Taking proper care of your hearing aids is essential for keeping them in good working order and avoiding common repairs. Maintaining these devices is generally simple, and your audiologist can provide clear instructions on how to do so. By following a few basic practices, you can minimize the chances of damage and ensure your hearing aids perform at their best for as long as possible. So, what are a few ways you can maintain your hearing aids?

Regular Cleaning

It’s important to clean your hearing aids regularly to maintain their performance. Since they spend all day in your ears, they are prone to collecting earwax and debris, which should be cleaned off as needed. You should not clean them constantly, but doing so once a week should be sufficient, unless you notice excess earwax building up before your next scheduled cleaning.

If left unaddressed, earwax and debris can block parts of the hearing aid, leading to distorted sounds and other malfunctions. Over time, this buildup can cause the hearing aids to stop working properly, which may require repairs. Keeping up with regular cleaning can help avoid these issues and extend the life of your devices.

Storage of Hearing Aids

How you store your hearing aids is just as important as how you clean them. Leaving them on the edge of a sink or in an area where they could be exposed to water can lead to damage. While a small amount of water likely won’t harm them, excessive moisture can cause problems. Additionally, dropping or placing them on hard surfaces can cause damage from impact if you’re not careful. The best way to store your hearing aids is in a cool, dry place, ideally in the case they came in. This helps protect them from accidental damage and ensures they stay in good condition for as long as possible.

Change the Wax Filter

Changing the wax filter in your hearing aids is an important part of regular maintenance that can help prevent common issues. Over time, earwax can build up and block the microphone or speaker of the device, which can lead to poor sound quality or even cause the hearing aids to stop working. By replacing the wax filter regularly, you can ensure that your hearing aids continue to perform at their best. This simple task is often recommended by audiologists and can go a long way in preventing the need for repairs. Staying on top of this maintenance will help your hearing aids last longer and keep them functioning properly.

Taking proper care of your hearing aids can reduce the likelihood of needing repairs. While occasional repairs may still be necessary, regular maintenance can help keep your devices in better condition for a longer time. By consistently taking care of them, you can help ensure that they perform well and remain functional. If you want to learn more about how you can properly maintain your hearing aids, schedule an appointment with an audiologist.