How Do You Care for Hearing Aids?

To get the most out of your hearing aid, you will understand the importance of cleaning it. You will extend the lifespan of your hearing device if you do and it will be less likely to malfunction. 

We have some helpful tips for you below, but for more detailed advice, speak to your audiologist. They will tell you how to clean your hearing aids at your scheduled appointments, so listen to the advice they give you and follow their guidelines.

Regularly remove your hearing aid batteries

Hearing aid batteries can damage your device if they aren't removed regularly. This is because trapped moisture can corrode your batteries, which in turn will cause damage to the internal workings of your device. So, open the battery door when you aren't using your hearing aid to reduce the problem of moisture. And remove the batteries temporarily if you're not using your hearing aid for a number of hours or days. 

When removing your batteries, clean the battery contacts in your hearing aid. You should do this regularly, not only to remove any moisture but to remove the buildup of dirt that can also affect your hearing aid's performance. Simply wipe the battery contacts down with a dry cotton swab to remove the moisture and dirt that has accumulated. You should do this every time you change your batteries too. 

Remove the earwax from your hearing aid

It's impossible to avoid contact with earwax when using your hearing aid, so you will need to clean it frequently. This is important as a buildup of earwax can decrease the performance of your hearing aid. 

You can use a dry cotton swab or a soft toothbrush to remove the earwax, although your audiologist might also advise the tools that can be found in a hearing aid cleaning kit. Gently remove the wax that is on your device and remember to clean both the microphone and the receiver too. If you are wearing a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid, you will also need to clean the tubing. You can do this with an air blower and a small bendable wire, although for severe blockages, you should rely on the services of your audiologist. 

Store your hearing aids in a dry place

As mentioned earlier, moisture can cause damage to your hearing aid, so it's always advisable to store your device in a dry place when it's not in use. If you live in a particularly humid area, purchase a hearing aid dehumidifier, as this is a device that has been designed for the safe storage of your hearing aid. 

Take further steps to avoid moisture, such as removing your hearing aids when swimming and taking a shower. If your hearing aid ever does come into contact with water, immediately dry it down with a towel to avoid a buildup of moisture. 

When you care for your hearing aids, your hearing aids will care for you! So, follow the tips given and schedule routine cleanings with your audiologist to improve the lifespan of your hearing device.