Taking the time to care for your hearing aid will help you avoid costly repairs down the line.
You depend on your hearing aids to help you interact with the world around you. Keeping your hearing aids clean and in good condition is a must if you want them to function properly. Taking the time to care for your hearing aid will help you avoid costly repairs down the line. Here are a few maintenance tasks you should perform regularly to keep your aids clean and working well.
Listen for Problems
Pay attention to the sound quality hearing aids are producing. Problems like scratchy or weak sound, feedback and sound fading in and out can all be signs that your aids may need attention.
Check and Change Batteries
Battery life for different hearing aid models varies, but in general most hearing aid batteries last for a week or more with regular use. A battery tester is the best way to make sure your batteries are still in good working order. It’s a good idea to test your batteries every few days to make sure you have an adequate charge. Remember to open the battery door on your aids when you remove them at night, this will keep your aids from draining the battery unnecessarily while you sleep. It’s also a good idea to keep a spare set of batteries with you just in case you get caught out of the house when your batteries give out.
Cleaning
Hearing aids need regular cleaning and maintenance in order to function properly. Ear wax, dust, dirt, sweat and oils can clog the delicate parts of your hearing aid and impede its functions. However keeping your hearing aids clean is relatively simple. Ask your Victoria Hearing Center Audiologist to show you in detail how to clean the different parts of your hearing aid, but you can also find short guide below.
On most hearing aids, you’ll need to clean three different parts regularly for optimum performance: the shell, the microphone, and the hearing tube (also called the receiver) or ear mold.
The shell is the outside surface of the hearing aid. It’s common for wax, dirt, and oil to build up on the shell of any hearing aid. This buildup can eventually impede the fit and function of your hearing aid, so it’s important to clean it regularly. To clean the shell, you can use a clean, slightly damp cloth to wipe it down, but never use a cloth the is dripping or too moist. Also, never use chemical cleaners – these products can damage the finish or electronics, so use only water. You can also use a soft brush to remove dirt or oil in the cracks or seams of the shell.
The microphone is one of the most sensitive parts of your hearing aid and it must be cleaned with care. Never poke anything inside the microphone port to clean it; instead, hold the hearing aid upside down (so the microphone points to the ground) and gently brush debris out with a clean, dry cloth or a brush.
The hearing tube is the part that most frequently becomes dirty, since it sits closest to the inside of your ear. Wax buildup is common, so use a wax pick or loop to gently remove wax or oil from the indie of the receiver or ear mold. Never push or pull to hard, as too much force can damage the sensitive electronics of your aid.
Some hearing aids also have additional protective parts like wax filters or guards. Your Victoria Hearing Center Audiologist will teach you how to care for and replace these protective parts when you get your hearing aids.
Other Hearing Aid Care
In addition to cleaning your aids regularly, there are a few other things that you can do to care for them and prolong their lifespan.
Avoid exposing your hearing aids to excessive heat or moisture. Harsh conditions can damage your hearing aids irreparably.
Store your hearing aids in a drying kit or protective case when you are not wearing them in order to keep them protected. Dogs love to chew and destroy hearing aids, keep them away from pets.
Avoid applying products like hairspray, makeup, perfume, cologne or aftershave while wearing your hearing aids. These chemical can get into the interior or your hearing aid and cause big problems over time.
To learn more about caring for and protecting your hearing aids, you can always talk to your experienced Victoria Hearing Center Audiologist for the best advice and tips. At Victoria Hearing Center, we provide dedicated and comprehensive audiology and hearing aid services to Victoria and the surrounding communities.
Contact us at 361-573-4832 to schedule an appointment or to learn more about our services and hearing aid products.
