Simple tips for hearing aid maintenance
Most hearing aid repairs are the result of moisture and earwax accumulating in the hearing aid. The vast majority of these repairs are preventable. Hearing aids are simple to care for; it’s important to clean your instruments every day, either before you put them in your ears in the morning or when you remove them at night. Your audiologist can instruct you on how best to clean your particular hearing aid model, and they will give you some small tools to brush the aid and clean earwax from the sound bore and vent hole. I recommend scheduled maintenance at your hearing care provider’s office every three to six months for a checkup on the health of your devices. You do not need to clean your hearing aid with water or any chemical cleaning solution. Always use a dry cloth or tissue to wipe down your hearing aids.
To best protect your instruments from humidity or moisture, use a Dri-Aid kit or an electronic dryer, such as the PerfectDry Lux or the Zephyr. These kits remove moisture that has accumulated in the instrument (from perspiration, humidity, etc.) and can extend the life of your hearing aids. Electronic drying kits as well as small dry jars are available for purchase from your hearing care provider. Electronic dry aids include a germicidal light that kills most bacteria and other germs, desiccants to absorb moisture, and fans to circulate air through the internal components of the hearing aids. Dry jars use desiccant beads to draw out moisture the hearing aid has accumulated throughout the day, and they are typically less costly.
Avoid dropping your hearing instruments on hard surfaces; the shock can damage the receiver or other miniature electronic components.
Keep your instruments in their case or in your drying kit when they’re not in your ears. It is common for hearing aids to get lost when they’re put in a pocket or purse without their designated case. It’s also not uncommon for dogs to chew on hearing aids left lying out, so keep them in a protective case to prevent damage.
Preventive maintenance is the key to longer-lasting hearing aids. Well-maintained hearing aids can last four to five years, so a little maintenance will go a long way!
