Even if you take exceptional care of your car, you still bring it into The Car & Truck Guys for scheduled maintenance. The same is true with your hearing aids. Even though they are built to last, they still require proper care and maintenance to ensure they are working their best.
Daily Routine
You should do the following every night when you take out your hearing aids and prepare for bed:
- Wipe them down with a soft, dry cloth.
- Remove any excess earwax that has accumulated on the device with a brush or wire pick.
- Open the battery door so moisture can evaporate.
- Place the hearing aids into their case.
If there is a lot of earwax, you may have more success removing it if you allow it to dry overnight. Hold the devices so that when you remove the wax it falls out of the hearing aid and not further in. If you do not have a brush, you can use an old toothbrush.
What You Should Avoid
Never clean your hearing aids with an alcohol-based cleaner or a solvent that is not specially designed for hearing aids. Abrasive cleaners can strip the coasting off of your hearing aids and damage the material underneath. If you are unsure what you can use, your audiologist can help you find a cleaning product that is safe.
Do not get your hearing aids wet. Like most electronic devices, water can damage the intricate circuitry inside. Always remove your hearing aids before swimming, bathing or showering.
Avoid placing your hearing aids in direct heat. If you do get your hearing aids wet, the solution is never to place them in or near a microwave or oven. Instead, you can open the battery compartment to allow the moisture to evaporate or place the hearing aid into a dehumidifier.
When in doubt, bring your hearing aid in to have it looked at by a professional. Oftentimes a repair can be done while you wait. If the damage is extensive, your audiologist may have to send the device back to the manufacture for repair.
To learn more about how to care for your hearing aids or to schedule an appointment with a hearing aid expert, contact Nevada Ear + Sinus Institute today.
Learn More About Hearing Aids
- The Pros and Cons of Common Hearing Aid Styles
- Choosing the Right Hearing Aid
- Can Babies Wear Hearing Aids?
Call Nevada Ear + Sinus Institute at (702) 735-7668 for more information or to schedule an appointment.