Best Ways to Maintain Your Hearing Aids
Maintaining your hearing aids by inspecting them daily for damage and promptly cleaning to remove earwax and debris is a great way to extend their lifetime.
From making sure battery contacts stay clean to replacing earmolds and tubing for BTE models on a yearly basis, we look at ways to help you keep your hearing aids in tip-top condition.
Don’t forget to keep your technology updated with firmware and app upgrades, and check accessories for wear.
Consult your audiologist annually to explore further the types of hearing aids available and align your devices with lifestyle changes. Explore further below to discover all the strategies involved in top-tier maintenance for your hearing aids longevity.
Best Daily Hearing Aid Maintenance Practices
Inspect your Hearing Aids
When it comes to maintaining your hearing aids, a daily inspection is crucial to assure top performance and longevity.
Start by visually examining your hearing aid for any signs of damage, such as cracks or loose components. Pay special attention to the battery compartment and connectors, making sure they’re clean and secure.
Check for any visible blockages that might affect sound quality. Regularly inspecting your hearing aids helps you identify issues early, reducing the risk of costly repairs.
Cleaning your Hearing Aid
After thoroughly inspecting your hearing aids, it’s important to focus on keeping them clean to guarantee they function at their best.
Use a specialised cleaning kit to gently remove any earwax that may have accumulated. Daily cleaning prevents buildup, which could impair sound quality and reduce the lifespan of the hearing aid.
Start by wiping the exterior with a soft, dry cloth. For deeper cleaning, use a small brush or pick from your hearing aid cleaning kit to carefully dislodge wax from the microphone and receiver openings. Be gentle to avoid damaging delicate components.
If your model includes a wax guard, check and replace it regularly. Ensuring your hearing aids are free from obstructions will help maintain their performance and enhance your listening experience.
Regular cleaning for your hearing aids is vital for top performance.
Battery Care
Proper battery care is essential to maintaining your hearing aids’ best performance. Start by using high-quality batteries to maximise battery life and the life of your hearing aids. Always keep spare batteries on hand to avoid interruptions in your hearing aid use. Remove the batteries when not in use to prevent corrosion and prolong their life. Here’s a quick reference table for daily battery care tips:
| Task | Frequency | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Check battery level | Daily | Guarantees ideal performance |
| Clean contacts | Weekly | Prevents corrosion |
| Store in cool, dry place | Always | Extends battery life |
Implement these practices consistently to enjoy reliable hearing aids that support your daily activities without fail. Remember, attentive battery care leads to longer hearing aid battery life.
Moisture Exposure & Storage
Taking care of your hearing aids doesn’t stop at battery maintenance; protecting them from moisture is just as important.
Moisture exposure can damage delicate components, so it’s essential to keep your hearing aids dry. Here are three tips to help:
- Avoid Moist Environments: Don’t wear your hearing aids in the shower, sauna, or during heavy rain.
- Use a Dehumidifier: Store your hearing aids in a dehumidifier overnight to remove any accumulated moisture.
- Proper Storage: When not in use, make sure you’re storing your hearing aids in a dry, safe place.
Consider a protective case designed to shield against humidity.
Ear Hygiene
Maintaining ideal ear hygiene is essential for the performance and longevity of your hearing aids. Earwax buildup can obstruct sound quality and even damage the devices.
Start by cleaning your ears regularly, but avoid cotton swabs, as they can push earwax deeper. Use a damp cloth or an earwax removal solution recommended by your audiologist to improve hearing.
Regularly check your hearing aids for wax accumulation. A small brush or pick can help clean the device’s openings without causing damage.
Consistent ear hygiene supports overall hearing health and guarantees your hearing aids function at their best. Schedule regular check-ups with your hearing care professional to monitor both ear and hearing aid health.
Keeping your ears clean is a simple yet effective step in maintaining your hearing aids.
Best Yearly Hearing Aid Maintenance Practices
Get your hearing aids professionally cleaned and serviced
One essential step in maintaining ideal hearing aid performance is to have them professionally cleaned and serviced annually to check for any faulty programming or parts.
Here’s why you should prioritise this yearly practice:
- Thorough Cleaning: Professionals have specialised tools to remove debris and wax buildup that you can’t access at home.
- Component Check: Technicians assess each component for wear and tear, guaranteeing everything functions smoothly.
- Performance Enhancement: Adjustments can be made during servicing can enhance device performance, improving your overall hearing experience.
Have a Hearing Test & Programming Adjustment
Though it might seem like an unnecessary step, having an annual hearing test and a programming adjustment can significantly improve the level of hearing you experience.
Regular check-ups help identify changes in your hearing loss, ensuring your aids work effectively. As your hearing profile evolves, audiologists can recalibrate your devices for ideal sound clarity and comfort.
This proactive approach is critical in maintaining your hearing aid is tailored to your hearing solution.
Battery Replacement
Regular battery replacement is essential in ensuring your hearing aids function effectively throughout the year.
