You’ve gone through all the hearing tests, counseling, and fittings and you’re set with a new pair of hearing aids. Now that you’ve made the investment, you want to make sure your device offers you high sound quality for many years to come. One of the ways you can do that is by following the best practices to care for your hearing aids.
Develop a Nightly Cleaning Routine
Hearing aids attract dirt, moisture and earwax buildup — all of which can damage the electronic components in your device. Wiping off your hearing aids at the end of the day goes a long way in keeping them clean and performing well. You can also get a cleaning kit which includes tools like a cleaning brush, wax removal kit and battery door opener, among others.
After cleaning, make sure to store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place away from heat and moisture. A few good storing options are:
- Drying boxes
- Hearing aid dehumidifiers
- Nightstands
- Jewelry boxes
- Sock drawers
Check Your Batteries
To keep your devices running as smoothly as possible without interruption, there are a few things to know about hearing aid batteries.
- Change out batteries if you suspect they are dead or weak. Standard disposable batteries tend to last anywhere from 3-22 days depending on factors like hearing aid style, degree of hearing loss and the amount of time your hearing aids are used. If you notice weak or distorted sound coming from your hearing aids, a dead or weakened battery is possibly the reason.
- Turn your hearing aids off when you are not using them to preserve battery life.
- Keep batteries away from metal objects like keys and coins that can cause them to short circuit or discharge.
Take Them in for a Tune-Up
Part of taking good care of your car is taking it to a mechanic like Tommy Mathewes Auto Repair when it needs maintenance. An essential part of hearing aid care is checking in with your hearing expert every six months to a year.
They can perform a thorough cleaning as well as check your device for any needed updates or repairs. This also gives you a chance to check in about your current hearing needs and if any changes have taken place. Sometimes even small changes can make a big difference in the way you hear. By making any necessary adjustments you can feel assured that your hearing aids are providing you with maximum effectiveness.
If you have any additional questions about caring for your hearing aids or wish to schedule an appointment, call Augusta ENT today.