3 Ways To Help Your Hearing Aid Last Longer
While modern hearing aids are much sturdier than models from 10 years ago, they are still electronic devices and should be treated with care similar to a smartphone.
Here are some audiologist recommended tips to increase your hearing aid’s lifespan and keep them functioning in top condition.
Handle Them Appropriately
Dropping hearing aids from an elevated surface is one of the most common causes of damage. Unfortunately, this usually happens when the user is trying to insert them, so be sure to either sit down while inserting them and only do so over a soft surface, such as a rug.
Additionally, avoid inserting your hearing aids over a sink. Not only is a sink’s surface hard, but it also exposes your hearing aids to potential water damage.If you plan to exercise heavily or engage in any other activity that could cause you to sweat, consider wearing a sweatband, or avoid using them for the session.
Perform Regular Maintenance
The first rule of maintenance is to service your hearing aids roughly every six months. A hearing aid professional will be able to identify any potential problems and reduce future repairs. They can also check that your current care routine is effective.
In addition to regular servicing, you should also be changing your wax filters regularly. How often you must change your wax filters depends mainly on how often you use your hearing aids and how much wax your ears produce. Therefore, check your wax guards regularly and replace them when you see that they are full or if your hearing becomes too soft or muffled.
Another essential aspect of hearing aid maintenance is battery care. If you leave dead batteries in your hearing aid for too long, it can cause corrosion and other damage. Carry spare batteries with you while traveling and change them as necessary.
Improve Your Storage Routine
Similar to your own daily hygiene routine, your hearing aids also require a daily hygiene routine.
While you can clean the earwax and other debris from your hearing aid with a cloth, a quality storage box is often more efficient and safer.
Many of these storage boxes have a dehumidifier to ensure the hearing aid is dry and UV lighting to disinfect. In the morning, dust off any flaking ear wax from the day before and start fresh with a clean hearing aid.
Conclusion
Hearing aids are substantially more durable than they were a few years ago, though it’s still imperative to practice appropriate maintenance routines.
If you notice that you are experiencing problems with your hearing aids regularly, revisit your maintenance routine, and talk to your hearing aid specialist. By following this maintenance routine, your hearing aids should last for years to come.
About the Author:
Pauline Dinnauer is the VP of Audiological Care at Connect Hearing, which provides industry-leading hearing loss, hearing testing, and hearing aid consultation across the US.
