Hearing aids have become a lot more advanced in recent years, and the stigma surrounding hearing aids seems to be changing for the better.
With that being said, if you wear hearing aids or your children do, there are plenty of useful tips that will keep your hearing aids working for longer.
Here is a mom-friendly checklist for keeping hearing aids working more efficiently.
Common habits that accidentally shorten device life
Some common habits will shorten the life of the hearing aids. These include the following:
1. Exposure to moisture and humidity
Moisture is often the number one cause of damage to hearing aids, leading to circuit failure and corrosion.
That’s why it’s important to avoid wearing them during water activities and storing them in dry places, rather than humid ones that have high moisture content in the air.
2. Poor cleaning and maintenance routine
When earwax, dust, and skin oils buildpoor cleaning and maintenance, it can block the microphones and speakers. This often compromises the sound quality and potentially causes permanent damage.
Skipping professional check-ups can also cause the hearing aids to become worn and at risk of damage. A hearing aid repair is helpful for those times when professional fixes are required.
3. Mishandling and physical accidents
Hearing aids are delicate devices, so if you’re not handling them with gentle care, then they’re going to get damaged more easily. Leaving them exposed outside of their protective case when not in use can also make them more a risk of damage by pets and small children if they’re in the home.
4. Exposure to extreme temperatures
Any exposure to extreme temperatures when using the devices can often impair the battery’s performance over time, so avoid leaving it in hot places or in the cold.
The weekly routine that prevents repair emergencies
A weekly routine is an important part of preventing repair emergencies. Here are some of the weekly routines that can help improve the longevity of your hearing aids.
Do a deep clean
Go beyond the daily wipe-down. Use a wax pick or wire loop from a hearting aid cleaning kit to remove any earwax and debris from vents and openings.
Clean removable parts
Detach the earmold and tubing from the main hearing aid and wash them in warm, soapy water. Clean the domes or the entire ITE shell.
Wax guards
Check the wax guards and replace them if they appear clogged, blocked, or discolored.
Check battery contacts
For devices that have disposable batteries, open the battery compartment and inspect the contacts for any signs of corrosion.
Use a dehumidifer
A dehumidifier helps keep your hearing aids dry and moisture-free, especially in warmer climates that are more humid.
Teaching family members how to care for their own devices
It’s important that you’re teaching your children to look after their hearing devices, too, if applicable. That’s why it’s good to teach these tips to your children, too, about looking after the hearing aids properly.
