Handle With Care

Hearing aids are built to take a degree of abuse. However, they can break, and if this happens, you might be faced with a large repair bill. Always hold the device carefully, and don't drop it onto hard surfaces. Place the device on a secure surface where it can't fall to the ground. You don't want to accidentally step on the hearing aid or allow a mischievous pet to get hold of it.

Clean Your Hearing Aid Often

Keep the hearing aid clean and free of earwax, body oil, sweat and dust. Depending on personal needs, clean it daily or every few days. Don't make the cleaning so infrequent that visible dirt collects on the device.

The Housing or Shell

Clean the outer casing using a soft, dry cloth, or use a special cleaning wipe from the audiologist. If necessary, use a slightly damp, but not wet, cloth to remove stubborn dirt.

Microphone  

A hearing aid has one or two microphones found on the shell. Use the cleaning brush, supplied with the hearing aid, to gently clean the microphone slits or holes. It's best to have the microphone facing downwards to let loose dirt fall out. Never use anything sharp, such as a pin or needle, as it may damage the microphone.

Ear Receiver or Speaker

The receiver or speaker transmits amplified sound into the ear canal. Carefully clean the receiver to remove any dirt or wax. If there's wax inside the silicone bud or covering the speaker, use the small wax pick supplied with the device to scoop out the wax. Be very gentle, as you don't want to damage the speaker.

Wax Filter      

Most devices have a small plastic wax filter to protect the internals of the hearing aid. If there's a wax buildup on the filter, change it. Be careful to replace the filter with the correct type.

Keep Everything Dry            

Although hearing aids are water-resistant, that doesn't mean they're waterproof. The device is fine if you get caught in a rain shower or it gets splashed, but don't wear it in the shower or bath or when swimming. Don't immerse it in water when you're cleaning it. If the hearing aid gets wet, dry it using a soft towel. Don't use a hair dryer, as the heat may damage the casing and electronics.

Professional Servicing

Get your hearing aid professionally cleaned and serviced at least twice a year. During the service, the audiologist or technician deep-cleans the device to remove ingrained dirt and wax. They also clean or, if necessary, replace the hearing tube, wax guard and wax filter. If the device is rechargeable, the technician checks the batteries and replaces them when they no longer hold sufficient charge. The technician also verifies and adjusts the sound settings to suit your hearing profile. It's recommended that seniors over 65 get their hearing tested annually and the hearing aid adjusted to suit auditory changes.

Storage Tips

When not in use, store the hearing aid in a safe place that's cool, clean and dry. It's wise to leave the battery door open to protect the battery contacts from moisture, particularly if using a humidifier in the home.

Looking After Hearing Aid Batteries        

A hearing aid needs good batteries to function correctly. Always use the recommended type of battery, and only buy replacements from an audiologist or a reputable supplier.

Turn Off When Not in Use

Always turn off the hearing aid when not in use. If you're not going to use the hearing aid for a few days, remove the batteries to prevent corrosion of the terminals from a dead or leaking battery.          

Change Batteries

Replace the batteries periodically. Depending on their size and the type of hearing aid, expect the batteries to last anywhere from 3 to 20 days. For ease of reference, hearing aid batteries are color-coded:

• Yellow. The smallest battery lasts for 3 to 7 days.
• Brown. This slightly larger battery, depending on the hearing aid, can last from 3 to 10 days.
• Orange. Orange batteries are slightly thicker with a life of 6 to 14 days.
• Blue. The largest hearing aid battery lasts from 9 to 20 days.

Rechargeable Batteries

If the device has rechargeable batteries, keep them charged. This applies even when you're not using the device for a few days, as rechargeable batteries deteriorate if left uncharged. Rechargeable batteries have less capacity than nonrechargeable batteries, so you normally need to charge them every night. These batteries last for 3 to 5 years before they need replacing, a task that should be done by a qualified audiologist or technician.

Enjoying Better Hearing

These simple tips will help keep your hearing aid working as intended. If you're a resident in our assisted living community and your fingers are stiff or sore or your eyesight isn't what it used to be, ask for assistance with your personal needs from our compassionate staff here at Bethesda Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care in Phoenix, Arizona.