Knowing how to properly take care of your hearing aids is an essential part of getting the most out of them.
Although they don’t require a lot of upkeep, the right kind of TLC can improve their performance and increase their longevity.
Proper hearing aid maintenance will ensure that you get all of the great benefits your hearing aids provide while extending their service life, preventing breakdowns, and limiting repairs.
The Magnolia Hearing team knows how to help you get the most out of your hearing aids and keep them working as designed, so we’ve put together six hearing aid cleaning and maintenance tips to help you make sure they deliver the best possible outcomes for years to come.
#1 – Be Careful When Handling Them
Most modern hearing aids are pretty durable, but it is still important to handle them with care.
Whether you are cleaning, inspecting, removing, or inserting your hearing aids, make sure you have a secure grip on the device so you don’t drop it.
You are usually more apt to drop them when cleaning your hearing aids or changing the batteries, so make sure you work over a clean, soft surface, like your bed or a fresh towel.
#2 – Keep Them Away from Water
While we’re on the subject of towels, let’s discuss how you handle your devices around water.
Some hearing aids are water-resistant, which means if you happen to have them on while in or near water, they can resist getting wet. However, water-resistant is not the same as waterproof, so submerging them in water or exposing them to water for an extended period is something to be avoided.
Avoid wearing them when you shower, swim, take a bath, or use a sauna, and never use water to clean your hearing aids.
If your hearing aids get wet, gently dry them with a towel, open the battery compartment, and remove the batteries so they can dry, or put them in your hearing aid dryer, which is an excellent investment for anyone who wears hearing aids in our humid climate.
#3 – Store Them in a Safe and Dry Place
Whenever you take your hearing aids out, whether at night or during the day, store them in a clean, dry place. Many hearing aids come in a hard case that you can use to store them in your purse or pocket. If they don’t, store your hearing aids in your hearing aid dryer or charger unit to ensure they stay safe and dry.
Choose a secure location to store your hearing aids so they won’t be overlooked and thus accidentally pushed, smashed, or dropped, especially around pets and small children. Also keep them out of the sun, like on the windowsill or dashboard of your car. UV rays and excessive heat can damage them as well.
#4 – Get Rid of Earwax Daily and Replace Wax Filters Frequently
Earwax plays an important role in keeping your ears healthy, but it is not a friend of delicate electronic devices like hearing aids. Earwax buildup can severely decrease the performance of your hearing aids.
The best way to clean hearing aids involves wiping away the earwax, built-up dirt, and other debris daily by using a soft cloth, cotton swab, or soft brush. Pay special attention to the receiver and microphone to make sure they don’t become plugged up with wax. The wax pick from your hearing aid cleaning kit is the best tool for this job.
If your hearing aids come with wax filters or wax guards, make sure that you change them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, using the proper earwax filter designed to fit your hearing aid model.
If you need help with hearing aid cleaning or replacing the wax filters on your hearing aids, just ask one of our hearing care professionals to walk you through the process.
#5 – Frequent Changing and Care of Hearing Aid Batteries
The batteries in your hearing aids provide the power to make the digital electronics function. When they aren’t replaced or properly maintained, they will cause device malfunctions, or your hearing aid will simply shut off.
Be sure to keep your batteries and the battery compartment of your hearing aids dry to prevent corrosion. Store extra batteries in a safe place and don’t remove them from their package until you are ready to insert them in your hearing aids.
Most hearing aid users develop a battery replacement cycle after learning how long their batteries last during typical use and can anticipate the correct time to replace them. However, it’s best to have an extra pair on hand all the time, just in case.
#6 – Don’t Miss Scheduled Maintenance Appointments
Hearing aid maintenance begins with daily cleaning and care. However, scheduling professional cleanings and maintenance for your hearing aids every four to six months will greatly improve both the performance and service life of your hearing aids.
While doing a deep cleaning, hearing aid technicians also inspect them for damage and repair them as needed. A professional technician can adjust the settings on your hearing aids to ensure they are performing in a way that is tailored to your unique needs.
Is there a location that does hearing aid maintenance near me?
If you live or work in the communities we serve, then Magnolia Hearing has got you covered with hearing aid troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair.
Get the Most Out of Your Hearing Aids
Your hearing aids are a critical element in allowing you to stay connected with the world around you and enjoy an active and independent lifestyle. Ensuring they perform at their best involves knowing the right way to clean your hearing aids and maintain them.
Magnolia Hearing makes it a priority to ensure that you’re getting the most out of your hearing aids by helping you with hearing aid maintenance, cleaning, and repair. If you need some help with learning how to handle your hearing aids or need to take advantage of our maintenance and repair service, don’t hesitate to contact us by using our online form or giving us a call at (206) 657-5675 today!
