Dos and Don’ts of Hearing Aid Maintenance

Caring for your hearing aids will prolong life expectancy and improve performance. When you first have your hearing aids fitted, your audiologist will provide advice and information about looking after your hearing aids and keeping them in tip-top condition. It’s useful to adopt a routine to keep your hearing aids clean and to stick to a set of guidelines like these dos and don’ts. 

Hearing aid maintenance dos and don’ts:

DO:

• Clean your hearing aids on a regular basis: It’s vital to keep your hearing aids clean to protect your ears and reduce the risk of infections and wax build-up. If earwax, also known as cerumen, collects inside the ear canal, it can harden and start to cause problems. You may experience pain, and your hearing will damage. Regular cleaning will prevent infections and excessive earwax, as well as improving the performance of your hearing aids. Your audiologist will show you how to clean the components of your hearing aid. Daily cleaning is recommended. 
• Store your hearing aids in a safe, dry container: If you’re taking your hearing aids out for the night, or you’re having a break from wearing them during the day to play sports, make sure you store them in a safe, dry place. Moisture can damage the intricate parts of the hearing aid, and you don’t want to misplace your hearing aids after putting them down somewhere in a hurry. It’s a good idea to carry a small storage box with you if you’re out and about. 
• Steer clear of moisture: Exposing hearing aids to moisture can cause damage and affect your ability to hear. Keep your hearing aids in a dry container or a dehumidifier when you’re not wearing them and avoid showering or going swimming with your hearing aids in. 
• Contact your audiologist if you have any questions or concerns: If you have any queries about looking after your hearing aids, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your audiologist. 

DON’T:

• Shower with your hearing aids in: It’s best to avoid getting wet when you’re wearing hearing aids, so take the devices out if you’re getting in the bath or shower. 
• Leave your hearing aids lying around: If you’re rushing around, it can be tempting to take your hearing aids out and leave them on the counter, but this can expose them to hazards. You could lose your hearing aids, or they could get moved or damaged by other people or pets. They may also be subjected to moisture. Place your hearing aids in a sealed container and keep it in a safe place. 
• Spray products near your hearing aids: If you’re using hair spray, or you’re spraying perfume or deodorant, make sure you take your hearing aids out or you direct the nozzle away from your ears. Aerosols can increase the risk of corrosion. 
• Forget to clean your ears frequently: It’s essential to keep your ears clean when you have hearing aids. Gently wipe the ears with a soft, damp cloth to remove excess wax and debris. This, combined with cleaning your hearing aids, will help to lower the risk of ear infections. 

When you have hearing aids, you should take steps to keep them in pristine condition. Take these tips on board to improve performance and lower the risk of damage.