Caring for Your ITE Hearing Aids

When your audiologist recommends that you get hearing aids for your hearing loss, you may be taken aback and a little worried about how to keep your hearing aids working well. The good news is that despite this new medical technology in your life, they're very easy to care for and maintain. With a little attention and careful handling, you can ensure that your in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids are going to continue to work well for as long as possible. With this in mind, we've created a guide for you to take care of your ITE hearing aids without worry.

Cleaning your ITE hearing aids

• When you are cleaning the ITE hearing aids, you need to only use a soft, dry cloth for a daily clean. You have to ensure that there is no debris or dirt left in them, and it's much easier to do that when you are wiping them down daily.
• Avoid using any cleansers or water on your hearing aids. Even though you can use water for the outer casing, you should make sure that there is no water touching the inside of the hearing aids or the batteries.
• Store your hearing aids in a dehumidifier kit. This will reduce the moisture in the hearing aid and prevent any damage to the battery or the electricals inside it.
• Daily, you should look to remove earwax that gets built up in the device. A wax pick and a brush can help you with this.

Daily care

Every single day, you have to remember that your hearing aids need to stay dry. Before swimming, showering or going in the sauna, you have to consider that your hearing aids need to remain dry. If there is any water that goes near the hearing aid, you should think about immediately opening the battery door and removing the battery. Your audiologist will be able to help if they get accidentally soaked in water. Never use any hair spray, face creams or lotions – and even makeup – near your ITE hearing aids because these can cause damage that you really want to avoid. Handle your hearing aids with the best possible care and be gentle with them. Too much heavy handling will be a problem!

Troubleshooting your hearing aids

ITE hearing aids may stop working occasionally, and when this happens, you can troubleshoot them yourself before you take them to your audiologist to check whether there is anything permanent wrong with them. Replace the battery first, and after this, check again to see if the hearing aids are working. You can check for feedback by cupping the hearing aids in your hand. Look at the wax filters to see if there are any blockages, and remove this with a hearing aid cleaning brush.

Take the time to talk to your audiologist about how to clean your ITE hearing aids. Once you do this, you can ensure that you are caring for them properly and don't have to worry about them breaking down on you!