Hearing Aid Maintenance

Today's digital hearing aids are constructed with sensitive electronics that offer improved sound quality. Yet hearing aids are easy to operate and maintain, and the majority of repairs can be prevented with proper maintenance and care. Moisture and earwax accumulating in the hearing aid typically cause most problems. The good news is a hearing aid that is well cared for can last for up to seven or more years of use.

General Care

• Inspect and clean the hearing aid each time you remove it from your ear. Never use water or other liquid solutions to clean a hearing aid. Instead use a dry, soft cloth for cleaning. Daily cleaning not only helps the hearing aid to work better, but proper maintenance also can extend the lifetime of the device. When not wearing the hearing aid, leave the battery drawer open so that air can ventilate and dry the hearing aid throughout. It also is a good practice to work over a soft surface whenever cleaning a hearing aid or changing the battery. Place a towel over the work area, as dropping a hearing aid can damage it if it falls onto a hard surface, such as a counter top.

Cleaning

• Keep the ear mold clean by removing wax and moisture, as buildup of earwax can interfere with the transmission of sound. Carefully remove the ear mold and tube from the hearing aid. Rinse under running water. The water should be lukewarm in temperature. Place the ear mold and tube in a bowl of mild, soapy water. Soak for about 10 minutes to loosen any earwax or other dirt. Do not use cotton swabs, toothpicks or other pointed objects to clean the ear mold and tube. After soaking, rinse again under warm, running water. Dry with a soft cloth. If there is any moisture remaining in the tube, insert the tip of a small air blower into the tube and puff air until the tube is completely dry. Reattach the ear mold and tube to the hearing aid. Take note whether the plastic tube is soft and pliable. If not, it is probably time to replace it.

Warning

• Moisture can damage a hearing aid. Protect the hearing aid against high temperatures and humidity. Heat, moisture and aerosol sprays may cause harm to the device. Do not wear a hearing aid when you take a bath or shower, when you go swimming, or before using a hair dryer. You also should remove it before using hair spray, spray cologne or other aerosol or mist sprays, as the chemicals contained in some of these products could damage some of the components. Do not wear a hearing aid when having medical diagnostic procedures, including X-rays, CT scans or MRI scans. Hearing aids should not be left in direct sunlight, such as on a windowsill, or in a closed vehicle, where it may be exposed to extreme heat.

Batteries

• Turn off your hearing aid when it is not in use so that you use fewer batteries. It's a good idea to make it a habit to keep extra batteries on hand. Waiting to replace dead batteries can result in the need to reprogram the settings on the hearing aid. A dead battery should be removed promptly in order to prevent leakage and damage to the hearing aid. The sealing label should not be removed until you are ready to insert the battery into the hearing aid, as removing it activates the battery. How long a battery lasts is dependent on the quality of the battery, in addition to the type of hearing aid. Some hearing aids require more power to use. The average lifetime for a hearing aid battery is about four to six weeks. Place the hearing aid in its case and keep in a dry place at room temperature for safe storage when not in use.

Benefits

• Despite the difficulties some elderly individuals have when it comes to managing the routines associated with using hearing aids, a report issued by the American Academy of Audiology (see first Reference) maintains that people who wear hearing aids appear to have a better quality of life. The article, published in a 2007 issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, concluded that wearing a hearing aid offers positive social and psychological benefits.

Prevention

• There are a number of things you can do to maximize the lifetime of a hearing aid, as it is an investment worth protecting. Consider scheduling an appointment with a hearing aid professional every three to six months to have the device checked and cleaned. Do this is in addition to daily cleaning and inspection at home. Keep in mind that there are all kinds of special products and accessories (see Resources below) available to clean and disinfect hearing aids and their ear molds safely and economically.