When you take good care of your hearing aids, they will take good care of you. They will perform as they should for longer, and you won’t have to replace them regularly. With this in mind then, it’s important to consider the dos and don’ts of hearing aid care. By following the advice below, you will keep your hearing aid in optimal shape for many more years to come.

Listen to the advice your audiologist gives you

Your audiologist will tell you all you need to know about hearing aid care so take note of what they tell you. If you forget something, don’t be afraid to get back in touch with them. This is better than cleaning your hearing aid incorrectly and doing damage to your device, so rely on the support your audiologist will give you.

Avoid condensation

As mentioned, moisture can damage the workings of your hearing aid, so avoid condensation when you can. Remove your hearing aid when you’re getting a bath or shower and remove it before getting into a swimming pool too. Some hearing aids are waterproof, however, so you might still be able to use your device in such circumstances. Check with your audiologist if you’re unsure about your particular hearing aid.

Handle your hearing aids gently

Handle with care! These are the three words that you need to keep in mind when handling your hearing aid. They aren’t indestructible so whether you’re cleaning them, changing the batteries or removing and inserting them into your ear, treat your hearing aids gently to ensure no breakages occur.

Forget to clean your hearing aid after use

Take a few minutes each day to wipe down your hearing aid with a dry, soft cloth and any other items that your audiologist recommends to you. Focus on every part of your hearing aid, including the tubing if using a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid and the battery contacts within your device. You will avoid the buildup of wax and dirt with daily care and this will ensure it functions optimally.

Use water to clean the inside of your hearing aid device

Water can damage the sensitive electronics within the hearing aid device so it should never be used when cleaning. The moisture from the water can corrode the batteries too, and this will affect the performance of your hearing aid. Hearing aid cleaning kits are available, and these include everything you need to care for your device, so speak to your audiologist to find out more.

Spray products near your hearing aid

We aren’t only talking about the cleaning products that shouldn’t be used when maintaining your hearing aid. We are also talking about the perfumes, deodorants and hair sprays you might use when readying yourself for the day ahead. Aerosols and chemicals can cause corrosion within your hearing aid and cause long-term damage. So, always take your hearing aid out when using body and hair spray products and again, never use cleaning products that aren’t designed for your hearing aid.