If you’ve just started to wear hearing aids, there’s a lot to learn. But one of the most important things to know about hearing aids is how to care for them. Here are some of the basics for keeping your hearing aids clean and problem-free:
- Keep you hearing aids away from extreme heat. They can become damaged if left in hot cars, exposed to a hairdryer, left on a sunny window ledge or worn in a sauna, for example.
- Even if they are water-resistant, no hearing aids on the market – yet – are meant to be worn for extended periods in the shower or the pool. You might find that you will become particularly conscious of the weather and always be prepared with an umbrella so as not to have your devices ruined by the rain.
- However, even if you take many precautions, it’s impossible to completely avoid moisture on your hearing aids. One way to solve this problem is to buy a hearing aid dehumidifier or dryer. There are several on the market, ranging from the simple to the complex. Usually, people store their hearing aids in a humidifier over night that pulls out moisture and, depending on the type you buy, sanitizes using UV light.
- Purchase neoprene Ear Gear hearing aid sleeves or another type of cover for exercise to avoid having sweat damage your hearing aids.
- Be careful with cosmetics and other products. Hairspray, lotion, cologne, bath powder, shaving cream and similar products can clog your microphone and create residue on your hearing aids over time.
- Hearing aids can be damaged from being dropped on a hard surface, which can happen fairly easily. Change your hearing aid batteries over a soft surface like a bed to avoid dropping them on the floor. When you’re not wearing your hearing aids, keep them in a cushioned case. It’s not a good idea to keep them in a loose pocket.
- When you aren’t wearing your hearing aids, keep them out of the reach of small children or pets. Hearing aid batteries are toxic if swallowed, and cats or dogs could damage your hearing aids.
Wax and debris can build up on hearing aids over time, preventing them from functioning properly. Check your hearing aids after you take them out at night to help you determine how often to clean them. Here are some tips for cleaning your hearing aids depending on what type you use:
- In the ear canal hearing aids usually come with a wax brush to clean the receiver tubing. You should also clean around the microphone and learn how to change the wax guard if your device comes with one. Wipe the body of the hearing aid with a soft cloth.
- Clean the hearing aid with a soft cloth. Then, remove the ear mold from the earhook, wash it in soapy water and rinse it. Make sure the ear mold and tubing are dry before attaching them – let them dry overnight or use a tubing air blower.
It might seem complex, but these basics will get easier with time and are the key to keeping your hearing aids functioning properly.
