Have you just invested in your first pair of hearing aids? Whether this is your first time, or you’ve been enjoying the benefits of improved communication and awareness of your environment for years, It’s no doubt you are going to want to get as long a life as possible out of these amazing devices. Here are just a few tips to make sure you have your hearing aids, functioning at their best for years to come!
How Long Do Hearing Aids Last?
Most hearing aids can last anywhere from 3 to 7 years. While this may not seem like a long time to many, consider how much work they do every day. To get the most out of your hearing aids, they should be worn from the time you wake up till the time you go to sleep, only to be removed when bathing or swimming. This means they go everywhere with you and are exposed to all the elements you are.
Daily Cleaning
One of the best ways to help your hearing aids last longer is with a regular cleaning routine. Add it to your nightly bedtime hygiene routine and very quickly it will be as second nature as brushing your teeth and flossing! Even 5 minutes a day can make a huge difference in extending the life of your hearing aids. At the end of the day your daily cleaning should include:
- Wipe away dirt, debris, dust, and earwax off your hearing aids with a soft, dry cloth
- Use a hearing aid pick or hearing aid brush to clean out any earwax blocking important openings such as the receiver, the microphone, and around the battery door.
- Open the battery door so the battery can release any moisture and wipe the contact ports. Leave the battery door open overnight.
Extending the Life of Your Battery
Many people have become accustomed to hearing aid batteries which need to be changed every three to five days. It’s always a good idea to carry extra with you in case they run out unexpectedly. At the end of the day open the battery door to stop the battery power from being drained overnight. Nowadays more and more hearing aids are switching to rechargeable batteries. All you must do is plug your hearing aids in overnight and they should have a full charge to get you through the day.
Avoid Moisture Damage
Like any electronic, moisture is not your friend. It can cause short circuits and battery corrosion. Though many hearing aids boast some degree of water resistance, very few hearing aids are 100 percent waterproof. Remember to take out your hearing aids before showering or swimming. In the warm months, humidity can become an issue. It may be a good investment if you live in a humid climate to invest in a hearing aid dehumidifier which will remove excess water from your hearing aids overnight. Some dehumidifiers double as a battery charger as well.
Changing Hearing Aid Parts
Inspecting and cleaning your hearing aids nightly will help you recognize if there is visual damage to your hearing aids. If you notice a tube that needs to be replaced due to cracks, as is often the case with Behind-the-Ear hearing aids, we can provide you with some replacement parts. In addition, some models of hearing aids have filters which need to be replaced to avoid muffling sound, while other models offer replaceable ear pieces which are easy to self-install.
Regular Servicing
When you take care of your hearing aids you can make sure you get the most out of them. Still, regular servicing with us can take care of issues which are most likely beyond your capacity. In addition, hearing changes over time, so regular hearing checkups are essential to making sure your hearing program is optimized best for you. We recommend getting your hearing aids serviced once every 6 months. Our professionals will notice any problems you’ve missed. In addition, they can screen for any developments in your hearing loss and adjust your hearing aid program to work best for you. For more care tips and to schedule your next maintenance appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us today.