Do’s and Don’ts of Hearing Aid Maintenance

When you are wearing hearing aids, a routine is essential. There are things that you need to do to ensure that your hearing aids are well maintained, and there are some things that you need to avoid when it comes to using them correctly. Hearing aids are going to help you to improve your hearing, and these devices have to be looked after if you want them to continue to work well. There are plenty of rules out there for looking after your hearing aids, and we've put together some do's and don'ts of your hearing aid maintenance that your hearing health professional should go through with you, too.

Do:

• Wear your hearing aids throughout the waking hours of the day, every single day. If you are new to using hearing aids, you should start gradually with three-to-five hours per day and increasing the duration over a few weeks. Your hearing care specialist can provide you with a schedule of how frequently to wear your devices to properly adjust.
• Store your hearing aids effectively. Keep them in a case where humidity and condensation won't be a factor, and make sure that you keep them away from extreme temperatures.
• Spend time ensuring that there is no wax or debris in your hearing aid. It's easy for them to get a little grubby, so cleaning them down with a soft cloth every day is essential.
• Dry the batteries often with cotton swabs if they do become exposed to moisture.
• Check hearing aid function every day when you first insert them. This will ensure that your hearing aids are working correctly.
• Keep your hearing aids off your ears when you are applying hair spray and hair gel so that they do not get coated.
• Carry spare batteries at all times or have a backup charging station; you never know when you will need them.

Don't:

• Let the hearing aids get wet. This means avoiding storing them in the bathroom during a shower and do not wear them while you are swimming.
• Keep your hearing aids in when you are using a hairdryer or at the salon. The debris and exposure to heat will damage them.
• Spray perfume near your hearing aids; the microphone and case can become damaged and eroded over time.
• Sleep with the hearing aids in your ears. Always take them out and leave them in their case for storage in a dry, cool place.
• Put your batteries in the freezer or refrigerator.
• Leave your hearing aids in the path of children and pets, curious hands and paws can cause severe damage to your devices.
• Worry about contacting a hearing health professional if you have any concerns. They will be able to help and answer them for you so that your hearing aids are working correctly at all times.