Today’s hearing aids are built to be durable. However, age and use can take their toll on hearing aids.
Keep in mind that hearing aids are small devices that contain miniature electronic parts. Through frequent use, ear wax, dust and debris may enter the hearing aid through the microphones or sound opening, which can cause damages to the internal components. Other common causes of hearing aid repair include excessive exposure to water, physical damage from being dropped or stepped on, or prolonged exposure to high levels of humidity or extreme temperatures.
How to Maintain Your Hearing Aids?
Hearing aid maintenance begins with you. By cleaning and caring for your devices properly, you can protect them, extend their life, and maintain their performance level. By following these simple care and maintenance tips, it will help ensure your hearing aids always perform their best.
- Wash your hands before handling your hearing aids
Ensure your fingers are clean and dry before touching your hearing aid. The microphone is very small and can easily become blocked.
- Handle your hearing aids with care
While modern hearing aids are designed to be robust, it is still crucial to handle them with care. Whenever you hold, insert, remove, or clean a hearing aid, make sure to have a secure grip to avoid dropping it, which could potentially cause damage to the device or its battery. Moreover, when you need to set your hearing aid down, ensure that you place it on a clean and soft surface, such as a fresh towel. This will provide added protection and prevent any unnecessary harm to the device.
- Store your hearing aids in a safe, dry space
When you remove your hearing aids at night, make sure to store them in a clean and dry area. If your home has high humidity levels, it's advisable to consider purchasing a hearing aid dryer or dehumidifier to ensure they remain dry. If you're not using rechargeable hearing aids, store them in the open air overnight with the battery doors open to prevent moisture build-up. Additionally, select a secure location for storing your hearing aids to minimize the risk of accidental damage from being pushed, smashed, or dropped. This is particularly important if you have small children or pets who may inadvertently cause harm to your hearing aids.
- Regularly clean off earwax and replace the wax filter
Hearing aids are small, advanced devices that are worn in and around the ear, where earwax, debris, and humidity tend to accumulate. With regular use, it's inevitable that your hearing aids will come into contact with earwax on a daily basis. Without proper cleaning, the build-up of earwax can negatively affect the performance of your hearing aids. Therefore, we recommend cleaning your hearing aids at the end of each day. Use a dry cotton swab or a soft toothbrush to remove earwax, oil, moisture, and any other debris that may have accumulated on them. Pay special attention to the receiver and microphone while cleaning your devices. Additionally, it is important to regularly change the wax filter in your hearing aids. The wax filter protects the internal components of the devices from damage caused by earwax. Replace the filter whenever you notice a build-up of earwax on it and ensure that you use the correct type of wax filter for your specific device. - Take care of the batteries and change them frequently
If you haven't switched to rechargeable hearing aids yet, it is important to regularly replace the batteries in your hearing aids. Even a small amount of trapped moisture within the device can lead to battery corrosion, which can damage the interior of the hearing aid. Therefore, when your hearing aids are not in use, it's crucial to open the battery doors to release any moisture. If you won't be using your hearing aids for a few days, it's recommended to remove the batteries during that time. Be diligent in replacing the batteries in your hearing aids frequently. Whenever you do so, remember to clean the battery contacts using a dry cotton swab. Most hearing aid users develop a replacement cycle based on how long their batteries typically last and anticipate the appropriate time for replacement.
- Schedule a routine professional cleaning
It is important to schedule professional cleanings for your hearing aids every six months. These cleanings involve thorough and proper cleaning of the devices, along with a professional examination to check for any damage and perform necessary repairs. Furthermore, our hearing care professionals can adjust the settings of your hearing aids during these appointments to ensure optimal performance that is specifically tailored to your most current hearing conditions.
- Protect your hearing aids from excessive moisture
Always take your hearing aids out before having a shower, bath or going swimming. Don't wear your hearing aids when using a hair dryer, hair spray or sauna. Fine particle of hair sprays, body sprays and makeup can block the microphone and controls. Ensure you have removed your hearing aids prior to using these types of products. It’s best to leave your hearing aids out of humid environments e.g. bathroom. Moisture can damage the electronic components in your hearing aid.
It’s not uncommon for hearing aids to require some degree of professional service, which is why hearing aids are typically sold with warranties and repair coverage. Cleaning your hearing aids regularly can drastically reduce the number of repairs required during the life of your hearing aids and help keep sound quality high.
