The “Do’s” and “Don’ts” of Hearing Aid Care

The “Do’s” and “Don’ts” of Hearing Aid Care

Imagine that you’ve just bought a brand new laptop computer. Consider what your next purchases might be – maybe a case to keep it safe, or perhaps a bag to carry it to and from work without getting damaged. You’d probably leave it in the same safe spot on your desk when you were at home, and you’d probably keep your warranty information on hand for repairs and maintenance.

When it comes to high-end technology like computers and cell phones, we go to considerable lengths to protect these kinds of devices from damage. After all, they’re as valuable as they are fragile, and keeping them in good working order requires plenty of attention to care and maintenance.

Just like computers and cell phones, hearing aids are devices that require a certain level of care to continue operating at their best. Hearing aids are not so different from expensive cell phones and laptop computers – keeping them in top working order means knowing what the “do’s” and “don’ts” are in hearing aid care.


Hearing Aid DO’S

DO find a dry spot to place your hearing aids overnight.

And choose that spot carefully. Choose a place that’s guaranteed to stay cool and dry. Avoid places like the bathroom, where humidity can cause damage.

DO leave the hearing aid battery doors open at night.

 Allowing more air-flow through the aids will help preserve battery life.

DO make a habit of wiping off your hearing aids every morning.

Although you might not see it, your hearing aids are building up residue from earwax, oils and debris every day, and that residue dries overnight. Just like your eyeglasses, you’ll need to wipe them off daily with clean tissues without aloe and lotion, being careful of wiping debris onto the microphone port.

DO use a de-humidifier.

Unless they are waterproof, hearing aids’ arch enemy is humidity. Using a de-humidifier in areas that are more prone to high moisture will help preserve hearing aids regardless of the weather outside.

DO have the right cleaning tools on hand for your hearing aid.

For ITE (in the ear) aids – use a wax pick to remove any wax from the receiver tube. Use a soft bristle toothbrush to clean the microphone cover.

For BTE (behind the ear) aids – use a soft bristle toothbrush to clean the microphone cover. Use a wax pick and/or a cleaning pipe to clean wax and debris from the tube. Remember to clean the tube from the end that connects to the hearing aid outwards. To clean ear molds,  first remove the tube and mold from the hearing aid and place your hearing aid in a safe dry spot. Clean the tube and earmold with soapy water while making sure to get them completely dry afterwards, using a tube blower to force out any extra moisture.


Hearing Aid DON’TS

DON’T leave hearing aids in a spot that pets can reach.

Just like shoes, socks and nearly everything else chewable, pets love hearing aids. Few hearing aids will fare well in a battle against an animal no matter how cuddly, so keep them well out of reach of your feline and canine companions. Also keep in mind that if ingested, hearing aid batteries are toxic to your furry friends.

DON’T wear your hearing aids when exercising or during strenuous activities.

It’s easy to forget that strenuous activities cause perspiration, and that perspiration can cause irreparable damage to certain kinds of hearing aids. Unless your aids are water resistant or waterproof, remove them before you break a sweat.

DON’T apply hairspray, perfume and makeup while wearing your hearing aids.

The substances that most cosmetics and hair products are made out of are likely to clog up your hearing aids. Leave your hearing aids until the last step of your morning routine to avoid some sticky situations.

DON’T store hearing aid batteries in the refrigerator.

Storing in the refrigerator can reduce the longevity of zinc-air batteries used in hearing aids. Best to keep your aid batteries somewhere warmer, and reserving the refrigerator for your greens and leftovers.

DON’T remove the sticker on batteries before use.

Regardless of whether or not you are using them, once the sticker is removed from zinc batteries for hearing aids, they are draining and will be dead within 10-20 days. Keep the sticker on until you are ready to use them.

DON’T let your batteries touch each other or any other metals.

A few batteries in your pocket with loose change? Even if you leave the stickers on, your hearing aid batteries may short out, or have a decreased life span if they come into direct contact with metal – including another battery. It is recommended that you keep your hearing aid batteries in the original packaging until you are ready to use them.

DON’T forget to visit your hearing specialist for regular hearing aid “clean and check”.

Although careful attention to hearing aid maintenance and care will go a long way, there’s nothing that can replace the expertise of a hearing specialist. They have the specialized tools and knowledge to check that your hearing aids are in top working order, and are getting the regular deep cleaning they need.


Contact us to schedule an appointment for a hearing aid “clean & check” with one of our Arizona licensed hearing instrument specialists.

 

Lifestyle Hearing Solutions

6425 E. Broadway
Tucson, AZ 85710

(520) 323-0099