Hearing Aid Maintenance
If you have recently purchased a hearing aid, you most likely understand the importance of taking good care of it. These devices are often expensive, somewhat delicate, and can become an important part of your daily life. Struggling to understand conversations or hear the TV or radio while your hearing aid is being repaired (or gotten lost) can definitely be irritating.
This article will review some common advice for taking care of a hearing aid. Whether you have just purchased your first, or have been using one for some time, it never hurts to review the basics.
Cleaning and Storage
Over time, earwax and dust can accumulate on a hearing aid and begin to interfere with its functioning. How often you will need to clean your aid will depend on how often you use it, how much earwax your ears produce, and other individual factors. Talk to your audiologist about a good cleaning schedule, and ask him or her if he or she can recommend a good cleaning kit.
You can clean your hearing aid using an earwax treatment solution or small amounts of alcohol. Use a soft cloth to gently wash the earpiece, tubing, and outer casing. Remove the battery and carefully wash the inner casing - dirt or other substances can build up near the battery and impair its functioning.
When not in use, your device needs to be safely stored. You may want to invest in a nice storage case that can help protect it. It needs to be kept in a cool, dry location - extreme temperatures and moisture are not good for delicate equipment. Leave the casing open so it can air out. You may have heard that storing batteries in the freezer is good for them, but this is not true. If you choose to remove the batteries to preserve them when the aid is not in use, store them in the same box or compartment.
What to Avoid
A large part of caring for hearing devices is simply keeping them out of harm's way. A few things to make sure you never do include:
Do not exposure your aid to moisture or extreme temperatures. If you use a blow dryer, curling irons, or other heated products, remove your hearing aid before using them. Never leave your aid in a car on a hot or cold day. These devices do not enjoy moisture, either - never wear your aid in the shower, pool, or sauna, and avoid spritzing any perfume or hair products in their direction.
Do not leave your aid where children or pets may be able to access it. It only takes a moment for a curious child or animal to cause major damage. Always store your aid above their reach when you are not using it.
Do not drop it. This may seem like stating the obvious, but dropping aids is a very common source of damage to them. While you are still learning how to insert your device or adjust its settings, you may want to hold it over a pillow, bed, or other soft surface.
For more information about hearing aid care, contact HearingPlanet.
This article will review some common advice for taking care of a hearing aid. Whether you have just purchased your first, or have been using one for some time, it never hurts to review the basics.
Cleaning and Storage
Over time, earwax and dust can accumulate on a hearing aid and begin to interfere with its functioning. How often you will need to clean your aid will depend on how often you use it, how much earwax your ears produce, and other individual factors. Talk to your audiologist about a good cleaning schedule, and ask him or her if he or she can recommend a good cleaning kit.
You can clean your hearing aid using an earwax treatment solution or small amounts of alcohol. Use a soft cloth to gently wash the earpiece, tubing, and outer casing. Remove the battery and carefully wash the inner casing - dirt or other substances can build up near the battery and impair its functioning.
When not in use, your device needs to be safely stored. You may want to invest in a nice storage case that can help protect it. It needs to be kept in a cool, dry location - extreme temperatures and moisture are not good for delicate equipment. Leave the casing open so it can air out. You may have heard that storing batteries in the freezer is good for them, but this is not true. If you choose to remove the batteries to preserve them when the aid is not in use, store them in the same box or compartment.
What to Avoid
A large part of caring for hearing devices is simply keeping them out of harm's way. A few things to make sure you never do include:
Do not exposure your aid to moisture or extreme temperatures. If you use a blow dryer, curling irons, or other heated products, remove your hearing aid before using them. Never leave your aid in a car on a hot or cold day. These devices do not enjoy moisture, either - never wear your aid in the shower, pool, or sauna, and avoid spritzing any perfume or hair products in their direction.
Do not leave your aid where children or pets may be able to access it. It only takes a moment for a curious child or animal to cause major damage. Always store your aid above their reach when you are not using it.
Do not drop it. This may seem like stating the obvious, but dropping aids is a very common source of damage to them. While you are still learning how to insert your device or adjust its settings, you may want to hold it over a pillow, bed, or other soft surface.
For more information about hearing aid care, contact HearingPlanet.