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Congratulations on getting your first set of hearing aids! No doubt it’s been a long process between getting your hearing tested, selecting the device that will give you the most benefit and tweaking the programming until it’s just right. In order to have the best possible experience with your hearing aids, it’s important to care for them properly. Below we review the dos and don’ts of hearing aid care.
The Dos of Caring for Hearing Aids
Hearing aids need to be cleaned every single day. Think about it: you wouldn’t go weeks without showering or washing your clothes; why are your hearing aids any different? They’re exposed to the rugged environment of your ear and subjected to earwax, sweat and oils.
Below are tips for cleaning your devices:
After wearing your hearing devices all day, first wipe them down with a soft, dry cloth or tissue.
Next, carefully inspect the earmold to see if earwax has accumulated. If it has, use a brush, wax pick or wire loop to remove it. These tools are available at your audiologist’s office.
Finally, open the battery door and store the devices in their case for the night. Opening the battery door preserves the battery life and allows moisture to evaporate.
If there is stubborn earwax that doesn’t come off, try again to clean it the next morning once it has dried out. Hold the device so wax falls out instead of into the device.
The Don’ts of Caring for Hearing Aids
Unfortunately, too many well-meaning people have damaged their hearing aids through improper cleaning.
Read the list of hearing aid don’ts below to avoid a similar mishap:
Avoid using alcohol swab or other cleaning solvents on the devices, as they can break down the materials used to make hearing aids. Only use sprays designed specifically for hearing aids.
Don’t let your hearing aids get wet. Make sure to take them out before bathing, showering or swimming. Use an umbrella if it’s raining.
Do not expose your devices to heat, even if they get wet. In the same vein, don’t store them where they’ll be exposed to direct sunlight.
Don’t drop the hearing aid. Accidents happen, so be sure to insert, remove and clean the devices over a soft surface.
When your car breaks down, you trust Shorey Automotive to get it running again. If you experience hearing aid problems, be sure to bring them to Topeka ENT for quality care. Call today to schedule an appointment!