Learning to Care for your Hearing Aid

Learning to Care for your Hearing Aid 

    There’s lots to get used to when it comes to a new hearing aid. At first, anything sounds too loud, as you get used to the volume of your device and your restored hearing. You may also need to get used to the feeling of the aid inside or outside your ear, depending on what type you’ve chosen. 

Photo Credit: Agung Pandit Wigun

    Another thing to get used to, something that should become part of your routine, is the daily maintenance and cleaning of your hearing aid. The truth is that hearing aid care can extend the life of your hearing aid, make sure it is restoring sound properly, and that the batteries last a long time. While it can be tempting to put it off from time to time, taking a couple of minutes out of your day to clean your hearing device is very important to the life of the device. 

    Every single day, you should take out your device and wipe it down with a dry cloth, being careful to remove any wax buildup or dirt. Use your fingernail to gently scrape if necessary. Wax buildup on hearing aids is not only unsanitary, but it can damage the device, dull the sound or even harm the batteries. 

    Occasionally you may need to give the device a more thorough clean. If you use a cleaning solution, make sure you remove the outer piece from the device first and do not get the electrical part of the device or the battery wet. Soap and water is fine, or a cleaning solution specifically designed for hearing aids. Do not use alcohol (it is also not advised to wear hairspray or other alcohol based products in your hair when wearing your hearing device). Be sure to thoroughly dry your outer pieces before putting the device back on/in. 

    Many hearing aids come with user guides or manuals that can tell you exactly how to care for the device. Take the time to read through these carefully and learn how to best clean, sanitize and take care of your hearing aid. When in doubt, you can always check helpful tutorials online or ask your local hearing clinic or audiologist. 

    When the hearing aid is out of your ear, be sure to store it in a cool, dry place where it is safe and secure and try to avoid having it around conditions that are very dirty or unsanitary. Keep a spare set of batteries handy as well and learn how to change them out easily. Keep any accessories such as a microphone or bluetooth device clean and dry at all times as well.

    Caring for your hearing aid is very important. These are expensive, delicate pieces of medical equipment. However, they can last a very long time if you take care of them properly. It’s as simple as spending a couple of minutes a day to keep them clean, dry and in good working order. Your ears will thank you for it!