Hearing Aid Maintenance - Tips for Keeping Your Device in Top Shape

Hearing aids are a significant investment and are meant to last a lifetime. Following a routine maintenance schedule is essential to avoid expensive repairs. Your audiologist may provide you with exceptional care products and recommend regular cleanings. But you can do your part as well.

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Keep It Clean

When you clean your Phonak hearing aids regularly, please keep them in top shape for as long as possible. This prevents the buildup of wax that may impede sound transmission and other debris and film that could cause malfunction. Ideally, it would be best if you cleaned your hearing aids once a day. You can do this with a soft, dry cloth or a unique tool. Use a brush or a wax pick to remove any earwax or other debris preventing your hearing aids from functioning correctly.

You can also wipe down the microphone port and tubing. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association notes that earwax can build up in the microphone and tubing of hearing aids if it is left for too long. It can also damage the receiver. If you have hearing loss and wear hearing aids, consider regularly contacting a professional for cleanings. These specialists use specialized tools to remove any trapped moisture or earwax from deep within your hearing aids and help them function at their best. They can also replace parts if needed.

Store It Properly

Your hearing aids are a significant investment in your hearing health, and keeping them working for as long as possible is essential. That means taking good care of them, including storing them properly. Hearing aids are small, and if not stored properly, they can quickly become damaged. Keeping your hearing aid in a safe, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat, is essential. An excellent, dark location, such as a nightstand or dresser, is ideal for storing your hearing aids when not in use.

Ask your audiologist about a dehumidifying box for storage, especially if you have rechargeable aids. When not in use, be sure to remove your batteries and open the battery door. This helps to preserve the battery and reduce moisture buildup. Earwax can also impede your hearing aids’ functionality, so clean them regularly. Using a soft brush and cleaning solution made specifically for hearing aids, you can remove dirt and dust. You can also put a wax guard on your device to help prevent earwax from entering it.

Keep It Dry

Your hearing aids are high-tech electronic devices that pick up sound and amplify it. They consist of a microphone, an amplifier circuit, and a miniature loudspeaker, all powered by a battery. But your hearing aids are also prone to moisture exposure, especially if you sweat or use them for a prolonged period in rainy or humid environments. This can lead to a buildup of dirt and earwax and damage to the electrical parts. If your hearing aids get wet, dry them as quickly as possible to keep them working correctly.

To make this process easier, store your hearing aids in a drying box or similar device. Moisture can also cause corrosion on delicate metal components inside a hearing aid, which could prevent it from functioning effectively or even stop it from working at all. So, if you want your hearing aids to last for years, following the proper care practices is essential to ensure they stay in top shape.

Avoid Exposure to Moisture

Your hearing aids are electronic devices; like most electronics, they can be damaged by exposure to water or moisture. Exposure to smoke can cause various problems, including reduced performance and decreased battery life. Keeping your device away from water is essential to preventing moisture damage. This includes keeping it out of the shower, swimming, or any other activity where you might accidentally drop it into the water. It is also essential to remove your hearing aids when working out, as sweat can wreak havoc.

Alternatively, consider using a sweatband shaped like a sock to help protect your device from excess moisture. Drying crystals are often included with your hearing aids, and these can be placed in an airtight container to absorb any excess water that might seep into the hearing aid. A dehumidifier is another valuable item that can be used daily to keep your hearing aids dry.

Replace Parts as Needed

Even the best hearing aids can break down or need repairs occasionally. While some repairs can be handled quickly at your audiologist’s office, others must be sent to the hearing aid manufacturer for repair. Over time, hearing aids can become clogged with wax or dirt. These deposits can cause several issues, including feedback, high-pitched whining, or muffled sounds.

When this occurs, you may need to replace the wax guard or the wax filter on your device. Also, your audiologist can change the tubing on your hearing aids. If your hearing aids are older and are starting to need repair, it may make sense to upgrade to newer models. Alternatively, you can purchase spare parts and replace them as needed.