Hearing Aid Maintenance Tips from Lakewood Hearing Aid Experts
If you rely on hearing aids, you know how life-changing they can be—bringing conversations, music, and the sounds of everyday life back into focus. But to keep them working their best, a little regular care goes a long way. At Modern Audiology Lakewood, we’ve seen firsthand how proper maintenance can make all the difference. Whether you’re adjusting to hearing aids for the first time or have been using them for years, we’ve gathered some simple, practical tips to help you get the most out of your devices and keep them performing their best day after day.
Why Is Hearing Aid Maintenance Important?
Your hearing aids go through a lot every day. Between earwax, sweat, dust, and even hair products, they face a tough environment. It’s no surprise they need some regular care to stay in top shape. Keeping up with simple maintenance not only keeps your hearing clear but also helps you avoid unnecessary repairs or replacements down the road. Here’s why staying on top of it matters:
- Performance: Regular cleaning and care prevent blockages that can impair sound quality or cause your hearing aids to malfunction.
- Durability: Consistent upkeep helps your hearing aids last longer, potentially avoiding costly repairs or replacements.
- Comfort: Well-maintained hearing aids fit better and remain more comfortable throughout the day.
Now, let’s walk through some straightforward maintenance tips that can make a big difference in how well your hearing aids perform and how long they last.
Clean Your Hearing Aids Daily
One of the simplest but most effective ways to maintain your hearing aids is to clean them every day. A daily cleaning routine prevents the buildup of earwax, dust, and other debris that can clog the microphone or receiver, affecting sound quality. Here’s how you can keep them clean:
- Use a soft, dry cloth: Gently wipe the exterior of your hearing aids. Avoid using water or cleaning agents, as moisture can damage the electronics inside.
- Clean the wax guard or filter: Many hearing aids come with wax guards to prevent earwax from reaching the internal components. Make sure to replace these guards as recommended by your hearing aid expert.
- Brush off debris: Use a small, soft brush or the cleaning tools provided with your hearing aids to remove any debris from the microphone and sound openings.
Cleaning your hearing aids is easy but essential to ensure they continue to provide the clear, crisp sound you need.
Keep Them Dry
Moisture is one of the biggest troublemakers for hearing aids. Whether it’s sweat from an active day, the humidity outside, or an accidental splash of water, moisture can sneak in and cause real damage to your devices. But don’t worry—there are simple steps you can take to keep them dry and safe:
- Remove them before showering or swimming: Always take your hearing aids out before any activity that involves water.
- Use a hearing aid dehumidifier: If you live in a humid climate or sweat frequently, consider using a hearing aid dehumidifier or drying box. These devices help remove moisture that may accumulate inside your hearing aids, especially overnight.
- Invest in water-resistant hearing aids: If you lead an active lifestyle, talk to your Lakewood hearing aid expert about water-resistant models that are better suited for sweat and moisture.
By keeping your hearing aids dry, you’ll protect their internal components from rust and corrosion, ensuring a longer life for your devices.
Handle Your Hearing Aids with Care
Hearing aids are built to be durable, but they’re still delicate instruments that can be easily damaged by drops, impacts, or improper handling. To avoid accidental damage:
- Use both hands when putting them on: Always use two hands when inserting or removing your hearing aids to prevent dropping them.
- Avoid leaving them in risky areas: Don’t leave your hearing aids on countertops, near sinks, or in areas where they could easily fall.
- Keep them in a protective case: When not in use, store your hearing aids in a protective case. This is especially important if you travel frequently or have young children or pets at home who might be curious about your devices.
Extra caution goes a long way in keeping your hearing aids working as they should.
Stay Powered: Battery Tips for Your Hearing Aids
Few things are as inconvenient as your hearing aids losing power right when you need them. Whether you use rechargeable models or ones with disposable batteries, keeping your devices powered is key to staying connected to the world around you. Here’s how to manage your battery care effectively:
- For Rechargeable Hearing Aids: Make it a habit to charge your hearing aids overnight, so they’re ready to go each morning. Forgetting to charge them can leave you without sound at critical times, so consider setting a reminder if needed. Always follow your manufacturer’s instructions for charging and battery maintenance to avoid reducing battery life.
- For Disposable Battery Hearing Aids: Keeping track of your battery life is essential to avoid getting caught with dead batteries. Here are a few tips to make your batteries last longer:
- Turn off your hearing aids when not in use: This conserves battery power and extends their life.
- Store batteries properly: Keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent the batteries from draining prematurely. Avoid extreme heat or cold, as this can damage them and shorten their lifespan.
- Have spares on hand: It’s always smart to carry extra batteries, especially when traveling or if you’ll be away from home for long periods.
Whichever type of hearing aid you use, proper battery care helps you avoid unexpected interruptions and saves you from unnecessary costs.
Schedule Regular Checkups with Your Lakewood Hearing Aid Expert
Even with regular daily care, your hearing aids will need a professional checkup from time to time—just like a car needs a tune-up. Scheduling regular appointments with your Lakewood hearing aid expert ensures everything is working as it should. During these visits, your expert can do things you might not be able to at home, such as:
- Perform deep cleaning: There are some areas of your hearing aids that are difficult to clean at home. A professional cleaning helps keep the internal components free of debris.
- Make necessary adjustments: As your hearing needs change, your hearing aids might require adjustments. Your hearing expert can fine-tune your devices to ensure optimal performance.
- Conduct performance checks: Your audiologist will also check the overall performance of your hearing aids, making sure they’re delivering the best possible sound quality.
It’s always better to catch small issues before they turn into bigger (and more expensive) problems. By staying on top of regular checkups, you can avoid unexpected repairs or even the need for a replacement down the road.
Keep Your Ears Clean
Taking care of your ears is just as important as taking care of your hearing aids. Too much earwax can block sound and even clog your devices, making them less effective. To keep everything running smoothly, here are some simple steps for keeping your ears clean and healthy:
- Clean your ears gently: Avoid using cotton swabs, as they can push earwax further into the ear canal. Instead, use a washcloth to gently clean the outer ear.
- Visit your doctor if needed: If you experience excessive earwax buildup, consult your doctor or hearing aid expert for safe removal options. Some audiologists offer professional earwax removal services.
Keeping your ears clean helps your hearing aids work their best by preventing earwax from interfering with sound or blocking the devices.
Leave Hearing Aid Repairs to the Experts
If something seems off with your hearing aids—whether it’s reduced sound quality, feedback, or visible damage—resist the urge to fix it yourself. While it might seem tempting to troubleshoot at home, DIY repairs can easily make things worse. Instead, bring your hearing aids to your trusted expert in Lakewood. They have the right tools and knowledge to quickly identify the issue and get your devices working properly again, saving you from bigger problems down the road.
Conclusion
Taking care of your hearing aids isn’t difficult, but a little consistency goes a long way. By sticking to these simple maintenance tips, you can help your devices last longer and keep them working at their best every day. If you ever run into questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Modern Audiology in Lakewood. Whether it’s a quick cleaning or a more thorough checkup, we’re here to make sure your hearing aids keep delivering the clear sound you rely on.