To extend the life of your hearing aids and help with hearing clarity, consider the following tips:
- Monitor Battery Life: Keep track of when you last replaced the batteries. On average, hearing aid batteries last about 5-10 days, depending on usage.
- Store Batteries Properly: Keep them in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing them in extreme temperatures or humid conditions to prevent damage.
- Turn Off When Not in Use: To conserve battery life, turn off your hearing aids when you’re not using them. This simple habit can notably extend battery duration.
Earmold & Tubing Replacement (BTE Models)
Maintaining the longevity of your hearing aids involves more than just keeping an eye on the batteries.
Regular earmold and tubing replacement in BTE models plays an essential role in ensuring the life of your hearing. Over time, earmolds can become discolored or hardened, affecting sound quality and comfort.
Tubing can also become brittle or clogged, which might cause feedback or poor sound transmission, impacting better hearing. To prevent these issues, replace the earmolds and tubing at least once a year.
Doing so not only enhances audio clarity but also helps manage conditions like tinnitus by ensuring consistent sound delivery.
Schedule regular checks with your audiologist to keep your hearing aids in prime condition and extend their lifespan.
Firmware & App Updates
Keeping your hearing aids up-to-date with the latest firmware and app updates is essential for peak performance. Regular updates can enhance sound quality, improve device connectivity, and guarantee compatibility with the latest technology.
Here’s how you can efficiently manage updates:
- Check for Updates Regularly: Set reminders to check for updates monthly. This guarantees your devices are always current with the latest improvements.
- Utilise Manufacturer Apps: Most hearing aid brands offer dedicated apps. Download them to easily access update notifications and perform installations.
- Consult with Your Audiologist: Schedule annual check-ups, and ask your audiologist to verify that firmware is updated. They can offer insights and support in optimising your device’s functions.
Accessories Check-up
Even though hearing aids are impressive pieces of technology, they require more than just software updates to function efficiently; their accessories need attention too.
Make it a habit to examine your hearing aid accessories annually. Start by inspecting the battery compartment for corrosion and verify the batteries are functioning effectively.
Clean or replace wax guards and domes regularly to prevent sound distortion. Tubes and wires should be checked for any signs of wear or damage.
Consider replacing ear molds if they’ve become uncomfortable or don’t fit snugly anymore. Don’t overlook the remote controls, cases and chargers; confirm they’re in good working condition.
Hearing Aid Upgrade Review with you Audiologist
When was the last time you sat down with your audiologist to discuss upgrading your hearing aids?
Regular reviews with your audiologist not only guarantee performance but also prepare you for future enhancements.
Consider these factors during your next appointment:
- Technological Advancements: Hearing aid technology evolves rapidly. New models offer features like improved sound quality and wireless connectivity that you might find beneficial. Not to mention the recent advances in A.I. hearing aid functions.
- Lifestyle Changes: Has your lifestyle or hearing needs changed? Perhaps you’re more active or attend more social events. Upgrading might provide better support.
- Wear and Tear: Even with diligent care, hearing aids age. A review can identify wear and tear, and when it may be time to update and find a tailored solution for your next hearing aid.
Scheduling an annual upgrade review keeps your hearing aids aligned with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Troubleshoot Feedback Noise From My Hearing Aids?
First, check if your hearing aids fit snugly. Feedback often occurs due to loose fitting. Clean the microphone and receiver regularly. If the issue persists, consult your audiologist for further adjustments or professional cleaning.
What Should I Do if My Hearing Aids Get Wet?
If your hearing aids get wet, immediately turn them off and remove the batteries. Dry them with a soft cloth and use a hearing aid dehumidifier overnight. Avoid using heat sources like hair dryers.
How Can I Extend the Battery Life of My Hearing Aids?
To extend your hearing aids’ battery life, turn them off when not in use, store them in a dry place, and use a dehumidifier. Regularly clean the contacts and avoid storing them in extreme temperatures. Remove the batteries altogether if the hearing aids will not be in use for an extended time.
Are There Specific Cleaning Tools Recommended for Hearing Aids?
Yes, you should use a soft-bristle brush, wax pick, and a microfiber cloth to clean your hearing aids. These tools remove debris and moisture effectively, ensuring peak performance and longevity of your hearing devices.
What Should I Avoid to Prevent Damage to My Hearing Aids?
Avoid exposing your hearing aids to moisture, extreme temperatures, and harsh chemicals. Don’t use sharp objects for cleaning. Keep them away from pets and young children. Store them in a protective case when not in use.
Maintaining your hearing aids is essential for their peak performance and longevity. By inspecting them daily, keeping them clean, managing batteries, and protecting them from moisture, you can guarantee they function at their best. Regularly check earmolds and tubing, especially in BTE models, and keep firmware and apps updated.
Don’t forget to review accessories and consult your audiologist about potential upgrades. These simple practices will help you get the most out of your hearing aids.
Stay Tuned Hearing Clinic
Stay Tuned Hearing are specialists in the audiological field.
Being an independent Audiologist, we provide professional and unbiased advice.