Caring for and maintaining your hearing aid is important for it to function properly and to lengthen its life span. At Intermountain Audiology, our hearing aids are custom fit to the individual wearing them, and they may have specific care instructions that go beyond these general tips. Always listen to what your audiologist recommends, and read the instructions on your hearing aid closely.
Here are some general care tips for your hearing aids to work at their peak in all seasons.
Hearing Aid Maintenance
Regardless of the time of year, hearing aids should be wiped clean daily with a dry, lint-free cloth. They should be kept away from moisture, which means they shouldn't be worn while showering or swimming. Hair spray should also be avoided, as should blow dryers since they cannot be exposed to extreme heat for long periods of time.
Earwax buildup may also be a problem for some patients. Most earwax can be removed with a soft cloth, but you may need to invest in special tools if the buildup becomes too severe. Once again, your doctor of audiology will be able to give you some recommendations.
Winter Hearing Aid Care
Cold weather won't necessarily harm hearing aids, but it's generally not recommended wearing them outdoors while shoveling snow or doing other cold weather activities. Taking off a winter hat or a pair of earmuffs too quickly can knock a hearing aid loose, causing it to break on a hard sidewalk or get lost in the snow. Many hearing aids are lost or broken this way, so be careful in icy and snowy weather.
Summer Hearing Aid Care
When the weather gets hot, the heat can be hard on a hearing aid, and not just because of the warmer temperature. People sweat more during the spring and summer, and that added moisture can cause problems for hearing aids.
If you find yourself sweating on a hot day, remove your hearing aid more regularly to wipe it dry with a lint-free cloth. You can also keep your hearing aid in a dryer at night to protect it from humidity. There are several dry aid kits available for sale, so take a look especially if you live in a particularly humid environ.
Proper maintenance of your hearing aid is critical in helping you understand more clearly in small and large groups. We recommend you visit your hearing clinic every 3 months for a professional cleaning.