How to Care for Your Hearing Aid
Hearing aids are modern marvels and can often restore or improve hearing. Hearing aids have also come a long way since they were introduced, and they’re often more effective and easier to care for compared to past units. That said, following proper hearing aid maintenance tips can ensure better hearing and reduce the risk of device failures.
The below hearing aid maintenance tips offer a great start. Feel free to ask your doctor or the manufacturer’s customer service department to source more specific hearing aid care tips. Each model is different, and some may have their own unique needs.
Clean Receivers May Mean Cleaner Sounds
Dirty receivers rank among the most common causes of hearing aid failures. Wax buildups are especially common. The receiver should be cleaned on a regular basis. It’s vital to be gentle and avoid harsh chemical cleaners as they may damage the ear.
Wax picks designed specifically for hearing aids rank among the best tools to use. However, make sure to read the user manual to see if the hearing aid unit offers any cleaning features or if the manufacturer has any specific hearing aid care tips regarding the specific model.
A Well-Kept Shell Is a Better Shell
Take a look at your hearing aid, and you’ll notice that it has a shell made of plastic or some other material. This shell protects the internal electronic components and makes it easier to use the hearing aid day in and day out. It’s best to clean the hearing aid shell regularly. This could reduce the risk of dirt and whatnot getting inside the shell and damaging the electronics inside.
If the shell gets dirty, it could even interfere with the operation of volume controls and the like. To clean the shell, it’s best to avoid using too much water. Chemical cleaners are not recommended either. It’s wise to check user manuals to see if the manufacturer has any specific suggestions. One of the most important hearing aid care tips is to make sure to clean the shell regularly.
A Sparkling Microphone (Including the Ports)
Microphones play an essential role in hearing aids; if they get gunked up, the hearing device may no longer work properly. Microphones are also very sensitive, so it’s important for those cleaning them to be very careful. Before cleaning the microphone, users should read any included instruction manuals for any hearing aid maintenance tips.
It’s smart to use the cleaning brushes included with the hearing aid when it was purchased. These brushers should be less likely to produce damage. Typically, while cleaning, you should not stick anything into the port. And when cleaning the hearing aid as a whole, it’s best to make sure the port faces down. This way, debris will be less likely to fall in.