You’ve just got new hearing aids and they’re great. They’ve quickly become an essential everyday tool. Chances are, you’d feel lost without them. In fact, you rely on them so much that having to go a few days without them would be really difficult. So, how can you prevent them from failing and ending up in the repair lab? The simple task of cleaning your hearing aids regularly and storing them properly can help to prevent unnecessary damage from cropping up.
Here are 4 useful tips for keeping your hearing aids in good condition and sounding great:
Keep them dry
Your tiny hearing aids are full of delicate circuitry. They don’t like getting wet or damp. Some hearing aids are water resistant, but that doesn’t make them waterproof. Remember to take them out for showers and swims. If they accidentally get wet, gently use a towel to dry them. Don’t use a heater, hair dryer or hand dryer as heat can damage them. A great little tool to keep your hearing aids dry is a hearing aid dehumidifier; simply pop your hearing aids in there when you’re not wearing them.
Keep them clean
Leaving wax lurking around in your hearing aids will decrease their performance so it’s important to clean them each day. Use a dry cotton swab or soft toothbrush to gently remove wax and dirt from the receiver, microphone and battery contacts. Dirty battery contacts will reduce the performance of your hearing aids.
Change the filters
Replace your hearing aid wax filters or wax guards regularly. This is what stops wax from getting into the circuitry of your hearing aid and damaging it. Do this anytime you start to see wax building up.
Get a professional clean
Even if you are really diligent with your home cleaning routine, take your hearing aids for a regular professional clean. In the same way that your car needs a regular trip to the garage, your hearing aids need a regular trip to your hearing healthcare professional. Every 4-6 months is good. They can check parts of your hearing aid that you can’t. They can also make any adjustments you might need at the same time.
Our team at South Louisiana ENT can help you keep your hearing aids in tip-top condition. Schedule an appointment with us for your regular hearing aid clean to make sure you’re hearing the best sound possible day in, day out.
