Hearing aids have become a mainstay for people with hearing loss. They facilitate easier communication and allow those with hearing loss to maintain an active and engaging life. While they are resilient devices, they still require maintenance to perform at their best. This will ensure the best possible sound quality and extend the life of your device.
Read on to explore several do-it-yourself (DIY) practices you can employ to help your hearing aids be at their best.
Maintenance Matters
Many fail to realize that hearing aids operate on a continual basis in a warm and moist environment inside your ears. This exposes them to earwax, oils, and sweat, as well as potential environmental debris such as dust and dirt. All of these things can impact your hearing aid’s ability to function properly.
Daily Cleaning Routine
One of the most important maintenance procedures is to clean your hearing aid daily. It only takes a few minutes and can ensure your hearing aids operate at optimal levels.
Wipe Them Down
Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe your hearing aid off. This helps to remove potential earwax, oils, and even moisture, which might clog microphones or receivers. It is important not to use water or cleaning chemicals because they can damage the hearing aid.
Check for Earwax Buildup
Our ears naturally create earwax to help keep our ear canals clean, but it can cause problems for those wearing hearing aids. Earwax can block sound output through your hearing aid’s speaker. Use a cleaning brush or an earwax pick to remove it.
Weekly and Monthly Maintenance
Aside from daily cleanings, you should also perform weekly and monthly maintenance.
Clean Microphone Ports and Tubing
Just like it’s important to clean the speaker grill daily, it’s also important to clean the microphone on a weekly basis. For those hearing aids that are behind-the-ear (BTE), remove the earmold tubing and use the special cleaning tool or air blower provided by a hearing health professional.
Replace Wax Guards and Domes
Many modern hearing aids come with wax guards or domes that prevent earwax from entering the receiver. These should be replaced every few weeks or whenever sound becomes weak or muffled. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions or ask your hearing health professional for guidance on replacement frequency.
Hearing Aid Care Tips
Proper handling and storage habits are essential for keeping your hearing aids in top condition.
- Before handling your hearing aid, make sure your hands are clean and dry.
- When you’re not wearing your hearing aid, keep it in a safe, dry place.
- Avoid storing them in heat or direct sunlight.
- If you use hair products, be sure to remove your hearing aid when applying them.
Battery Care
It’s also important to care for the batteries that power your hearing aid.
- Keep spare batteries in a cool, dry place.
- Do not store batteries in the refrigerator.
- Remove old batteries promptly.
- If you notice corrosion or leakage, clean the battery contacts before inserting a new battery.
For rechargeable hearing aids, use only the manufacturer’s charger and avoid overcharging or exposing the charger to moisture.
Hearing Aid Professionals
Even with the best maintenance plan, hearing aids need professional help from time to time. Having regular appointments with your hearing health professional allows your hearing aid to be cleaned thoroughly, have the software updated, and have the device properly tested.
If you have experienced any of the following, it might be time to have your hearing aid checked by a professional.
- Persistent whistling or feedback
- Sudden loss of sound or volume
- Visible cracks or damage
- Difficulty charging or short battery life
Early attention can prevent small issues from turning into costly repairs.
Conclusion
Consistent maintenance is the key to keeping your hearing aids performing like new. With daily cleaning, proper storage, and careful handling, you can protect your investment and enjoy crystal-clear hearing every day. Combine these DIY tips with regular professional care, and your hearing aids will continue to support your hearing health for years to come.