In order to get a long and productive life from your hearing aid, it is very important to maintain it properly. Hearing aids are delicate instruments, and looking after them properly is vital. You will need to know how to clean your hearing aid by removing wax buildup, how to replace and dispose of batteries and how to remove moisture from the aid.
You should put together a kit for maintaining your hearing aids. In this kit you will want a battery tester and spare batteries, silica gel packs and a plastic stethoscope. In addition, if you have a behind the ear hearing aid you will want a forced air ear mold blower. Dead batteries are probably the most common cause of hearing aid malfunction. You will want to replace dead batteries immediately. The spare batteries you have in your kit will be very useful when this occurs. There is nothing worse than been stuck with dead batteries when you have an event to go to! You will want to remember to turn off your hearing aids when you’re not using them in order to prolong the battery life. The silica gel packs are used to prevent moisture from getting into your hearing aid while you are not wearing it.
It is generally a good idea to keep hearing aids away from heat and moisture. Avoid using hairspray or other hair care products while wearing your hearing aid. Keep your hearing aid clean by wiping it with a tissue daily. Make sure you check for damage such as cracks, broken parts, clogged openings or moisture.
Every day, check to make sure that your hearing aid is working properly by listening to it through the stethoscope. Vary the volume while doing this to ensure that the sound is clear and strong without any static or unusual sounds. To make sure the hearing aid is producing a clear sound for you, set the hearing aid to a volume where you like to listen through the hearing aid. Ensure that the hearing aid is not cutting in and out.
The only part of a hearing aid that should be washed is the ear mold piece of a behind the ear hearing aid. Gently wash it with a mild detergent or an ear mold cleaning kit. The forced air blower can be used to dry the ear mold more quickly. The plastic tubing should be checked for stiffness and cracks. It will probably need to be replaced every six months or so.
In the ear and smaller hearing aids should be cleaned with a dry tissue and small brush on a daily basis. Do not attempt to wash them with a damp cloth, as this will damage them.
If you are having any problems with your hearing aid, take it back to the dispenser or audiologist to ensure that it is still properly adjusted for you. The hearing aid will be of no use to you if you do not wear it, so it makes sense to properly maintain it.