The audiologists and staff members at Associated Hearing Professionals are committed to sharing information that hearing aid wearers find useful. An important consideration is how to properly care for these devices. The following tips can help you maximize the life of your hearing aids.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Keep hearing aids away from extreme heat or cold. For example, don’t keep your devices in when drying your hair or leave them in your car’s glove compartment on a warm day. Protect your hearing aids (and ears!) with proper winter gear when going outside in extremely cold weather or snow. Also, don’t leave them in direct sunlight, and keep them away from heaters or heating vents.
Keep Devices Dry
Minimizing moisture helps prolong the life of hearing aids. When you’re not using your devices, turn them off and store them in a drying container designed specifically for hearing aids. Batteries should be removed before the hearing aids go into the storage container.
Cleaning & Handling
Keeping hearing aids clean using a soft, dry cloth can help them function optimally for a more extended period. On a regular basis, gently remove any accumulated dirt to prevent it from interfering with the device, or from creating an infection in your ear. Your audiologist will teach you how to properly clean your devices.
A Few Words on Batteries
In most hearing aids, batteries last between one and two weeks. An audiologist can recommend batteries that work best for specific devices. Whichever batteries you choose, make sure to carry extras in your pocket or purse. If you happen to be at work or running errands when your current ones run out, simply replace the dead batteries with your spares. When not in use, store batteries in a cool, dry place to extend their lifespan.
Additional Tips
Follow these additional pointers to take good care of your hearing aids:
- Do not immerse them in water. Take them off before showering, bathing, or swimming.
- Minimize earwax buildup. Keep ears clean to avoid wax buildup on your devices.
- Keep hearing aids away from children and pets.
- Before applying hair products, shaving creams, perfumes, colognes, insect repellants, sunscreens, or other sprays, remove your devices.
- To eliminate discomfort and avoid feedback, make sure the earpiece is inserted correctly.
- Schedule professional device cleaning every four to six months.
At Associated Hearing Professionals, we provide comprehensive hearing exams and hearing conservation evaluations. We regularly perform hearing aid fittings with some of the most popular brands available, including Phonak, Lyric, Resound, Siemens, Starkey, Widex, Oticon and Unitron. We are genuinely passionate about improving people’s quality of life through better hearing. If you are experiencing hearing issues or ringing in the ears, give us a call today at 314-725-2686 to schedule an appointment.