Hearing Aid Care and Maintenance: Keeping Your Devices in Top Condition

The average lifespan of a hearing aid is about six years, that’s if it is well maintained and cleaned on a regular basis.

Given the expense of a hearing aid, whether covered by insurance or not, paying extra attention to your hearing aids can increase the device’s longevity and save you considerable money in the long run.

This post will look at the importance of hearing aid care and maintenance. We will also cover best practices for keeping your hearing aid in peak form through regular upkeep and checkups so you can enjoy the benefits of assistive hearing for many years.

Why You Should Be Taking Care of Your Hearing Aid

Before we dive into the maintenance of hearing aids, it’s essential to take note of the manufacturer’s instructions on how to take care of your hearing aid. This will prevent you from causing damage to the device. Most hearing aids come with a handy cleaning kit, making the job easier.

There are numerous benefits attached to the general care of your hearing aid. Let’s take a look at these advantages.

You can increase your hearing device’s performance and lifespan by performing regular cleaning checks. At the same time, the sound quality will be improved. This is because a build-up of earwax and other unwanted particles, such as mold, can clog the microphone and transmitter, leading to muffled sounds.

Getting rid of build-up will also help prevent ear infections, which are common among hearing aid users.

Hearing aid users often overlook the battery components when cleaning their devices. Removing the battery and clearing any debris in the battery chamber will also increase your battery life.

Regular maintenance will improve your hearing aid’s overall quality and lifespan. But exactly how do you go about cleaning and maintaining your hearing aid? Read on as we look at some cleaning methods for the two main types of hearing aids: behind-the-ear and in-the-ear.

Behind-the-ear (BTE) Hearing Aid Care

BTE hearing devices are a popular choice due to their versatility. They are also relatively cheaper, and their large size makes them easy to clean and handle for those with limited manual dexterity.

There are two main parts to a BTE device, both of which require regular maintenance.

The outer casing or receiver of the BTE houses the microphone/s, audio controls, and battery compartment. These components are exposed to outside elements, such as water and dust. The ear mold, which sits inside the ear canal, is susceptible to damage caused by earwax build-up and moisture.

You can use a soft, dry cloth at home to clean the outer casing. Ensure it’s a microfiber cloth so you don’t inadvertently add lint to your hearing aid during cleaning. You can use a toothpick or a hearing aid brush to get rid of earwax in the earmold.

It is recommended to perform basic cleaning of your hearing aid daily.

Another tip from the National Council on Aging is to put your device in a hearing aid dehumidifier when it’s not in use to help get rid of any excess moisture.

A more professional clean, accessed at most hearing clinics, is advised at least once a month. At your next hearing checkup, be sure to ask about cleaning services.

Speaking of checkups, getting your hearing aid checked and adjusted to your changing hearing condition will also increase your device’s lifespan and your overall hearing health.

In-the-ear (ITE) Hearing Aid Care

Due to the placement of ITE hearing aids, they are generally more susceptible to earwax build-up and moisture. Their small components also make it a lot more challenging to clean.

Nonetheless, a thorough wash with a hearing aid-specific spray and cleaning tools will help eliminate any debris that will affect the overall performance of your device.

From time to time, check the filters on your hearing aids. It may be time for a new filter if they are too clogged from wax build-up and dirty.

Regular replacement of hearing aid batteries is also essential to hearing aid care.

Deploying many of the same techniques mentioned above, such as using a microfiber cloth to wipe down surfaces and going for monthly professional cleanings, you can boost your device’s performance.

When to Get a New Hearing Aid

Despite a dedicated cleaning schedule and paying particular attention to the maintenance of your hearing aid, several conditions may call for you to replace your hearing aid over time.

As with any technology, newer and more advanced models are always available on the market to facilitate your hearing better. Perhaps some of these advances can benefit your healthy hearing journey.

Your hearing condition also changes as the years go by, especially in the case of presbycusis sufferers, which means you may need a more advanced hearing aid to cater to your hearing needs.

In other cases, changing your lifestyle or overall health may also affect your decision to get a new hearing aid fitted.

If you are unsure whether you need a new hearing aid, a hearing evaluation will be able to give you some more answers.

Wrapping Up

Regular maintenance and care are essential to ensure your hearing aid works as it should. It increases your device’s performance, adds to your general comfort level when using your hearing aid, and reduces your risk of infections.

A few minutes every day is all it takes to ensure the optimal function of your hearing aid. Incorporate a cleaning schedule into your routine, and you will reap the rewards of well-maintained and clean hearing aids.

At Hearing Associates of Las Vegas, our dedicated hearing professionals are ready to guide you on the best practices and tools for cleaning your hearing aids. They can also assist you if you need a new hearing aid.