How to Care for and Maintain Your Hearing Aids for Longevity

So, you’ve taken the pivotal step of enhancing your hearing experience with hearing aids. Whether you’re using in the ear (ITE), behind the ear (BTE) or in the canal (ITC) styles, these devices can be life changing. However, like many valuable tools in our lives, they need to be maintained and cared for. Let’s dive into the essential know-how of keeping your hearing aids in tip-top shape.

Daily Cleaning Routine

When cleaning your hearing aids always start with clean hands. It’s a simple step but an essential one, ensuring you’re not transferring any unnecessary dirt or oil. With a soft, dry cloth, give your hearing aids a gentle wipe down. When cleaning your hearing aids, do not use tissues with lotion or other products in them, as this could harm your hearing aids.

Your trusted audiologist might have handed you a cleaning kit. These kits will have brushes and wax picks, your audiologist will show you how to use them to clean your hearing aid effectively and properly. These tools will help gently remove earwax or any debris. If you are not sure

Storage

When storing your hearing aids choose a cool, dry place for them. For those who reside in more humid environments or find they’re prone to sweating, consider getting a dehumidifying container. These containers pull out any residual moisture from your hearing aids, keeping them dry and ready for the day ahead.

Avoiding Moisture Exposure

Hearing aids should always be removed before getting into the shower, taking a swim or doing vigorous exercise. If you do have an unplanned encounter with water, turn them off, carefully remove the batteries and wipe any excess moisture off of your hearing aid. Once you have removed some of the moisture, make sure to put them in a safe place away from anything that may cause potential harm to let them dry.

Changing Batteries

Before replacing the batteries in your hearing aids, remember to turn off the devices. Doing so not only prolongs the new battery’s life but also provides your hearing aids with a short yet beneficial break. Also, a quick tip to keep in mind is to ensure your hands are dry when handling the batteries, as water and batteries don’t mix well. Show your batteries a bit of care by storing them in a cool place away from potential hazards like coins, keys and other metal objects that could accidentally cause a short circuit. This practice ensures that you’re using batteries at their optimal performance.

Safeguarding Against Physical Damage

Whether you’re inserting, adjusting or just inspecting your hearing aids, always handle them with care. Doing this over a soft surface or when seated is a wise choice. In the rare event that they slip from your grip, the impact is minimized, reducing the risk of any potential damage. Furthermore, wearing a snug and secure retention system, such as a neck cord or clips, can help prevent the loss or accidental dropping of your hearing aids.

Lastly, if you participate in activities that pose a higher risk of physical damage, like contact sports, it’s advisable to temporarily remove your hearing aids to avoid potential harm. Taking these precautions can go a long way in protecting your investment and ensuring your hearing aids continue to serve you effectively.

Scheduled Visits

It’s easy to overlook, but routine visits to your audiologist are foundational for the upkeep of your hearing aids. These visits are not just about cleaning your hearing aid, it also checks for wear and tear, possible issues or minor damages that might go unnoticed in daily observations. Plus, technology and software updates can happen, ensuring your hearing aids are always at the forefront of performance. Talk with an audiologist about your hearing aids and if there are any potential issues occurring.

Feedback and Adjustments

Have you ever noticed any minor changes in sound? Maybe an unexpected whistle or a faint static noise? These might be signs that your hearing aids needs finely tuned. Your audiologist can adjust settings, ensuring clear sound quality. It’s a dynamic relationship between wearer feedback and professional adjustments that keeps hearing aids functioning optimally.

By integrating these maintenance habits into your daily routine, you’ll enhance the longevity of your hearing aids and also ensure they operate at peak performance. If you have more questions or seek further advice on caring for your hearing aids, contact Advanced Hearing Services is here to help. Reach out to our experienced audiologists at (970) 449-0592 and take a step toward ensuring the best care for your hearing aids.