Spring tends to have a rejuvenating effect on us, often prompting us to clean and organize our surroundings. This season is an opportune time to extend that care to your hearing aids to ensure they contribute optimally to your auditory world year-round.
Understanding the steps for cleaning, maintaining, and storing your devices properly will preserve their functionality and increase their lifespan so you can hear at your best no matter the weather.
Establish a Daily Cleaning Regime
Creating a routine is the foundation of effective hearing aid care. This daily practice helps nip bigger problems in the bud.
Gentle Cleansing
Every night, take a few minutes to wipe your hearing aids with a dry, soft cloth. This helps remove oils or earwax that build up during the day, ensuring the microphones are not blocked.
Brush Away Debris
Use the small brush provided with your hearing aids to gently clean the microphone ports and reduce the risk of feedback from blockages.
Inspect Wax Guards
Monitor the wax guards, as they protect the device’s internal components. Replace them when necessary; a telltale sign that they need replacing is a change in sound quality or frequent feedback noises.
Monthly Deep Clean and Assessment
While a daily routine keeps issues at bay, diving deeper once a month can prevent more significant problems.
Comprehensive Cleaning
Utilize a hearing aid drying kit to pull out moisture that may have been absorbed from the environment. This is especially important if you live in a humid area.
Battery Check
This is the perfect time to check batteries if they are not rechargeable. Clean the contacts in the battery compartment with a dry cotton swab to maintain optimal contact for better battery life.
Schedule Regular Professional Checkups
Incorporating professional expertise into your care routine adds another layer of assurance for your devices’ functionality.
Biannual Professional Maintenance
Your hearing care professional should see your devices at least twice a year. This checkup includes a thorough cleaning, sound quality checks, and potential adjustments needed for optimal personalization.
Preventative Care
Clean and check appointments also provide an opportunity for early diagnosis of any potential issues that could compromise the aid's performance, thereby preventing costly repairs or replacements.
Storing Your Hearing Aids Safely
How you store your hearing aids is crucial, especially in warmer months when heat and moisture can pose risks.
Safe Environment
Ensure your hearing aids are stored in a cool, dry place when not in use. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or heat sources, such as leaving them on a windowsill or inside a vehicle.
Use Protective Cases
Always use the protective charging case your hearing aids came in. This simple step safeguards against unforeseen accidents or environmental threats.
Seasonal and Environmental Considerations
Spring and summer bring seasonal challenges that can affect your hearing aids. Make sure to safeguard your devices with these tips and tricks.
Weather-Proof Practices
Anticipate rainy spring days by wearing protective headgear, such as a wide-brimmed hat or a raincoat hood, to prevent water from reaching your aids.
Manage Allergies
Spring can herald allergies that lead to increased earwax production. Incorporate this change into your cleaning routine with more frequent checks and using allergy medication if needed (after consulting with a healthcare provider).
Adapt to Activities
Warmer weather means more outdoor activities. Consider using a retention cord or clip to secure your hearing aids during vigorous activities to prevent loss or damage.
Commitment to Year-Round Hearing Aid Care
Your hearing aids are more than just devices; they’re vital for your daily communication and engagement. By investing time in their proper care, you ensure they provide reliable service year after year.
Let us partner with you in this journey, offering support and expertise at every step!
Request a callback to get in touch with our team, or find your closest clinic and give us a call for a more immediate conversation.
