Your hearing aids are an investment not only in your hearing ability, but an important tool in communication and in your relationships with friends and family.
It’s important to take care of them properly to ensure that they work to the best of their ability.
1. Batteries.
It’s a good idea to know approximately how long your batteries will last and plan ahead. Using a reminder feature on your phone or marking it on a wall calendar will help remind you to reorder batteries before they expire.
Battery life can be extended by ensuring you open the battery door fully at night. Also, be sure that they are not left within reach of a pet or children, as swallowed batteries can cause significant problems.
A great thing to consider is switching to rechargeable hearing devices. Then you don’t have to worry at all. Their convenient recharging stations only take 4 hours and hold a charge for 24 hours.
2. Wax.
Wax serves a purpose: to protect your ears from dirt, bugs and anything else that might enter your ear canal. Different people produce different kinds and amounts of wax. It is a natural part of the way your ears protect themselves. Doctors agree that it is not advisable to try and clean wax out of your ears with a cotton swab or other tool, as the potential for damage is great. There is a high probability that you could push the wax further into your ear canal making it even worse. See your doctor if you feel as if your wax build-up is excessive.
However, cleaning the wax build-up on your devices is highly recommended. If you didn’t receive a cleaning tool when you purchased your device, ask your doctor about ways to keep the wax from compromising your hearing. It is best to do a quick clean every night to make sure that the vents and sound ports are free from wax.
3. Moisture.
Along with wax, your ears can produce moisture which can get into your devices. The amount can depend on the time of year and your activity level.
Consider a dehumidifier and be sure to open your battery doors nightly. Use a soft, dry cloth to go over your devices to do a quick clean and attempt to remove any moisture on the surface.
4. Schedule an in-office cleaning regularly.
We recommend a professional cleaning once every three months with a more comprehensive maintenance session yearly. This will help your doctor make sure that everything is working properly.
