Keeping your hearing aids in good working shape allows you to get the most out of your devices. You count on your hearing aids to provide good hearing quality, and any malfunctions can lead to a difficult few days while you wait for them to be fixed. In this article, you will learn simple preventative maintenance steps that can help increase the life of your hearing devices and keep them hygienic and safe.
Keep the devices clean
Unfortunately, hearing aids have to come in contact with wax continuously, so clogging is a very real possibility. Earwax and dirt inside your hearing aids could cause reduced performance and make you prone to ear infections.
To remove wax from a behind-the-ear device, use a dry cotton swab to wipe out earwax and dirt from the hole where sound comes from. Don't forget to clean the ear mold on the device as well, as it can trap huge amounts of wax. To do this, pull the tubing away from the ear hook and soak the mold in warm, soapy water for a few minutes. Once the wax on the device becomes soft, proceed to gently run warm water through the tubing until the mold is clear before wiping it with a tissue. For an in-the-ear device, a soft toothbrush could be effective at pushing out wax and dust trapped inside the air hole.
Home cleaning is important, but you should also schedule a device cleaning with your hearing healthcare professional at least twice a year to ensure the devices remain hygienic.
Change wax filters and batteries often
If you leave in your hearing aids for too long, the batteries in the device could trap moisture and corrode. To prevent this, you must replace the batteries occasionally and open the battery door when the device is not in use to allow the batteries air. If you won't be using your hearing aids for an extended period, be sure to remove the batteries to prevent damage to the devices.
Additionally, you should wipe the battery contacts in your device often using a cotton swab so as to remove dirt particles that would otherwise create a poor connection and lower performance.
Along with regular cleaning, you need to change the wax filter on the device often. The wax filter prevents earwax from entering the device and damaging internal components. Be sure to replace the filter any time you notice wax buildup so as to prevent damage to the devices. A hearing healthcare provider like Audiologists Northwest can show you how to change the filters safely at home and point out the right type of filter for your specific hearing aids.
Share21 December 2015
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