Hearing aids are a remarkable advancement in the world of audiology, a lifeline that helps individuals to navigate their daily lives despite experiencing hearing loss. These small, but very powerful devices, can completely transform your life when you are experiencing hearing loss, but if you do not take very good care of them, then they may not be able to help you as effectively as they could and you may need to replace them more frequently than you should.

With that being the case, let’s take a look at a few simple things you can do to extend the life of your hearing aids right now:

1. Clean Regularly

Just as you regularly maintain your car or home appliances, so too should your hearing aids be subjected to a routine cleaning regimen. Every day, they are exposed to dust, wax and other minute particles that can compromise their performance over time. Implement a daily cleaning routine, which is actually really easy to do by using a soft dry cloth to remove any build-up or even better, using a hearing aid cleaning tool provided by your audiologist, to remove any dust and wax.

Making this a regular part of your daily routine helps protect against potential damage and ensure your hearing aids are always ready to perform at their best. Please remember, water and cleaning chemicals should be avoided as they can harm your hearing aids’ delicate structure.

2. Store them Safely

Protecting your hearing aids so that they are not unnecessarily damaged, will extend their lifespan significantly. One of the ways to do this is by simply considering where you store them very carefully.

A suitable storage environment for your hearing aids is generally one that is as cool and dry as possible. It should also be a place where your hearing aids are unlikely to be knocked over or stepped on, for example, as they are pretty delicate instruments. Keeping them away from children and any pets you may have will also go a long way to keeping them safe from accidental damage too. It’s also worth bearing in mind that moisture poses a threat to the inner workings of these devices, and to combat this, a dehumidifying container could be an excellent investment.

3. Preventing Damage

Finally, one must be conscious of environments and situations that could lead to potential damage. Ensure that your hearing aids are removed during showering, swimming or applying any hair care products, as these activities might expose the devices to moisture and chemicals. Likewise, you should be mindful of exceptionally dusty, rainy or humid conditions which could affect the longevity and performance of your hearing aids.

4. See Your Audiologist Frequently

Regular check-ups with your audiologist aren’t just a suggestion that you can choose to follow or not. They’re essential to extending the lifespan of your hearing aids for as long as possible.

Your audiologist possesses the expertise to spot any minor issues that could evolve into significant problems if left unchecked. They will also assess if your hearing aids need adjustments or fine-tuning to meet your hearing requirements effectively. Thus, maintaining a schedule of regular check-ups with your audiologist is as critical as the hearing aids themselves.

By understanding and acting on these four steps, you can maximize your hearing aids’ lifespan, ensuring they continue to provide you with clear and vibrant sounds. It’s a combination of consistent cleaning, secure storage, regular check-ups with your audiologist and a consciousness of situations that might lead to potential damage. So, although this may sound like a lot, when you break it down, it is actually really simple and worthwhile if it means you can get the most from your hearing aids.

Get in touch with Clifton Springs Hearing Center today

At Clifton Springs Hearing Center, our dedicated team of audiologists are committed to helping you navigate the journey of hearing loss. Whether you’re just beginning to explore what hearing aids can do for you, or you’ve been using them for years, our team is here to provide the guidance, care and service you need to make the most out of your hearing health.

If you’d like to learn more about extending the life of your hearing aids, or if you’re interested in scheduling an appointment with one of our experienced audiologists, please give us a call at 315-496-4314. We’re here to answer your questions and provide you with the support and expertise necessary to ensure that your hearing aids continue to serve you well.

Tags: hearing aid basics, hearing aid repair