If you have hearing aids then you want them to work optimally and get the most out of them. You may be new to wearing them and are wondering how to ensure they work most effectively. The good news is that there are steps you can take to keep them functioning well.
One important aspect to take into account is keeping them free from moisture. Due to the microelectronics and high-tech circuit board components of hearing aids, moisture and dust can quickly damage them. It may lead to poor sound quality, improper functioning and shorter battery life. Therefore, take the time to learn how to protect your hearing aids from heat and humidity for the best results.
Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
One way to protect your hearing aids from heat and humidity is to clean them daily. This will ensure that they remain free from wax, debris and moisture. If you forget or don’t have time to clean them fully then at least wipe them off at night with a soft dry cloth.
Doing so can remove perspiration, wax and oils efficiently. Check and see if your devices have disposable batteries or not. If so, then open the battery door so this compartment can dry completely. Taking this step will reduce the chance of corrosion of the battery and this area.
Use A Dehumidifier
Another way to protect your hearing aids from heat and humidity is to use a dehumidifier. There are dehumidifiers designed for hearing aids that you can use to ensure moisture is removed from your hearing aids when they’re not in use. They’re designed for hearing aids specifically. After cleaning your devices, place them in the dehumidifier and close the container.
Apply A Heat and Fan System
If you want to effectively protect your hearing aids from heat and humidity then also consider investing in and using a heat and fan system. Warm air is used in this case to dry out the hearing aid. There are some systems that come with a UV light as well for keeping them bacteria-free by way of sanitizing your hearing aids.
Consider Hearing Aid Protectors
If you’re going to successfully protect your hearing aids from heat and humidity then consider using hearing aid protectors. You may not realize it, but hearing aids aren’t waterproof so any moisture that does enter can quickly damage them. Hearing aid covers can effectively protect them from dust, and rain or moisture.
Protect Them from the Sun
Be diligent about also protecting your hearing aids from the sun to keep them working optimally. The plastic and electronics your hearing aids are made of can be sensitive to heat. Damage may quickly occur to these parts if they continuously have exposure to the heat. Find a place to store them that has the least amount of temperature fluctuations when you’re not using them. If you spend a lot of time outside, then make sure you get into some shade every so often.
Have Them Professionally Cleaned
Even though you clean your hearing aids daily, they should also be cleaned professionally every six months. Otherwise, ask your audiologist how often they recommend you have them cleaned by an audiologist. They’ll not only have special tools for getting them extremely clean but they’ll also take the time to inspect them thoroughly and make sure they’re in good condition. In addition, they’ll check that they’re functioning properly and can make any necessary adjustments to them based on their findings.
You now know what you can do to better protect your hearing aids from heat and humidity, as well as moisture. It’s in your best interest to take these actions and the time to keep them clean if you want to get the most from your hearing aids and ensure you can hear well in your daily life.
The Hearing Center at York ENT is committed to providing high-quality and compassionate care for disorders of hearing and balance. Our audiologists are the leading experts in evaluating your hearing needs and can make recommendations based on our findings and help you properly fit your hearing aids.
We offer a variety of hearing services here at The Hearing Center at York ENT that you may be interested in. Our site also contains a lot of resources and tips if you’re new to hearing health. Learn more about The Hearing Center at York ENT by calling us today at (717) 850-9269.
