and Maintain Your Hearing Aids for Longevity

Hearing aids are small yet highly effective devices that can greatly benefit individuals experiencing hearing loss. They have the potential to enhance the quality of life for many, but like any technology, they require proper care and maintenance for optimal performance. Taking steps to care for and maintain your hearing aids can extend their lifespan and ensure they continue to function at their best. These practices are essential for maximizing the benefits you derive from your hearing aids.

Clean Your Hearing Aids Regularly

Keeping your hearing aids clean is crucial for their longevity and performance. Earwax and debris can accumulate on the microphone and receiver, affecting sound quality. Here’s how to clean your hearing aids effectively:

• Use a soft, dry cloth or a specialized cleaning brush to gently wipe away anything you can visibly see on the hearing aids’ surface.
• For ITE hearing aids, remove the earmold or dome and clean it separately with mild soap and warm water. Rinse thoroughly and let it dry before reattaching it to the hearing aid.
• Avoid using water, alcohol or cleaning solutions directly on the hearing aids, as this can damage the delicate components.
• Consider using a hearing aid dehumidifier overnight to help remove moisture, which can harm the device.

Protect Your Hearing Aids from Moisture

Excessive moisture can be detrimental to the functionality of hearing aids, potentially causing damage to their internal components. This risk can arise from various sources, including exposure to rain or other wet conditions. To safeguard your hearing aids from moisture-related issues, it’s advisable to avoid wearing them in situations where they may come into contact with water. This includes activities like showering, swimming or venturing out in extremely wet weather. Additionally, it’s prudent to remove your hearing aids before using products like hair spray or applying sunscreen, as these substances can also introduce moisture and potentially harm the delicate components.

To address the impact of moisture, consider investing in a hearing aid dehumidifier. This compact device is specifically designed to absorb excess moisture and help prolong the lifespan of your hearing aids. By incorporating this tool into your care routine, you can take an important step towards ensuring that your hearing aids continue to perform optimally over time.

Change Batteries and Keep Spares

Like with any battery-powered device, as the power diminishes, so does the overall performance. Many hearing aids are equipped with battery indicators to alert you when it’s time for a replacement. It’s wise to keep spare batteries readily available, especially when traveling or during significant events, ensuring you’re always prepared. Store these batteries in a cool, dry place, shielded from direct sunlight and excess humidity, like in a drawer or cupboard (just be sure to remember where you’ve placed them). This simple routine helps to guarantee that your hearing aids consistently operate at their best.

Handle Your Hearing Aids with Care

Ensuring proper handling is crucial to prevent physical damage to your hearing aids. To handle them with care, remember to always use clean and dry hands to avoid transferring oils and dirt. When inserting or removing your hearing aids, it’s advisable to do so over a soft surface, such as a folded towel or a bed, to provide cushioning in case of accidental drops. Additionally, be aware of pets, as they may mistake hearing aids for toys and inadvertently cause damage.

Protect Your Hearing Aids from Earwax

Earwax is a common issue that can affect the performance of hearing aids. While cleaning your hearing aids regularly helps, you should also take steps to prevent earwax from entering the device:

• Use a protective wax filter or wax guard on your hearing aids. These small devices can trap earwax before it reaches the internal components.
• Follow your hearing instrument specialist’s (HIS) recommendations for changing wax filters, typically every few months.

Regular Checkups with Your HIS

Professional maintenance is also important to ensure that your hearing aids work as they should, so make sure you have scheduled regular checks with your HIS. They may also assess if the hearing aids are working for you, as some settings might need to be changed.

Hearing aids can be a great tool to have if you experience hearing loss or hearing difficulty. However, making sure you look after them is important to ensure that they last as long as they can and that you get what you need from them. If you would like to discuss hearing aids and how they can help you in more detail get in touch with Bay Area Hearing Care Professionals at (727) 202-4330