By understanding the correct care, handling and maintenance of your hearing aids, you can take charge of their functionality and ensure they last as long as they were designed to. Unfortunately, hearing aid repairs can disrupt your life and routines, especially if you rely on your hearing aids for work or daily activities. But with the right care, you can avoid these disruptions and maintain control over your hearing aids’ lifespan.

These care tips are straightforward and easy to follow, designed to help you maintain your devices and avoid unnecessary repairs. By incorporating these simple steps into your routine, you can ensure that every wear of your hearing aids is a comfortable and hassle-free experience.

Clean Hands

Always handle your hearing aids with clean, dry hands. You don’t want your hearing aids to come into contact with dirt or oil, so starting with clean, dry hands is essential to avoid contamination or damage caused by water or oil on the casing and tubing.

Clean Hearing Aids Daily

You should be cleaning your hearing aids daily or at least after each wear. When going about your daily life, your hearing aids will be exposed to different environments, and build-up can accumulate from external factors like pollution or hygiene and beauty products like hairspray, lotions, makeup or from your ear itself.

Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe your device and its casing and use picks to remove any build-up from inside the tube to ensure it is clear and free from blockages. Always check with your audiologist on cleaning products and materials, as you can avoid causing damage by cleaning them.

Keep Them Dry

Water exposure can cause massive damage both internally and externally. The tiny electrical components contained within the housing of your hearing aid can short-circuit when wet, leading to a complete breakdown of the device. This is something you want to avoid as much as possible. Handle your hearing aids in a dry environment with clean, dry hands. Don’t wear your hearing aids when swimming or showering and remove them if you are caught in a storm. If your hearing aids do get wet, take the battery out to allow it to dry completely before wearing it again.

Don’t Sleep in Hearing Aids

You should always take your hearing aids off before going to sleep, even if you’re taking a nap. This can help you to avoid any damage from accidentally lying on them or them becoming tangled in hair or jewelry and bedding, resulting in damage. Take them off and place them in their case before bed.

Remember, taking small steps to ensure your hearing aids are well cared for can significantly reduce the need for repairs and unnecessary damage. If you’re ever unsure of how best to care for your hearing aids, don’t hesitate to reach out to an audiologist. They’re there to provide you with the guidance and support you need for optimal hearing aid care.