Hearing Aid Maintenance Tips From Our Experts

Hearing Aid Maintenance Tips From Our Experts

It is vital that you are consistent with your hearing aid maintenance throughout the life of the device(s). This will help them to stay in good working order and deliver the best hearing experience possible. It also reduces problematic everyday hiccups. Although they are made of sturdy stuff, hearing aids are still unable to withstand improper use.

One of our favourite manufacturer's updates last year, was when Unitron announced their new 'Coach' App, which was designed to help new users with their hearing aid management.  A virtual PA system that will send you notifications on when to clean your devices and when to charge your batteries.  A simple concept, but a massive step in increasing confidence in hearing aid users and also promoting essential maintenance to prolong the life of the devices.

Here our experts offer some basic - but important - advice on hearing aid care.

Hearing Aid Cleaning and Maintenance Guide

Moisture

Hearing aids don’t like moisture.  Always take off your hearing aids before bathing or swimming and store them in a safe place.  Because of the high ambient humidity of a bathroom, make sure that the safe place is away from such an environment.

Get into the routine of cleaning your ears regularly before putting in your hearing aids, as to avoid any sweat or other types of moisture getting into the devices.  Moisture and condensation can damage the technology within the aids, so we advise that you leave the battery compartment open each night to let the area naturally air out or, alternatively, use a digital hearing aid dehumidifier.

Dirt

Ensure that you clean your hands of any grease and dirt before you touch your hearing aids.  Hearing aid microphones are so small that they can easily become blocked and, therefore, reduce the quality and clarity of the sound you hear.

Makeup and toiletries

The small particles that are in makeup and hairspray can block hearing aid microphones input and volume control access.  With this in mind, remove your hearing aids before you use any of these products.

Children and pets

When you are not wearing your hearing aids store them safely out of reach from children and pets.  If you don’t deactivate your hearing aids when you are not using them the high sounds might irritate and upset some dogs.

Find a safe place

When you are not wearing your hearing aids ensure that they are stored within your case or drying set.  This will protect them from damage, dust and dirt.  If you are planning on not using them for a longer period of time – remove your batteries.

If you think your hearing aids have moisture inside, and you’re unable to solve the issue by wiping them dry, try using a dehumidifier overnight. A dehumidifier can be hugely beneficial to the life of your hearing aids - they are a great investment! Remember to pack your case and dehumidifier when travelling, so you can maintain great hearing aid management wherever you are.

Cleaning agents

For your hearing aids to continue to work to their full potential they need to be regularly cleaned.  Use a soft, dry cloth and refrain from using alcohol, solvents or any other cleaning products.  You can purchase or be advised on special cleaning products from your audiologist that is safe to use.  Your audiologist is there to manage your hearing, but also there to help you take care of your devices and check them for ear wax, moisture and clean accordingly.

Expert help

If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, always go back to your audiologist and they will organise an assessment of the devices and repair if needed.  Screwdrivers and various types of oil can be detrimental to hearing aids and cause all sorts of damage.  The fragile nature of the technology within them can be destroyed when handled incorrectly and be, in some cases, irreparable. 

Recap - Tips at a glance

• Handle your hearing aids with clean, dry fingers.
• Ensure that your microphones are always free of dirt and dust.
• Remove before showering and store them away from the bathroom.
• Clean your ears regularly to avoid excess ear wax.
• Remove the batteries every night.
• Use a dehumidifier if they have been in contact with moisture.
• Store them safely and keep them away from children and pets when you are not using them.
• Remove your hearing aids before you put on makeup or any other types of toiletries.
• Clean with a soft, dry cloth.
• Don’t use cleaning products on your devices that are not recommended by your audiologist.
• Get your hearing aids regularly checked by your audiologist.
• Only repair your devices using your audiologist.
• Always remember to take your hearing aid case and dehumidifier with you when you are travelling.

If you would like any type of hearing or hearing aid advice or have been thinking about updating your hearing aids - then call us free on 0800 567 7621 today to speak to one of our audiologists.

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