Tips for Hearing Aid Care and Maintenance
You likely rely on your hearing aid device for assistance with a wide variety of daily tasks and activities. Just like any instrument or apparatus that is used on a consistent basis, it takes routine care and maintenance to keep it working in optimal order. A buildup of moisture or debris may cause damage to the device and cause it to malfunction. There are several recommended practices to adhere to that can help prevent complications with your hearing aid.
How to Maintain Your Hearing Aid
They may be small, but hearing aids are incredibly intricate devices with several integral parts that perform sophisticated functions. Keeping them clean and well serviced helps preserve the quality, performance, and longevity of the device.
Two simple tips provide the fundamental base for good hearing aid care:
- Maintain good ear hygiene
- Routinely clean your hearing aid device
Maintain Good Ear Hygiene
When it comes to hearing aid care it is just as important to keep your ears clean as it is to keep the device clean. Ear wax is a natural substance that is produced by the ear for lubrication and protection. However, excess accumulation can affect the ability to hear properly and can also cause damage to your hearing aid. Ear wax can cause blockages in the mic and sound ports of your device.
It is recommended to use a cloth to clean inside and around your ears instead of using Q-tips, as Q-tips often result in pushing the wax further into the ear making the problem even worse. If you feel an ear wax buildup is the problem, contact a professional for assessment rather than trying to solve the issue on your own. Mobile hearing services are available in the Greater Vancouver Area which can be provided in the comfort of your own home.
Cleaning Hearing Aids
Keeping your hearing aids clean not only helps ensure they work better on a daily basis, but also that they deliver long-lasting performance. A good strategy is to clean your hearing aids everyday before going to bed.
It is important not to introduce any moisture to the device, so the most effective tool you can use is a dry, microfiber cloth. Microfiber contains millions of tiny fibres that effectively remove dirt, dust, and even bacteria. Opening the battery compartment to let it air out can also be helpful.
Other tools that may be helpful for maintaining your hearing aid device are:
- Cleaning Brush – there are small, soft bristle brushes available designed specifically for hearing aid maintenance
- Wax guards – can be used to block ear wax from entering the device
- Wax pick with wire loop – double-sided tool for picking and pulling wax out of the device
General Tips for Hearing Care and Maintenance
Aside from keeping your ears and hearing aids clean, there are some other suggestions that can help maintain your device.
- ·Always handle hearing aids with gentle care
- ·Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly before handling the device
- ·Keep hearing aids away from heat and moisture
- ·Only use a dry cloth to clean the device
- ·Hearing aids can be kept in a dehumidifying container when not being used
- ·Turn off hearing aids when not in use
- ·Don’t wear hearing aids in the shower, or while using a hair dryer or hairspray
- ·Clean devices over a soft surface to avoid damage if dropped
- ·Replace dead batteries immediately
- ·Establish an effective maintenance routine
- ·Schedule regular checkups with a hearing professional
