According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, “About 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from using hearing aids.” If you’re among this population, you’re probably curious what you can do to extend you devices’ lifespan. We review tips for this below.
Clean Them Daily
The number one thing you can do to prolong the lifespan of your hearing aids is clean them every night when you take them out. First, wipe them down with a soft, dry, clean cloth. Then, use a wax pick/wire loop to remove any stubborn debris. Finally, open the battery doors and use a brush to clean out the compartment. If your hearing aid has tubing, take it off and clean it with warm, soapy water once a week; wait for it to dry completely before reattaching.
Keep Them Dry
There’s no greater threat to your hearing aids than moisture. Even hearing aids with a high IP rating are not 100% waterproof, so you should do your best to avoid any moisture. Make sure you always take your hearing aids out before showering, bathing or swimming. Wear an umbrella or a rain jacket with your hood on when it’s raining or snowing. We recommend investing in a dehumidifier to store your devices in at night to remove any residual moisture.
Store Them Safely
You should carefully consider where you want to store your hearing aids when you’re not wearing them. Make sure when you take them out to always put them back in their carrying case, then put this somewhere safe like a high shelf or a locked drawer, where pets and small children cannot get to it. Never store it in the bathroom, as this environment is too moist.
Clean Your Ears
Your ears are a rugged environment for your hearing aids. To help prevent earwax becoming impacted in your hearing aids, be sure to keep your ears clean. Do not use Q-tips to do this. Instead, purchase over-the-counter eardrops from Mariano’s Pharmacy on Waukegen Road and apply them as directed. Once your wax has softened, irrigate your ear canals in the shower. If your ears are very waxy, you can schedule an appointment at North Shore Audio-Vestibular Lab to have it professionally removed.
For more information about extending the life of your hearing aids or to schedule an appointment with a hearing aid expert, call North Shore Audio-Vestibular Lab today.