With the current “stay at home” and “shelter in place” orders around the country, it can be difficult to see your hearing aid professional as often as usual. Even as states begin to ease restrictions and businesses cautiously start to reopen, it is best to avoid unneeded visits to places like stores and offices. Even with the best safeguards in place–like social distancing and a face covering–it is safest to avoid contact with anyone who could have COVID-19.
Because it is more challenging to see your hearing aid specialist, it is essential that you know how to take care of your hearing aids at home. While certain problems and emergency situations will need to be brought to a professional, some issues can be resolved on your own. One important way to prevent problems with your hearing aids is to properly maintain them.
While all hearing aids are subject to environmental factors, such as earwax, humidity, moisture, and debris, different types of hearing aids are particularly susceptible to certain types of problems. In-The-Ear (ITE) and Invisible-In-The-Canal (IITC) hearing aids are especially susceptible to earwax. On the other hand, devices that are worn over the ear are more frequently exposed to sweat, water, and physical debris.
No matter which type of hearing aid you have, you can take steps to keep your hearing aids working well. Here are a few simple tips for maintaining your hearing aids at home:
- Always handle your hearing aids with care. Although they are not necessarily fragile, they could break or become lost due to an ill-timed drop.
- Wash your hands before handling your hearing aids.
- Store your hearing aids in a safe, dry place when you are not wearing them. A small, plastic container, like the one your hearing aids likely came in, is perfect. Be sure to keep your hearing aids in a safe place, away from any pets or children.
- Turn off your hearing aids when you are not using them. This can help to extend the battery life.
- Consider using a cord-and-clip system. This attaches to your hearing aids on one end and clips to your clothing on the other end. If your hearing aids fall out, this system prevents them from falling and becoming lost or broken.
- If you often find yourself losing your hearing aids, consider painting them a bright color or adding a bright-colored dot sticker. This can help you find them more easily.
- Periodically clean the battery contacts in your hearing aids. Be sure to also remove any visible earwax or other debris with a clean cloth.
- Regularly change the filters or wax guards. This helps to remove wax and dirt that could interfere with sound quality.
- Do not wear your hearing aids while you shower, swim, use a blow dryer, or use hair spray.
With these easy tips, your hearing aids are likely to stay in good working order. To learn more about how you can take care of your hearing aids at home, we encourage you to contact our hearing practice today. We look forward to assisting you!
