In our last post, we discussed common reasons why you might need a hearing aid upgrade in a few years, such as natural wear and tear, changes to your ears or hearing and damage or loss. This week, let’s talk about ways you can extend the lifespan of your hearing aids so you can get the most out of your current set before needing an upgrade.
Safe Storage
You can significantly reduce natural wear and tear and prevent some damage entirely by storing your hearing aids safely when you’re not wearing them.
Stow them safely in a durable, hard-shell case, where they’re much less likely to sustain damage if knocked off a table or stepped on (which happens!). Keep an extra case in your car, your purse or any other nearby place in case you need to quickly remove your hearing aids.
Additionally, put your hearing aids (in their case) somewhere safe. A drawer or cabinet works well, so they’re out of reach of pets and children. Don’t store them in a humid place, such as the bathroom. Get in the habit of putting your hearing aids in the same place every time so they don’t get lost.
Proper Hygiene
Daily cleaning will work wonders for the lifespan of your hearing aids. Earwax and dirt are two prominent culprits of hearing aid malfunctions and damage, so removing them before they have a chance to build up will preempt many issues.
Make sure you aren’t cleaning them improperly; use a soft cloth to remove earwax and dust, and avoid using water. Never dunk your hearing aids in water while cleaning them. Be gentle and don’t handle them roughly while cleaning. Wash your hands before cleaning your hearing aids.
Battery Maintenance
If you have rechargeable hearing aids, follow the instructions in your hearing aid manual for proper battery maintenance. Generally, make sure you charge them frequently and keep an eye on the battery port for any signs of damage or corrosion.
If your hearing aids use replaceable batteries, remove them regularly and open the battery compartment door to air out the compartment. This will prevent moisture damage from the condensation that accumulates throughout the day.
Continue to See Your Audiologist
Just like you take your car in for a tune-up, your hearing aids benefit from regular maintenance checks. Your audiologist can perform a professional cleaning, inspect your hearing aids for damage—and sometimes repair damage in-house—and update your audiogram, which can prompt adjustments to your hearing aid settings to keep pace with your hearing loss.
Contact Aaron's Hearing Aid & Audiology Center today to schedule a heating aid maintenance appointment. We’ll help you maximize your hearing aid lifespan.