In our previous blog post, we discussed signs that you’re ready for a hearing aid upgrade. While there are some reasons that would necessitate an upgrade—such as damage to your hearing aids or needing a stronger prescription—there are some measures you can take that may stave off wear and tear and keep your hearing aids working for longer.
Clean Them Daily
First and foremost, you can prevent a lot of damage by practicing good hygiene with your hearing aids. Earwax buildup can cause significant damage to the speaker, and dirt can clog seams and ports, leading to malfunctions. By staying on top of this buildup, you prevent the damage they can cause.
Wash your hands before cleaning, and never dunk your hearing aids in water or use a dripping wet cloth to clean them. Handle them gently; don’t use force to brush off debris. Your hearing aids are tough, but they still contain delicate components.
Additionally, bring your hearing aids in for professional cleanings every six months. We have professional tools designed to remove debris from those hard-to-reach places. Remember: having a professional cleaning now can save you an expensive repair visit or upgrade later.
Store Them Properly
When you’re not wearing your hearing aids, be mindful of where you store them to avoid losing them, dropping them or damaging them. Use a durable hard-shell case and keep it in a safe place. Don’t store them anywhere with humidity, such as the bathroom, and keep them out of reach of children and pets.
It’s also a good idea to keep an extra hearing aid case anywhere you might remove your hearing aids. Consider keeping one in your purse or car in case you need to take your hearing aids out while running errands.
Dry Them Regularly
As we move into the colder months, Medford will see significantly more rain, so keep that in mind. Even when it’s not rainy, use a hearing aid dry box often; hearing aids can be exposed to moisture from sweat, humidity or rain easily.
Battery Maintenance
If your hearing aids use replaceable batteries, remove the batteries and leave the battery compartment door open whenever you’re not wearing your hearing aids. This allows any moisture that gets trapped in the compartment to evaporate, which will prevent moisture damage to the battery.
If your hearing aids are rechargeable, refer to your hearing aid manual for proper battery maintenance instructions. Check the battery port often for signs of rust or corrosion.
Your hearing aids are a significant investment, and you want to get the most out of them. We at Oregon Ear, Nose & Throat Center are here to help. As mentioned above, you can come in for cleaning appointments, as well as maintenance and fitting appointments, to check in on your hearing loss and hearing aid functionality. By staying on top of any potential issues, we can extend the lifespan of your precious hearing aids.