Hearing aids are incredible devices that can really improve someone’s quality of life if they have hearing loss. However, because hearing aids will generally be used every day for many hours at a time, they’re not immune to wear and tear, and they could become damaged as a result. So, in order to keep your hearing aids in proper working order, you’ll need to take care of them. Not sure where to start? Try utilizing these tips to get optimal performance from your device.
Clean Your Hearing Aids Daily
Daily cleaning is one of the most important parts of keeping your hearing aids in tip-top condition. The main reason for this is that when you wipe down your hearing aids every day, you’ll be removing the grime and dirt that’s bound to build up there. If you don’t do it regularly, it means your hearing aids could get clogged up, and not only will they be harder to clean, but it could also provide a poor listening experience.
The best thing to use is a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe down your hearing aids. This process removes the surface dirt and oils, and you’ll need to be gentle but thorough to make sure this is done well enough. Then you should make a special effort to clean the microphone and receiver – you can buy a special brush or wax pick to make this job easier if it helps. Just be careful not to push anything further into the device, as you might need to take it somewhere to be repaired if that happens.
Protect Your Device from Moisture
Moisture can be a hearing aid’s worst enemy because it can cause a lot of damage to the internal element and components, and that means the device won’t work properly (if at all). Something that can be helpful is to invest in a dehumidifier to remove extra moisture from the air – when your hearing aids aren’t in your ears, you’ll know the air around them is as dry as it can be. You can even buy smaller dehumidifiers specifically for hearing aids where you can leave them overnight if you prefer.
Something else that can come in handy is a hearing aid sweatband, especially if you’re active or sweat a lot. This gives you an extra layer of protection to keep your devices dry when you’re taking part in sports or anything physical or even just when the weather’s hot.
Take Care of Your Batteries
Your hearing aids are powered by batteries, so taking care of those batteries is going to give you the best chance of keeping the hearing aid working as it should. One option is to have spare batteries in your home at all times, and take them with you when you’re going out for a while – it’s frustrating to have a battery issue and no way of repowering your devices.
It’s also wise to change your batteries regularly, assuming you’re using disposable ones. Even if they don’t seem to be having any power issues, changing them on a monthly basis means you’ll never suddenly have a problem – the power will always be from a fresh source.
Did you know you can keep your batteries clean and that doing this helps prolong their life? It’s true, so why not start doing it? Look for any corrosion on the battery contacts and clean them – very gently with a soft cloth – if you spot any issues. Corrosion can disrupt the electrical connection, which means things don’t work properly. A quick clean can solve the problem (or stop it from happening in the first place).
Finally, turn your hearing aids off when you’re not wearing them, and your batteries will last longer. It’s a simple but effective thing to do.
Avoid Extremes of Temperature
Extreme temperatures can harm your hearing aids, so it’s best to avoid them if possible. When it comes to heat, for example, don’t leave your hearing aids in direct sunlight or in a hot car – the delicate electronics could be permanently damaged if you do. When it’s cold, the battery life can be affected, and you might end up with condensation and moisture inside too. Ideally, you should stay inside when it’s cold, but if you have to go out, wear a hat or earmuffs to protect your hearing aids.
Get Your Hearing Aids Checked Out
If you think your hearing aids aren’t working as well as they should or you want to have a hearing test to see what level your hearing loss is at, get in touch with WellSpan Hearing Center at (717) 850-9269 – we can help.
