A Guide to Caring for Hearing Aids

If you have hearing aids, it’s understandable to want to enjoy all the benefits of these magnificent devices. To get the best out of your hearing aids, it’s essential to care for them properly. If you wear hearing aids, here are some tips to take on board.

Cleaning your hearing aids

Hearing aids often occupy areas that are moist and waxy, so frequent cleaning is required. It’s relatively common for parts of the hearing aid to become blocked or clogged by wax or debris. To clean your hearing aids, gently remove them and use a soft, damp cloth to get rid of any dirt or excess ear wax. Take ear molds out and clean them with mild soap. Don’t use a hairdryer to dry out your hearing aids, as this can cause damage. Instead, use a towel or an air blower.

Storing your hearing aids

When you’re not using your hearing aids, it’s crucial to store them in a dry, safe place. If you leave your hearing aids lying around, there’s a risk of damage and you may also misplace them. Hearing aids work better when they are dry, so avoid leaving them in damp environments. Airtight boxes, which can be stored easily in a bedside table drawer, are an excellent option.

Reducing the risk of feedback

Feedback is the name given to whistling noises you can sometimes hear when your hearing aids are in place. To reduce the risk of feedback, perform daily listening checks and contact your audiologist if there are issues. Feedback may occur if the hearing aids don’t fit properly or there is a buildup of wax inside the ear canal. When you see your audiologist, they will be able to examine both your ears and your hearing aids to determine the cause of feedback and identify a solution.

Change the BTE tubing

If your hearing aid sits behind the ear, the BTE tubing can get worn over time or even break. This can cause problems with your hearing aid, but fortunately is a simple fix that your audiologist will be able to do in a matter of minutes in their office. As before, this problem often causes whistling noises but may also be a sign that your BTE hearing aid is not fitted properly to your ear.

Hearing aid repairs

Modern hearing aids are durable and robust, as well as discreet, but they’re not unbreakable. If you drop your hearing aid, or it is exposed to water, and you’re worried that it may be damaged, the best thing to do is to get in touch with your audiologist. They can take a look and assess whether it’s possible to repair the device. In many cases, audiologists can carry out swift repairs with no trouble at all.

If you have hearing aids, taking good care of them will improve their efficacy and increase their lifespan. Looking after hearing aids is simple and you don’t have to invest a lot of time or effort to ensure you get the best out of your hearing aids. When you have your devices fitted, your audiologist will give you tips and show you how to clean your hearing aid and change the batteries. If you have any other questions or you need advice, just give your audiologist a call.