Taking Care of Your Hearing Aids

Your hearing aids are an investment; one that you should take good care of. Hearing aids can be expensive, and even with insurance for your hearing aids, they can be quite pricey to replace.

In order to keep your hearing aids in good shape for a long time, you need to take very good care of them. This includes proper cleaning and maintenance, as well as proper storage. Here are some important things to remember when taking care of your hearing aids:

Read and Follow Instructions

Ask your audiologist for a list of his recommendations for hearing aid care. You should also have a copy of your hearing aid instruction manual on file, and know the instructions for proper care and cleaning of your hearing aids, including internal components.

Depending on the frequency of cleaning your hearing aids require, set a schedule for yourself, and make sure they get cleaned and maintained per the schedule.

The manufacturer instructions should also include information on how often certain parts will need replaced, including BTE hearing aid tubing, which will need replaced regularly.

Keep Hearing Aids Away from Extreme Heat, Cold, and Moisture

Extreme heat, cold, and moisture can cause damage to your hearing aids. If exposed, your hearing aids may no longer work effectively, or may be ruined entirely.

Consider investing in a hearing aid dehumidifier. These devices remove moisture that can build up in the hearing aids during use, keeping them dry and helping them to last longer.

If you can’t buy a hearing aid dehumidifier, pop open the casing doors of your hearing aids on a nightly basis, allowing natural air to circulate through the hearing aids. This keeps the circuits running smoothly and saves on battery life. If you can, allow the hearing aids to dry overnight.

Battery Care

Dead batteries should be replaced immediately. Running hearing aids on a very low battery on a regular basis can be hard on the hearing aids and possibly cause damage.

Be sure to turn off your hearing aids when they are not in use, to reserve battery life and allow electronic components to cool and rest.

Beware of Pets and Children

Make sure you keep your hearing aids and replacement batteries away from pets and children at all times to avoid damage.

Avoid Products and Chemicals

Personal products such as hair spray and other hair care products should not be used or applied while hearing aids are in place. Also, make sure you wash your hands before inserting or removing your hearing aids, to avoid getting products or chemicals on the case or parts.

Personal Hygiene

Proper hygiene is very important for those who use hearing aids, especially when it comes to ears. Make sure you clean away ear wax and keep your ears clean (free of dirt, sweat, and grease) before and after using your hearing aids.

It may take some initial time to get used to caring for your hearing aids, but overtime it will get easier and almost second nature. If you ever have an issue or have questions, call your audiologist, who can help you troubleshoot or remind you of proper care instructions.