6 Home Care Tips for Hearing Aids

Unless you damage your hearing aids, or your ears evolve as you get older, your hearing aids should live a long life, providing they are well looked after. Hearing aids are excellent devices, filled with complex technology and great potential. It is therefore vital that you take time to look after them. 

Whether you have had hearing aids all your life, or are new to them, there are plenty of ways you can take care of them from the comfort of your own home. These extra steps will ensure they remain functional for optimal communication and need repairing or replacing less often. 

Here are some important hearing aid maintenance tips you can easily do at home. 

Clean Your Hearing Aids

Cleaning your hearing aids on a daily basis is a great, and easy way to prolong their life. Your ear canal produces earwax, which can build up on your hearing aid and make it uncomfortable and start to block the connecting tube. Your ear and the hearing aid is also on the outside of your body, which means it is subject to the elements and a variety of debris. Cleaning your hearing aid on a daily basis can stop the build-up of dirt and grime and keep it in good condition.

Use a soft cloth or tissue paper, and clean all the parts of your hearing aid, including the shell, microphone and receiver. Regardless of whether you have an in-the-ear (ITE), behind-the-ear (BTE) or an in-the-canal (ITC) hearing devices, they are all subject to accumulating debris and need regular cleaning. 

Do Not Use Unauthorized Products or Equipment to Clean Them

You should avoid using scissors, needles or similar objects to clean your hearing aids. Instead, you should use a small, soft brush that is designed for hearing aids. 

You should also avoid using products that contain hydrogen peroxide, alcohol or any other antiseptic agents, because they will corrode and damage your hearing aids over time. Antiseptic products should only be used if your hearing aids have become contaminated. 

Handle Your Hearing Aids with Care

Make sure you are always careful when handling your hearing aids. They are small and delicate and require more time and patience when they are being inserted, removed, cleaned or stored away. In addition to this, you should always wash your hands before you handle your hearing aids. 

Avoid Getting Them Wet

You should always remove your hearing aids when you go swimming or have a shower and take extra caution if you are heading out into the rain, snow or humid air. Unfortunately, water and moisture can adversely affect their performance. 

Additionally, you should not use any hair products, such as hair spray or a hair dryer while your hearing aids are in. You should also take extra care when participating in activities that lead you to sweat. Exposing your hearing aids to these products and practices can lead to irreversible damage. 

Look After the Battery 

You should endeavor to turn off your hearing aids when they are not being used, as this can save the battery and the need for it to be replaced as often. The batteries can also be removed if you do not plan to use your hearing aids for a long time. If you have rechargeable batteries, the rules and cleaning practices may differ slightly but will be advised by the manual and your audiologist. 

You should also take time to clean the batteries on a regular basis, to ensure the internal aspects of your hearing aid remain in working order, to avoid any repairs or replacements. 

Regularly Get Them Checked by Your Audiologist

A regular routine visit should be scheduled with your audiologist, not only to check the acoustics but also the quality of your hearing aid. They may also recommend alternative cleaning and maintenance tips that are specifically tailored to your lifestyle, to help you prolong the lifespan of your devices. 

Taking time to care properly for your hearing aids can significantly reduce the repairs and replacements that are required during your time using hearing aids and increase the lifespan of the ones you currently own. Regular maintenance will also ensure that the quality of sound remains high and you can wear them comfortably. 

Flynn Associates have been working with communities since 1959 to improve hearing with an honest and compassionate approach to care. We are able to assist you with hearing testing, hearing aid fittings and hearing aid maintenance and repair. To learn more about Flynn Associates please call Concord at (978) 759-3540 and Wellesley at (781) 943-5040.