The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders reports that, “About 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from using hearing aids.” If you’re among this number and you wear hearing aids or are thinking about making the investment, you’re probably wondering how you can extend their lifespan to get the most out of your devices. We review tips for this below.
Clean Your Hearing Aids Every Day
The single most important thing you can do to extend the lifespan of your hearing aids is clean them at the end of every single day. To do this, perform the following steps:
- Wipe them down with a soft, dry, clean cloth.
- Use a wax pick/wire loop to remove any stubborn debris.
- Open the battery door and wipe down the contact ports. Leave the battery doors open overnight so they can ventilate.
- If your devices have tubing, clean them in warm, soapy water once a week. Don’t reattach the tubing until it’s completely dry.
Avoid Moisture
While most hearing aids have some degree of water resistance, none are 100% waterproof. In fact, moisture is the number one enemy of the technology within your hearing aids. You should always take your hearing aids out before swimming, bathing or showering. If it’s raining, use an umbrella or wear a rain jacket with a secure hood. Never store your hearing aids in the bathroom, as this is too moist an environment.
You should also invest in a dehumidifier, which you can pick up at Hyland Hills Ace Hardware on Southwest Allen Boulevard. This tool will remove any moisture that has infiltrated your hearing aids.
Be Mindful About Storage
When your hearing aids aren’t in your ears, store them in a protective case. Be sure to put this somewhere safe, like a high shelf or a drawer where pets and children cannot access it.
Schedule Regular Clean & Check appointments
Every six months, bring your hearing aids in to Austin Auditory Specialists for a clean and check appointment. Your audiologist can to a deep clean, make sure everything is in proper working order and do any necessary repairs.
To learn more about extending the lifespan of your hearing aids or to schedule an appointment with a hearing aid expert, call Austin Auditory Specialists today.