Are you in the market for hearing aids? Have you recently been fitted with a new set of devices? If so, it’s important to understand the proper care and maintenance of your hearing aids. Many people are unaware that improper use or lack of cleaning can affect how well their hearing aids work. Learning how to maintain your hearing aids properly is also essential for ensuring they last and continue to facilitate improved sound quality over time. This blog post will share top tips on taking care of – and getting the most out of – your all-important device!
Understanding Your Hearing Aids
Have you recently received hearing aids and are unsure of how to correctly care for them? Understanding what the different parts of your hearing aids do is essential in order to ensure that they will last and keep your ears healthy. Hearing aids come with many parts, each working in tandem to give you clearer sound.
Knowing the varying functions of these components and how to care for them can be very helpful in making sure your device is functioning optimally. Many pieces need consideration from the microphone, which grabs sound and sends it to the receiver, to the wax guard and vent, which help maintain a consistent level of sound.
If you are struggling to utilize the more advanced features of your hearing aids, don’t hesitate to talk to your hearing care professional! It’s our job to ensure you understand the various functions of your devices!
Cleaning and Maintenance Basics
Caring for hearing aids takes patience and dedication but is essential to ensure they continue performing at their best. Cleaning and maintenance basics can help preserve the longevity of your hearing aids. Before cleaning, it’s important to make sure you have tools designed for this purpose, such as a cleaning brush or soft cloth, along with specialized cleaners made specifically for hearing aids.
When cleaning your devices, start by brushing away any visible wax build-up, followed by wiping them down gently with a small piece of cloth; never submerge them in water or leave them in direct sunlight or excessive heat. If you experience lingering or recurring issues, consult with your audiologist to see if they are due to contamination, unstable program settings, poor reception, or earmold fit.
Battery Replacement
Replacing the batteries in your hearing aids is a very important task that should not be done without professional guidance. The type of battery and the specific size is necessary to maintain optimal performance, so using a professional to provide this advice is essential. For example, you should use zinc-air batteries for their longer life span and easy availability, but there are many other kinds available on the market.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Common problems that might arise when caring for your hearing aids can range from a clogged sound tube to the device not sitting correctly. Clogged sound tubes can be caused by wax and debris being trapped in the tube, blocking off the sound wave and impairing your hearing. To fix this, you should use a specific cleaning brush to clean out the wax build-up of debris. On the other hand, sometimes your hearing aid can slip or fall out due to incorrect fitting, which causes instability and isn’t good for consistent sound quality.
Some solutions to this common problem are double-checking fit each time you put in the device, using a moldable insert material if necessary to adjust head shape and size, and replacing ear tips frequently to make sure they fit snugly against your ears. Lastly, it’s important to know that troubleshooting more complex problems, such as feedback or battery life, should be addressed with an audiologist in order to ensure the best hearing possible.
With small, but regular maintenance, you can trust that your hearing aids will last a long time. Be sure to assess their performance every few months, inspect them regularly for dirt or wax build-up, and clean them with a dry cloth. Store them in a case when not in use, and have your audiologist check on the fit and sound quality annually. Taking care of your hearing aids will save time, money, and frustration in the long run! Following these simple steps will ensure that you get the most out of your devices for as long as possible.
Get in touch with the team at Hear Again America by calling (877) 905-9493 to learn more about hearing aid maintenance and care. We’re here to answer any questions you have and provide the resources you need to stay informed.