The right hearing aids allow you to maintain your connections with others, participate in all the activities you enjoy and improve the quality of your life. When you find the right pair, making sure they are properly cared for is essential to ensure they last longer and provide you with quality hearing treatment for years to come.
Thankfully there are many things you can do (and a few things not to do) that make it easy to best care for your hearing aids. Below are a few tips and best practices, but it’s always important to talk with your hearing professional and work with them to create a routine and follow whatever instructions they give you.
Regular Cleaning
When earwax and other debris build up in your hearing aids it can block microphone and speaker openings which negatively affect performance and sound quality. Remember to wipe off your hearing aids at the end of each day to avoid any buildup and maintain the performance of the device. If your hearing aids come with a brush, using it on the speaker and microphone covers can also prevent buildup.
Schedule Checkups
Just like you make sure to take your car into Kelly’s Automotive Service for regular maintenance, it’s equally important to have your hearing professional check and clean your hearing aids to maintain optimal performance. They can give your hearing aids a more thorough cleaning than you can at home and can also use this time to perform any updates or replace any parts as needed.
A Few Other Good Habits
Some other tips to keep in mind when caring for your hearing aid include:
- Turn off hearing aids when they are not in use.
- Replace dead batteries right away.
- If your hearing aids come with a “self-check” feature perform one monthly (or as recommended by your hearing professional).
- Change your wax guards as needed if you use one.
A Few Things to Avoid
- Keep your hearing aid away from heat and moisture as this can cause damage to the device.
- Avoid using hairspray and other hair care products while using hearing aids.
Final Thoughts
Your hearing aids are an investment in your health and in your quality of life. If you have any questions or concerns about how to care for your hearing aids or to schedule an appointment with a hearing professional, contact Oregon Ear, Nose & Throat Center today.