Do's And Don'ts Of Hearing Aid Care

If you've suffered some degree of hearing loss, you may use or plan to use hearing aids to amplify your ability to hear sounds. According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, approximately 20 percent of U.S. adults report some level of hearing loss. As hearing aid devices can be quite costly, it's crucial to properly care for and maintain your hearing aids to ensure that they last for years to come. Follow these do's and don'ts of hearing aid care.

Do's:

Do clean hearing aids as instructed to keep all inner components in good working order. Your hearing aids should be cleaned daily with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid water and cleaning fluids which can cause damage to hearing aids.

Do invest in a hearing aid dehumidifier. During the day, hearing aids can collect moisture due to sweat and humidity. Hearing aid dehumidifiers are designed to dry out the digital circuitry inside the devices while you sleep.

Do handle your hearing aids over a soft surface. Hearing aids are small and fragile and can become easily damaged if accidentally dropped. When handling your hearing aid devices, hold the hearing aids over a plush blanket or pillow.

Do remove ear wax accumulations from your hearing aids on a regular basis. Ear wax buildup in a hearing aid device can cause performance issues, such as reduced volume. To remove ear wax, wipe down the outside casing with a clean, soft cloth.

Don'ts:

Don't expose your hearing aids to extreme heat. When left in direct sunlight or extreme heat or humidity, damage can occur to the devices which can shorten their lifespan. When not in use, keep hearing aids in a dry, cool place.

Don't use haircare products when wearing your hearing aids. Hairspray and other hair care products can enter hearing aid devices, causing permanent damage to the internal components. Also do not spray perfume or insect repellent around the devices.

Don't leave your hearing aids where pets and children can gain access.  Dogs can become irritated due to the whistling sound that emits from hearing aids and they may try to chew them. Hearing aids also pose a choking risk for small children.

Don't wear your hearing aids in or near water sources. If water enters the device, it can cause it to stop working. Therefore, you should never wear your hearing aids while taking a shower or bath, going into a sauna, or doing any other activity in which there is moisture.

If you have hearing aids or are planning to purchase them in the future, it's vital to know how to properly care for your hearing devices. For more information, contact Abingdon Falls Plaza Hearing Center or a similar location.