Hearing aids are a powerful tool that helps people in both quiet and noisy situations. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 7.1% of the U.S. population aged 45 and older use a hearing aid, and hearing aid use has increased by 2.3% among those ages 45 to 64. If you use or are considering using a hearing aid, it’s important to know how to properly care for it so that it’s able to function effectively.
But before we talk about care, let’s break down how your hearing aid works. Every hearing aid is made up of three basic parts: a microphone, amplifier, and speaker. Sound comes in through the microphone which is then converted into electrical signals as sound waves and sends them to the amplifiers. The amplifier increases the sound’s volume and sends them to your ear through the speaker.
Here are some tips for caring for your hearing aid:
Be Careful in Excess Heat
Monitor Moisture & Water
Avoid Shock & Vibration
Schedule Regular Cleanings
Need a new hearing aid? Contact OAT today to learn more about our hearing services.
Be Careful in Excess Heat
Just like a phone with a battery that overheats in the summer, heat can impact your hearing aid. If it’s left somewhere like in a hot car, the heat can shorten the battery life. Excessive heat can also cause the plastic components of your hearing aid to melt. If you’re worried about heat, you can keep it in a protective case when not in use to avoid any damage. When storing it, be sure to keep it in a cool, dry place.
Monitor Moisture & Water
Your hearing aid will also be affected by things like sweat, moisture, and water. For example, if you’re taking a hot shower, you’ll need to take off your hearing aid and store it in a separate room to keep moisture from getting into it. If it does come into contact with water, put it in a place where it can dry out at room temperature. Too much water can damage the internal components and cause them to stop working.
Avoid Shock & Vibration
Similarly to other electronics, hearing aids don’t respond well to shock or vibration. If you drop your hearing aid, it can cause its internal components to move around and become damaged. When not in use, make sure to put it in an area where it won’t be moved like in a case or in a cabinet. This prevents the risk of it being somewhere like on your nightstand where it can fall from a tall height.
Schedule Regular Cleanings
Regularly cleaning your hearing aid will ensure that it works properly and help you avoid potential damage. The most common tools for a hearing aid include a wax removal brush, dry cloth, wax pick, and vent cleaner. You’ll want to use the wax pick to clean any wax buildup but be sure to not use the wax pick around the microphone or receiver. This should be done once a week to avoid too much build-up. Then, you can run the vent cleaner through the opening to further remove any debris. Next, you’ll need to wipe it down with a soft cloth.
If you’re having any problems cleaning your hearing aid or are scared of potentially damaging it, you can take it to a professional. They’ll also be able to make any repairs that you may have missed.
Let the Experts at OAT Help You
At OAT, our dedicated team of physicians are committed to meeting all your hearing needs, protection, prevention, and enhancement, through every stage of your life. Our graduate-level, licensed Audiologists work closely with our team of physicians and nurse practitioners to ensure you get the personalized care you deserve. As our patients continue to prefer a comprehensive approach to their hearing healthcare; and therefore, our office offers an affordable, bundled model to deliver hearing devices and audiological services to meet their everyday listening needs.
