Top five dos and don'ts of hearing aid care

Hearing aids are one of the best investments you can make in maintaining a healthy, active, and joyful life through better hearing. But like with any technology—particularly the digital kind—you want to take care of them, so they continue to give you optimal performance and all the benefits that go with your best listening experiences.

So, without further ado, here are the top five dos and don’ts of hearing aid care:

Dos

Do clean your hearing aids every morning.

Cleaning your hearing aids daily can help them maintain their best performance and last longer. And it shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. Using a soft, dry cloth and hearing aid cleaning tool with brush, clean the user controls, microphone openings and charging contacts. Check your tubing, domes and wax filters and replace when necessary.

• Tubing: look out for yellowing, cracking, hardening, wax and debris. These should be replaced by the Audiology South team every 6-12 months.
• Domes: look out for wax build-up, wear and tear or whether they're starting to become loose. These should be replaced every 2-3 months by yourself or the Audiology South team.
• Wax filters: look out for wax build-up, hearing aids "dead" or the sound is weak, but they have a full battery or are charged. These should be replaced every 3-4 weeks by yourself or the Audiology South team.

Do store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place (no direct sunlight).

Taking this step is a great rule of thumb for protecting your hearing aids against damage from heat and humidity. But it’s also best to choose a spot that is convenient, easy to find, and out of reach for small children or pets. A dresser or nightstand is ideal.

• For battery-operated hearing aids: Store them inside a storage case and keep each device’s battery door open. This can help dry out any dampness and extend battery life.
• For rechargeable hearing aids: Store them inside a storage case or charger (plugged in or powered, so your devices are ready to use again).

Do keep spare batteries handy, or charge hearing aids nightly.

Keeping your hearing aids working their best for you at all times is key to helping you maintain your hearing health—and ultimately, your overall wellbeing.

• If you have battery-operated hearing aids: Replace batteries when they are low or drained. (You’ll know it’s time when sound becomes consistently distorted or you’re increasingly turning up the volume.) Having extra batteries on hand can also help you avoid running out of power mid-conversation.
• Got rechargeable hearing aids? Charge them overnight so you’ll have continuous power for the next day.

Do keep your hearing aids away from kids or pets.

Hearing aids can be quite attractive to cats and dogs, so we recommend storing them in a place that's out of reach. The smell of earwax might catch your cat’s attention, and your dog might see them as a new chew toy. Since hearing aid batteries can be harmful if swallowed (by anyone!), please contact your doctor or vet right away if you think a battery or hearing aid has been swallowed. If you have any damaged aids, bring them to Audiology South and we’ll assess what repairs are needed to get them working again.

Do schedule routine professional cleanings.

Scheduling a professional cleaning or “clean and check” with Audiology South (every six months or so) is key to lengthening the lifespan of your hearing aids. Using our expertise, we'll thoroughly remove any built-up earwax, oil, and debris without damaging the hearing aid receivers or microphones. Professional cleanings are also a great opportunity for us to check for any damage and then suggest or make repairs on the spot, if needed.

Don'ts

Don't purposefully get your hearing aids wet.

Water contact with your hearing aids—even if they are water resistant—could put a damper (pun intended!) on performance. So, before you enter the shower, a swimming pool or any other water-based environment, it’s best to remove your hearing aids and safely store them until you finish your water activity. And when you do, dry your ears (including ear canals) before reinserting your devices. Placing them in a dry-aid kit/dehumidifier after immersion can help dry out any excess moisture, as well.

Don't apply hair or skin products while wearing hearing aids.

Understandably, you wouldn’t want to risk poor hearing aid performance by clogging the microphones and/or receivers with everyday hairsprays, moisturisers, insect repellent, sunscreen, and so on. Your best course of action: (1) apply your lotion and/or spray, (2) wash your hands, (3) insert your hearing aids.

Tip: While we’re on the subject of “getting ready” for your day—you’ll also want to avoid using your hairdryer while wearing hearing aids to protect them against heat damage.

Don't store your hearing aids in the bathroom.

While it may seemingly make sense to stow your hearing aids where you primp for each day, resist the urge to store your hearing aids in the bathroom—medicine cabinet included. This high-humidity environment is filled with risks to your hearing technology—everything from shower steam to unplugged sinks to (dare we say it) open toilets. Choosing a dry and cool location for storage is the better way to go.

Don't drop your hearing aids.

It’s probably no secret that dropping your hearing aids on a hard surface could damage them, and the greatest potential for this to happen is when you’re inserting or removing your devices. Whether it’s the early days and you’re learning how to put in your hearing aids, or you’d prefer to play it safe every time—it helps to insert/remove your hearing aids in a seated position and with a towel or pillow on your lap.

Don't try to repair your hearing aids yourself.

If your hearing aid isn’t working properly, save that toolbox for household repairs—tinkering inside your hearing aids to repair them is a recipe for further damage. (Plus, you may inadvertently violate warranties or insurance in the process.) Here are some safer solutions to try (for sound issues in particular):

• Follow the troubleshooting guide in your hearing aid user manual
  This addresses performance issues you may easily remedy yourself before contacting Audiology South.
• Contact Audiology South 
  Audiology South are always your best resource for any hearing aid issues. Many common problems may be solved right in our clinic.

Questions on hearing aid care dos, don’ts, or anything in between? Do reach out to Audiology South. We're happy to assist you with any concerns about your devices or hearing experience in general.

Take care and happy hearing!

Article adapted from Starkey.