Caring for your hearing aid is essential. Like your car or your home, your hearing aid is an investment and a vital one at that. If you want to make your hearing aid last longer, consider these tips:
1. Did you know that moisture is the # 1 cause for hearing aid failure? Clean and disinfect your hearing aids regularly, but not with water. Spray your hearing aid with a disinfectant/deodorizer that is made especially for hearing aids (including ear molds), then wipe them down with a soft, dry cloth. You can also use hearing aid cleaning wipes, which are pre-moistened. In addition to products that you can use at home, you can also purchase travel-size (2 oz. or 4 oz) bottles of hearing aid spray cleaner or travel-size maintenance kits with battery testers.
2. Remove any ear wax in and around the plastic tubing with a hearing aid brush. Wax can block the receiver or microphone and reduce sound, cause feedback or create a whistling effect. Although many hearing aid kits come with a wire pick, be careful when using them as they can force the wax deeper into the channel.
3. Open the battery door when storing your hearing aid to let the air enter. This will reduce the effects of moisture and helps prolong battery life. Better yet, use a hearing aid dryer. Some hearing aid dryers use gentle heat to remove moisture and condensation. Some use UV light instead of chemicals, to inhibit bacteria growth. Others, like the Ever-Dry Hearing Aid Dryer, use highly absorbent silica gel beads to pull the moisture from the hearing aid and any wax. They’re simple to use and the compartment is easy to open (even for those with arthritis). Most, like the Serene Innovations Hearing Aid Dryer, will hold two pairs of hearing aids or cochlear implant processors. There’s even a built-in battery tester and an AC adapter so you can take the hearing aid dryer when you travel.
4. Keep your hearing aids in their dryer or case when not in use. Don’t store your hearing aid in direct heat or sunlight, which will damage them.
Maintaining your hearing aid can save you a lot of money in the long run. Hearing aid care is surely a “sound” investment in your future!
To learn more about hearing aids and Hearing Loops, visit https://assist2hear.com/treatments-and-devices/
