Audiology On Call, Your Hearing Care Experts Discusses Why Maintenance Is Key For Keeping Your Hearing Aids Working Properly
Hearing aids offer tremendous benefits for those with hearing loss. They help wearers lead a normal life and engage in daily activities without discomfort. However, taking care of hearing aids is as important as getting them. At Audiology On Call, your hearing care experts, we understand that proper maintenance can extend the life of your hearing aids and can significantly improve their performance. Here are a few ways to keep your hearing aids listening clear.
The Importance of Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance of hearing aids is critical to protect their performance. It is important to keep them clean and dry and to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Regular maintenance should always be performed by a hearing care professional. This will help you avoid hearing aid repairs and save money in the long run.
The following are a few tips on how to take care of your hearing aids:
Clean and Dry Your Hearing Aids
Hearing aids should be kept clean and dry to prevent damage and ensure that they function properly. Be sure they are cleaned regularly, especially if you use them in dusty or dirty environments. Moisture is also a common cause of hearing aid damage. Therefore, it is essential to dry your hearing aids thoroughly if they become wet.
If you accidentally get your non-waterproof hearing aids wet, take the following steps:
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- Turn them off immediately and remove the batteries.
- Carefully dry the hearing aids with a towel or tissue. Avoid using a hairdryer, since the heat can further damage the hearing aid. Use a hearing aid dehumidifier if you have one. Some of our favorite hearing aid dehumidifiers are the Dry and Store and the DryLux. Many brands of rechargeable hearing aids also have a built-in dryer.
- Leave the hearing aids to dry at room temperature for at least 24 hours before turning them back on.
- Alternatively, you can also try putting the hearing aid in a sealed bag of uncooked rice, which will absorb the moisture.
Replace Batteries Regularly
The battery life of hearing aids varies depending on the type and usage. It is important to replace your hearing aids’ batteries regularly to ensure that they work correctly. Most hearing aids will beep or give a low battery warning when they need to be replaced. Keep extra batteries on hand so that you can replace them immediately when they die.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Hearing aids should be kept in a cool and dry place to avoid damage caused by extreme temperatures. You should avoid leaving them in the car, near a heat source, or window. Extreme temperatures can damage the electronics and the battery.
When to Consult Audiology On Call, Your Hearing Care Experts
While regular maintenance can prevent most problems with hearing aids, there may be times when you need to consult a hearing care expert such as Audiology On Call. If you notice any of the following issues, it may be time to schedule an appointment with a hearing care professional:
Decreased Volume
If you notice that the volume of your hearing aid has decreased, it may be due to a clogged speaker (wax Guard) or earwax buildup. Consulting a hearing care expert to clean the hearing aid or replace the wax guard should be your next step.
Intermittent Sound
If you experience intermittent sound, it may be due to a loose battery door or a damaged wire. A hearing care expert can diagnose and repair the issue.
Feedback or Whistling Sound
Feedback or whistling sound can be caused by a loose fitting or damage to the receiver or microphone. A hearing care expert can adjust the fit or replace the damaged part. They can also check your ears for wax which may also be causing the sound to “reverberate” and cause feedback.
Hearing Loss Changes
If you notice that your hearing loss has changed or you are experiencing increased difficulty hearing, you should consult a hearing care expert. At Audiology On Call, we can meet you in your home or office to perform a hearing assessment and adjust your hearing aid settings or recommend a new one if needed.
It’s important to note that some hearing aids may require replacement after several years of use. A hearing aid’s lifespan is typically around five to seven years, but this may vary depending on the manufacturer, type of hearing aid, and usage.
Maintenance of Your Hearing Aids Means Hearing The Best
Regular care and maintenance of hearing aids are essential for optimal performance and longevity. In addition to routine maintenance, there may be times when you need the help of a hearing care expert.
Audiology On Call, The Hearing Care Experts For North Georgia
Audiology On Call offers comprehensive hearing assessments, hearing aid services, and maintenance. Our local hearing care experts provide a concierge-style approach to hearing care, offering convenience and affordability.
Ready To Hear Better? Contact Us Now or Call Us at (833) 244-3275.
