Are you experienced with using hearing aids?

Preventive Care & Maintenance

It is important to treat your hearing aids with care to minimize potential problems during everyday use. Here are some tips and techniques that you can try in your daily life!

• Always handle with care.

  Although hearing devices are far more durable than they once were, they still should be handled with care. Always hold them securely to avoid dropping them. When changing the batteries or cleaning your devices, set them on a soft surface such as a towel. Clean your devices with a soft, dry cloth and never use alcohol, solvents or cleaning agents unless recommended by your hearing care professional.

• Protect your hearing aids from moisture and dirt.

  Your hearing aids contain some very sophisticated technology and circuitry in a tiny shell. When it’s exposed to moisture or dirt it can cause serious damage.

  • Always make sure that your fingers are clean and dry before touching your hearing aid.
  • Although hearing aids are now being made to be water resistant it’s recommended that you still remove them when showering or swimming. Due to the high ambient humidity, you should not leave the devices in the bathroom.
  • If your hearing aids do come in contact with water, dry them immediately with a towel. Never attempt to dry them with a hair drier or other heated device, since the high heat can damage them.

  To minimize moisture or condensation which may damage the hearing aid (especially if you live in a humid area!) we recommend removing the battery from the device at night, leaving the battery compartment open. Alternatively, you can also consider using a special dehumidifier accessory available from your hearing care professional.

• Keep devices free of earwax and other such harmful particles.

  Earwax is one of the leading causes of decreased performance in hearing aids. Earwax accumulation on the receiver, earpiece or hearing aid could cause the sound quality to be affected. This is also relevant when using some body care products such as hairspray or powder, where the product’s fine particles could also accumulate on the device thus affecting its performance.

  It’s important to take time and clean them frequently. After each day of wearing your hearing aids, take a dry cotton swab or soft dry toothbrush and gently remove any earwax or debris that may be on the device or earpiece. Remember to clean all parts of the hearing aid!

• Keep your hearing aids in a safe place.

  When your hearing aids are not in use, it is best to keep them in the drying set or in their carrying case and out of reach of children and pets. This would protect your devices from accidental damage and dirt. If you don’t use your hearing aids for a while, we do recommend to remove the battery to prevent any unexpected discharge causing damage.

• Schedule routine cleanings.

  While cleaning and taking care of your devices at home can greatly improve the life of your hearing aids, you should still bring them in to be properly cared for by a professional on a regular schedule. The hearing care professional would be able to inspect your device closely, and spot any repair that you may need. You should schedule a follow-up session with your local hearing healthcare professional every 4-6 months or immediately if you suspect there’s something wrong.