How Should I Take Care of my Hearing Aid?

Woman putting on her hearing aid over the couch in case she drops it.

What would you do if your hearing aids quit working at a time when you most needed them. Like in the middle of a phone call?

No one wants that to occur! Your hearing aids are a significant investment in your hearing, happiness, and total health. You will get the greatest possible benefit from your hearing aids if you keep them working at maximum condition.

The following are 7 tips to help you properly care for your hearing aids and keep them operating in peak condition.

1. Understand The Instructions

The most beneficial results will be achieved when you use the manual that was included with your hearing aids. Many technical difficulties you might be experiencing can be resolved by the trouble-shooting guides that are included with these manuals.

Always go to the manual first if something isn’t working properly.

The manual should cover any problems related to the performance of your hearing aids. Modern hearing aids function differently than the older models so even if you’ve had hearing aids before this is important. Obviously, hearing aid technology has progressed substantially in recent years.

2. Clean Your Hearing Aids

Bacteria like to use hearing aids as a breeding ground.

While there’s normally some harmless bacteria on your skin, if you don’t wash your hands or thoroughly clean the hearing aids, it can result in an infection.

Ear infections can trigger additional hearing issues. Some of these issues are short lived but permanent damage can also happen.

Bacteria favor damp surfaces, so wipe each hearing aid with a dry cloth before and after every use. Water can damage your hearing aid so keep them out of water. Being careful not to get them too wet, use an alcohol-free wet wipe to disinfect and clean them.

Clean them thoroughly once every week, including any custom mold pieces.

The earpiece will remain free of any wax accumulation with regular cleaning.

3. Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry

Getting wet is not something that most hearing aids are made to do. They can even be damaged by high humidity. After cleaning, don’t leave them on the nightstand.

Hearing aids lying on a surface in your home will accumulate dust that carries bacteria.

Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place as outlined by the manufacturer’s guidelines. Remember to take them out before you shower or take a bath. Leave your hearing aids out of the bathroom during your shower because there will be moisture in the air.

When it rains, take an umbrella.

Your battery may drain faster because it needs to use more energy in a moist environment, so you should always carry your charger with you.

Heat can also damage hearing aids, so don’t expose them to a blow dryer, sauna, or other extreme heat.

4. Avoid Draining The Battery

Don’t get caught without a backup battery at your child’s concert.

Turn your hearing aids completely off before you go to bed. If you’re not going to wear them for a prolonged length of time, always remove the battery. If you let your hearing aids sit for long time periods with the battery in them, the life of the battery can be diminished and their sensitive electronics can be damaged by battery acid.

You can substantially prolong the life of your batteries with this advice but always carry a spare battery, just in case.

5. Get a Hearing Professional to Clean Your Ears

A little bit of wax is pushed into your ear canal each time you put your hearing aid in. Voices will eventually begin to sound muted as this earwax accumulates. Make an appointment for a cleaning with your hearing specialist if your hearing seems dull and muted.

The removal process is simple with the correct tools. A hearing professional should be the only person who performs this procedure.

6. When You’re Putting in Your Hearing Aids, do it Above a Soft Surface

Don’t risk dropping your hearing aids in the sink or toilet. This can definitely result in dropping the hearing aid and damaging it. Over a bed, couch, or soft folded towel would be a suitable place to put them in.

7. If You Aren’t Experiencing Improved Hearing, Contact a Specialist

You need to keep wearing your hearing aids even if you’re not currently having the best success. There are answers. Make an appointment to come see us.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.