Hearing aids are an investment in your auditory health and overall quality of life. Like any sophisticated technology, they require proper care and maintenance to function at their best. With the right care, you can even extend their life span. Whether you’re a new user or you’ve been wearing hearing aids for years, here are a few essential tips to keep your hearing aids in top condition.
Daily Maintenance Routine
Regular Cleaning: Clean your hearing aids every day with a soft, dry cloth. Remove any earwax or debris very gently with the cleaning tools provided by your hearing aid provider. Avoid using water, solvents, alcohol, or cleaning agents, as these can all damage your device.
Check the Batteries: Hearing aid batteries should be checked regularly. Replace them as necessary, and always carry a spare set. For rechargeable models, follow a routine of charging them each night so that they are ready for the following day.
Protect from Moisture: Always remove your hearing aids before showering, swimming, or exposure to heavy rain. Moisture can damage the internal components of the device. At night, open the battery compartment to air out the device and use a dehumidifier if you live in a humid climate.
Feedback Test: Put your hearing aids in and turn them on. Listen for unusual sounds like whistling or feedback that can indicate a problem with the fit or some other malfunction.
Weekly Maintenance Routine
Microphone and Receiver Inspection: Once a week, examine the microphone and receiver for any blockages or buildup. Use a soft brush to gently remove any debris.
Earwax Filter Replacement: If your hearing aids have wax filters, check and replace them every few weeks to prevent wax or dirt from blocking the sound outlet.
Monthly Maintenance Routine
Replace Domes and Tubing: If your hearing aids include domes or tubing, these should be replaced every month or two to make sure the sound can travel efficiently from the device into your ear.
Professional Cleaning: Some debris or earwax can be tough to remove at home. Your hearing aid provider can offer a professional cleaning service that might be beneficial every couple of months.
Seasonal Considerations
Summer Care: High temperatures and sweat can affect your hearing aids. In the summer, take extra precautions to avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or in a hot car. You can also consider using a hearing aid sweatband to protect against moisture.
Winter Maintenance: In colder climates, temperature swings from going indoors to outdoors may cause condensation. Use a hearing aid dehumidifier to combat moisture buildup during winter months.
Hearing Aid Storage
Safe Place: Always store your hearing aids in a safe, dry place away from pets and children when you are not wearing them.
Battery Care: When not using your hearing aids for extended periods, remove the batteries to prevent corrosion and switch off the device to preserve battery life.
Handling and Usage Tips
Careful Handling: Always handle your hearing aids with clean, dry hands over a soft surface to avoid potential damage from accidental drops.
Avoid Contact with Cosmetics: Put on your hearing aids after applying hair products, perfumes, or makeup to prevent clogging or damaging the microphone and receiver.
Insert Correctly: Make sure you’re inserting your hearing aids correctly. If you feel discomfort or feedback, the device might not be properly seated in your ear.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter issues, perform some basic troubleshooting before contacting your hearing aid provider:
- Dead Batteries: Replace them with new ones to see if that resolves the issue.
- Volume Issues: Check if the volume control is at the correct setting, and make sure it’s not blocked by earwax or dirt.
- Feedback or Whistling: This could result from a poor fit, excessive wax in the ear, or a malfunction. Try reinserting the hearing aid, cleaning your ears, or consulting your provider.
Professional Care and Adjustments
While regular home maintenance is essential, periodic check-ups with a hearing care professional are equally important. We’ll perform deep cleaning, make adjustments, and update programming to make sure your hearing aids operate at peak performance. We can also inspect for wear and tear and make repairs as needed.
If you have any concerns about your hearing aids or you need additional maintenance or support, call today to make an appointment.