A Comprehensive Care Guide to Hearing Aids

a hearing specialist repairing a broken hearing aid

Almost every hearing aid wearer knows just how important these tiny computers are to their everyday activities and life. Hearing aids don’t cure your hearing, but they do enhance your hearing to ensure that you are able to hear the world around you a little better. Caring for these hearing aids is as important as caring for every other piece of technology in your daily life: you need to do it carefully so that it doesn’t break!

The right care for your hearing aids is going to be shown to you by your hearing health professional. When you are caring for your hearing aids, you need to be as careful as possible so that you don’t break them and end up with further issues. It can help to have some guidance as to how to care for your hearing aids as best you can.

General tips

  • It’s important that you avoid getting your hearing aids wet in any way. This isn’t just from being in the bath or shower and forgetting to put your hearing aids away, but from moisture and condensation build-up that you forget about. If your hearing aids get wet, you should work to remove the battery, open the door and then schedule an appointment with your hearing health professional to have them checked for damage.
  • When you apply any lotions or hair care products, make sure that you’re not wearing your hearing aids at the same time. This goes for makeup, too, as these products can all damage the little pieces of the hearing aids in your ears.
  • Always bring your hearing aids to your hearing health professional to check that they are working to their very best ability. You need to know that they are performing well, and the only person that will be able to help you here is your hearing health professional.

Cleaning and care tips

  • Your hearing aids should be cleaned every day – but never with water. A soft, dry cloth will do the job and allow you to wipe out any debris.
  • Keep the hearing aids dry and free of all alcohol and cleansers.
  • You can use dehumidifiers to combat moisture and ensure that you don’t have any built-up condensation on the inside of the hearing aid.
  • Use a small, soft brush to remove any dried earwax from the earmold and hearing aid itself.
  • Change the filters for wax every couple of months, but throw in an extra change if the hearing aids sound weak.
  • When the hearing aid tubing becomes dry or discolored, you should schedule an appointment for changing your hearing aids.

Storage tips

  • When you are storing your hearing aids, you should ensure that the battery door stays open when the hearing aid is not in use.
  • Keep your hearing aids away from pets and children.
  • Keep your hearing aids away from extreme heat
  • Don’t leave your hearing aids in your pocket without protection.

Your hearing aids need your careful attention if you want them to remain clean, dry and working properly. Don’t be afraid to ask your hearing health professional for help.