How to Care for Your Hearing Aids

2020-09-28
Hearing aids can have an unbelievable impact on your day-to-day life, but to get the most out of them, you need to ensure that you take good care of them. Hearing aids are durable, but they’re not immune to damage. If you’ve recently started wearing hearing aids and want to keep them in optimal condition for as long as possible, here are some tips to help you look after your hearing aids.

Storing your hearing aids safely
You don’t wear hearing aids 24-hours-a-day, so it’s essential to find a safe place to store them when they’re not in use. Hearing aids work better when they are dry, so avoid leaving them anywhere where they may be exposed to moisture, and keep them in the same places so you don’t lose them. If you’re out and about, carrying them in a secure box in your bag is a great idea, while keeping them in a box in a drawer at home will prevent your hearing aids from getting lost or broken. When you take your hearing aids out, place them straight into the box or container you’ve chosen. Don’t ever leave them lying around.

Keeping your hearing aids clean
When you have your hearing aids fitted by a hearing care professional, they will demonstrate how to keep the devices clean. Due to the location of the hearing aid, in a waxy, moist area, it’s common for wax and dirt to collect in some components of the hearing aid. Frequent cleaning helps to prevent a build-up of debris and increases the efficacy of the appliance. When you clean your hearing aids, use a soft cloth and wipe the earmolds with tepid, soapy water. Don’t attempt to dry out your hearing aids with a hairdryer, as the power could cause damage to the delicate parts.

Changing the batteries
Hearing aid batteries typically last for around two weeks. When you collect your new hearing aids, your hearing specialist will show you how to change the battery, but if you have any questions or you’re not sure what to do when you get home, don’t hesitate to give them a call and ask for advice. To change the battery, pull out the battery drawer, take the old battery out and replace it with the new battery. Make sure you dispose of the old canister according to safety guidelines.

Checking in with a hearing health professional
When you have hearing aids, it’s always a good idea to check in with a hearing health professional on a regular basis, just to make sure that everything is going well and your hearing aids are offering all the benefits they should be. It’s particularly important to contact your hearing care provider if you have any issues programming your hearing aids or you’re worried that you may have damaged the device.

If you have hearing aids, it’s hugely beneficial to look after them to lower the risk of damage and ensure they’re firing on all cylinders. If you have any questions or you need advice, a hearing care professional will be happy to help.