4 Hearing Aid Care Tips

Hearing aids are sophisticated devices. And just like any other high-performance device, they need a degree of care to keep them in good working order. Knowing how to care for your hearing aid, however, can be a challenge if you’ve never done it before. Here are some tips for caring for your hearing aid that will help it last longer and perform better.

Tip #1: Store your hearing aid in a dry place

The way you store your hearing aid while it’s not in use can have a profound effect on how long it lasts and how well it functions. Hearing experts recommend that people who use hearing aids store them in a dry place, well away from moisture.

Moisture can damage the sensitive internal circuitry of hearing aids and lead to a buildup of mold and bacteria which could damage the casing.

Although some hearing aids are marketed as “water-resistant,” they are not waterproof. It is good practice, therefore, to avoid wearing hearing aids in the shower or at the swimming pool.

Tip #2: Change the batteries regularly

Like all modern, portable devices, hearing aids depend on batteries for energy. The cells in an assistive hearing device power components pick up and amplify sounds from the surrounding environment. Over time, however, batteries in hearing aids will run flat and need to be replaced.

Changing batteries regularly ensures that your hearing aid continues to function optimally. Failing to replace the batteries could result in a loss of fidelity, crackling and other artifacts which detract from the user experience.

Tip #3: Manage earwax

Earwax buildup can lead to a loss of hearing aid performance over time. Earwax sitting in the ear canal blocks the sounds emitted by the hearing aid, sometimes causing the user to believe that it is not working correctly. If the problem is earwax buildup, then adjusting the settings will not help. The earwax must be cleared first.

Getting rid of earwax is easy. You can either go to an audiologist, or you can use a home earwax removal kit. Avoid trying to remove excess earwax with cotton swabs (or other tools) as this can lead to impacted earwax that is much harder to remove.

Many hearing aids come with a wax filter — a small guard that sits atop the speaker and helps prevent wax from getting into the hearing aid itself. It’s important to clean this regularly, as excessive wax buildup could affect sound quality.

Tip #4: Handle hearing aids with care

Hearing aids are small, delicate devices. Although manufacturers do everything they can to improve robustness, they’re limited by the properties of the materials that they use.

Dropping hearing aids can cause damage to the sensitive internal circuitry and components, just like it can on a mobile phone.

Keeping them away from animals is essential. Animals can treat them like chew toys, causing damage (and perhaps necessitating replacement).

If possible, keep hearing aids away from young children. If a child uses the device, teach them the basics of hearing aid care as described in this article.