When an individual acquires hearing aids for the first time, there is a lot to take in. From the exact details of their hearing loss to the sheer wealth of hearing solutions from which to choose, they could be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed with information.
What they should pay special attention to, however, is hearing aid maintenance. Sustaining your hearing aids through daily cleaning and regular service is of the utmost importance. Proper care helps maintain optimal hearing conditions, prolongs the life of your hearing aids and helps ensure good hygiene.
Here at Able Hearing, we want to make sure your hearing aids serve you for as long as possible. To that end, here are some tips for looking after your hearing aids.
-
Identify whether your hearing aids are working
When you close the battery door or take the aid from the charger a start-up
tone should occur. Cupping the hearing aid in your hand gently will cause a ‘feedback’
squeak. While wearing the device try rubbing the microphone or changing the volume
or programming.
-
Have a good night time routine
Take your hearing aids out before bed. Open the battery doors and place the hearing aids in a case. You do not need to shut the case, as leaving the battery door open when not in use will help dry out the internal components. Try to get into the habit of doing these things in order every night. Sooner or later they will become second nature to you!
-
Clean your hearing aids regularly
Hearing aids are affected by moisture and wax build up. Wiping down the
external surfaces and brushing off wax will improve the quality of sound and help the hearing aid function for longer without needing to be sent to a professional.
-
Pay close attention to earwax
You should remove earwax from your hearing aid in order to prevent temporary malfunction or permanent damage. When purchasing your hearing aids, you will be provided with cleaning tools, including a soft brush and small picks or loops. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to clean your hearing aids. If you cannot remove all the earwax, bring them in to us! We will be happy to assist you.
You will also need to replace the wax filter or wax guard regularly. This filter prevents wax from getting to and damaging the internal parts of the hearing aid. This should be done whenever you start to see wax on the filter. Not all devices use the same filters. We can advise you which one you need to use and show you how to replace it for your particular device.
-
Use batteries carefully
To replace batteries:
- Open the battery door and remove the old batteries.
- Take the new battery out of the packet and take the sticker off.
- Remember to clean the battery contacts in your devices. This can be done by gently wiping them down with a dry cotton swab. If the battery contacts on your devices are dirty, it can create a poor connection and lower performance.
- Then place the battery in the hearing aid with the flat side facing up.
The life of hearing aid batteries can fluctuate. Batteries go flat faster if the hearing aid is used in noisy environments, used for longer hours each day, or left closed in the hearing aid over-night.
-
Store and handle with care
While hearing aids are far more robust than they once were, they should still be handled with care. Hold them tightly so you don’t drop them, as dropping your hearing aids on a hard surface could potentially damage the devices.
Your hearing aids also contain some very advanced technologies and circuitry. Serious damage can occur if it is exposed to moisture. While most modern hearing aids are water resistance, you still shouldn’t wear your hearing aids while:
- in the shower
- swimming or in the sauna
- using a hair dryer
- applying hair spray
When they come in contact with water, dry them quickly with a towel. Don’t ever attempt to dry them with a hair dryer or other heated device, as high heat can damage the sensitive electronics within. If you live in a place with a humid climate, you may want to consider housing your devices in a special hearing aid dehumidifier at night.
Able Hearing
At Able Hearing we recommend that you have your hearing aids checked by our specialists every 3-4 months to ensure they are clean and working properly. If you’d like to learn more management skills, call and schedule a Clean & Check appointment with our ABLE Specialists today!
