Hearing aids are a tool that help you hear. They’re not a cure for hearing loss. If you have a hearing aid, it’s important to take care of it so it continues to work well. You should also know what to do if your hearing aid breaks or malfunctions.
Hearing aids are delicate pieces of equipment, and they require some TLC to maintain their effectiveness. Here are some tips on how to take caring for your hearing aids:
If your hearing aid doesn’t seem to be working properly, contact your doctor or audiologist immediately. If you can’t reach them right away, go to an emergency room or urgent care center. The sooner you get help for your hearing loss, the better off you’ll be.
Keep it safe: Keep your hearing aid in a case when it’s not in use. If you don’t have one, keep it in a small plastic bag to protect it from dust and moisture. Don’t drop or bang the hearing aid against hard objects or sharp edges, which could damage the device. If you do drop or bang your hearing aid, inspect it carefully for any signs of damage before using it again.
Clean your hearing aid regularly: Cleaning your hearing aid helps prevent ear infections, which can lead to more serious problems if not treated early enough. First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer (not soap). Then remove the battery from the device so that no moisture gets inside while cleaning it. Use a soft cloth moistened with water to wipe away any dirt or debris on the outside of the unit. Rinse well with plain water afterward, then dry thoroughly with a clean cloth before replacing the battery back into its compartment and turning on again.
Don’t expose your device to water or liquids. It’s important to avoid getting moisture in your ears when you’re swimming or bathing, as this can cause ear infections and damage to the hearing aid.
Be careful with headphones and earphones that have a volume control on them — if they’re turned up too loud, they can damage your hearing!
If you feel tingling or pressure in your ear while wearing an aid, turn it off immediately and remove it from your ear canal until the sensation goes away (this may take up to 15 minutes). This could mean that there’s too much wax inside your canal or that something is blocking airflow into or out of the canal.