Hearing aids play an important role in helping a person with hearing loss function better in every aspect of life. As a popular choice of hearing solution, hearing aids can be considered an investment. The price range of hearing aids varies depending on the brand, material, technology, power, etc., but one thing is for sure – you need to make an effort to ensure that your hearing aids will last.
In this blog post, we’ll share with you various factors that affect the lifespan of your hearing aids as well as tips on how you can take good care of these compact, highly-intelligent, delicate devices.
Proper Cleaning and Maintenance
Since hearing aids get in contact with skin and the inner parts of the ear, it is susceptible to moisture, sweat, dirt, etc.
Proper cleaning and maintenance of hearing aids will significantly help extend their life span. Clean your hearing aids before going to bed by wiping off any visible dirt with a soft, dry cloth.
Air-dry hearing aids after cleaning. The #1 enemy of hearing aids is moisture. It’s a big help to let hearing aids air dry for several hours (preferably throughout the night) and have the battery compartment open (if applicable).
If you see dirt or moisture build-up on parts of your hearing aid that you cannot seem to reach, bring your hearing aids to your hearing care provider for professional cleaning and maintenance.
Proper Handling and Usage
Hearing aids are subjected to wear and tear every day. Practicing proper handling and storage when the hearing aids are not in use can help determine how long your hearing aids will last.
When not in use, keep your hearing aids in a safe and dry place. Most hearing aids come with their own protective case (some may double as a charging case). Protective cases of hearing aids are designed to protect them from sudden impact or moisture. Some hearing aid cases also come with a built-in dehumidifier to ensure that any residual moisture will be gone.
Avoid putting hearing aids inside a pocket, pouch, or bag that may put these tiny gadgets in jeopardy of getting squished or broken.
Avoid dropping hearing aids at all costs. If possible, put on your hearing aids while sitting down so that in case you drop them, the distance from the floor will not put so much impact on the device.
Regularly change batteries
This is applicable to hearing aids that are powered by disposable batteries. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to how long one set of batteries can be used.
Avoid using old batteries on your device to prevent sub-par performance. Make sure to put in the right battery size with the right voltage to avoid any detrimental effects.
Professional hearing aid repair and service
If you notice that your hearing aid is not working as it should, bringing it in for a professional checkup might be in order. Audiologists are trained and knowledgeable in checking hearing aids to accurately diagnose what could possibly be wrong with the hearing aid.
If you cannot seem to address the issue through basic troubleshooting, don’t attempt to fix it on your own. You must absolutely not tinker with the device, to the point of opening its screws, crevices, etc.
You might put your hearing device’s warranty at risk if you tinker with the hearing aid, so it’s best that you bring it to your hearing care provider for proper care, repair, and/or maintenance
Hearing Aid Maintenance and Repair | Austin, TX
RK audiology offers professional hearing aid maintenance and repair services in Austin, TX.
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