Hearing aids are an investment, so let’s take a look at some simple tips to help you keep yours working for longer.
When you invest in a pair of hearing aids, you’ve likely spent a lot of time researching, talking with your audiologist, and working with specialists to get it just right. Now, it’s time to take care of your hearing aids so that they can last as long as possible. Here are a few of our top tips to help your hearing aids last longer.
Read Your User Guide
Hearing aids vary in many ways, and your user manual or guide will give you helpful hints and tips on how to get the most out of your devices. It may have helpful illustrations on cleaning tips, warranty information, or best practices on charging. Ask your audiologist if you have questions about your specific hearing aids.
Keep Them Dry
Even when newer hearing aid models tout water resistance, it’s a good idea to keep your hearing aids as dry as possible to reduce the possibility of water or moisture damage. This is especially key for liquids like sweat or salt water from a beach day, which may eventually corrode or break down vital components of your devices. It’s best practice to wipe down your hearing aids with a soft cloth or set them in a dehumidifier after exercise, spending time at the pool or beach, or any other time that moisture accumulates in your devices. Keeping them dry will help increase the longevity and functionality.
Travel With Care
Your hearing aids, while resilient, can be broken during travel or transit if they’re not properly packed. If you’re traveling, be sure to have a hard-shell case with a soft interior to cushion and protect your devices from bumps, drops, and accidental impacts. This can help keep them working well and safe for your adventures to come for many years.
It’s a good idea to keep them in a safe place while at home, too. Consider having a charging station or dish to keep them in for safety, visibility, and ease of use. Keeping them in one set location can also help reduce the risk of losing or misplacing the devices.
Clean and Inspect Regularly
Cleaning your devices regularly and inspecting all the parts for wear can help you identify problems quickly for a speedy, small repair. Cleaning away buildup or dust can help extend the life of your devices and keep the listening quality high.
Perform Regular and Preventative Maintenance
When you see a small problem arise, or feel like your hearing aid is not performing as well as it once did, be sure to take it in for diagnostics or maintenance. These small repairs over time can help keep your devices functioning at their best and reduce the likelihood of a large problem or complete device failure. Your hearing aids are an investment, just like a car or a bicycle, so regular tune-ups are a key part of helping them last as long as possible.
Keep an Eye on Battery Life
Many newer hearing aids are rechargeable, meaning your battery is fixed inside your hearing aid device. If you notice your hearing aids dying more quickly, not holding a charge, or struggling to turn on, try replacing the battery first before investing in a completely new device. Talk with your audiologist or a specialized hearing aid repair company to see if they can assist in changing out the battery for a new one. You may also want to check your user manual or your warranty to see if the brand offers any guidance or help on how to start this process.
Talk with your Audiologist
During your regular check-ups with your audiologist, be sure to ask if there are any additional steps you should be taking to keep your hearing aids working their best. They may have specialized feedback or advice to help you keep your devices working for years to come.
Hearing aids are an excellent tool and can be a significant investment. By following these simple tips, you can get the most out of your hearing aids and enjoy them for many years of activity and adventure. For more tips and tricks on hearing loss, assistive listening devices and hearing aids, senior living, and more, visit the CapTel blog.
