Taking care of your hearing healthcare investment
One of the most valuable purchases that you may make this year is a pair of new hearing aids. Hearing aids will allow you to reconnect with loved ones and participate in daily activities that you once enjoyed but may be shying away from.
Digital hearing aids are precision instruments, and are sensitive to dust, dirt, moisture, cerumen, hairspray, and other daily influences. Fortunately, there are a few simple care and maintenance steps that when followed regularly can keep your hearing aid sounding and performing optimally. Here are a number of helpful suggestions that you can do at home.
Handle with care
- When removing your hearing aid from its packaging, stand over soft ground so that if it falls, it falls onto a soft surface and not a hard floor.
- Try to never expose your hearing aid to high heat such as leaving it in your car.
- When cleaning your hearing aid, don’t use alcohol or chemical solvents. We suggest the use of baby wipes or Audiowipes instead.
- Apply hair care and styling products before you insert your hearing aid. Hair gels and hairspray can clog the components and can sometimes affect the exterior plastic, too.
Protect it from moisture
- The digital circuitry in your hearing aid is particularly sensitive to moisture.
- Take your hearing aid out before swimming or showering (unless it is a waterproof hearing aid).
- Remove the hearing aid before going to sleep, and store it in a clean, dry place.
- Before you insert your hearing aid, clean and dry your ears as best as possible.
- One of the most common causes of hearing aids having to be returned for service is the buildup of moisture; an inexpensive hearing aid dehumidifier can prevent this, and thus prolong its life.
- To use a hearing aid dehumidifier, which removes any accumulation of moisture, remove the batteries from the unit before storing the hearing aid in the dehumidifier overnight.
Remove excessive ear wax from your hearing aid
- Becoming clogged with ear wax is the second most common reason that hearing aids require service.
- Upon removing your hearing aid, wipe away ear wax using a soft cloth.
- Clean any ear wax from the receiver and microphone areas of the device, using a cleaning brush.
- Change the wax filters frequently (if equipped).