Top 5 do’s and don’ts of hearing aid care

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This post originally appeared on Starkey.com

Hearing aids are one of the best investments you can make in maintaining a healthy, active, and joyful life through better hearing. But like with any technology—particularly the digital kind—you want to take care of them so they continue to give you optimal performance and all the benefits that go with your best listening experiences.

So, without further ado, here are the Top 5 do’s and don’ts of hearing aid care:

Do’s:

1. Do clean your hearing aids every morning

Cleaning your hearing aids daily can help them maintain their best performance and last longer. And it shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. Using a soft, dry cloth and hearing aid cleaning tool with brush, clean your standard or custom devices as follows:

For standard hearing aids: Clean the user controls (as applicable), all microphone openings, earbuds or custom earmolds, and charging contacts. Next, replace the wax guards or earpieces if needed.

For custom hearing aids: Clean the user controls and/or rotary volume controls, charging contacts, and microphones, and then replace the wax guards if necessary.

Check out these short instructional videos for further help:

2. Do run Self Check on your hearing aids monthly

Running Self Check on your hearing aids using the My Starkey app* is a quick and easy way to ensure your hearing aid electronic components—microphone, receiver, and circuit (or the “brains” of your devices)—are in working order.

With a few taps on your mobile device, you can examine these parts for buildup of wax or other debris, which can interfere with the sound quality of your hearing aids. In minutes, you’ll know if your hearing aids are in working condition; components need cleaning; wax guards need replacing or professional attention is needed.

See how simple it is to run Self Check in this instructional video: How to use Self Check.

3. Do store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place (no direct sunlight)

Taking this step is a great rule of thumb for protecting your hearing aids against damage from heat and humidity. But it’s also best to choose a spot that is convenient, easy to find, and out of reach for small children or pets. A dresser or nightstand is ideal.

For battery-operated hearing aids: Store them inside a storage case and keep each device’s battery door open. This can help dry out any dampness and extend battery life.

For rechargeable hearing aids: Store them inside a storage case or charger (plugged in or powered, so your devices are ready to use again).

4. Do keep spare batteries handy or charge hearing aids nightly

This care tip is designed for you: Keeping your hearing aids working their best for you at all times is key to helping you maintain your hearing health—and ultimately, your overall wellbeing. So…

If you have battery-operated hearing aids: Replace batteries when they are low or drained. (You’ll know it’s time when sound becomes consistently distorted or you’re increasingly turning up the volume.) Having extra batteries on hand can also help you avoid running out of power mid-conversation.

Got rechargeable hearing aids? Charge them overnight so you’ll have continuous power for the next day. (Keep in mind that Starkey's Genesis AI hearing aids have the industry's longest battery life, lasting up to 51 hours on a single charge.)

5. Do schedule routine professional cleanings

Scheduling a professional cleaning or “clean and check” with your hearing care professional (every six months or so) is key to lengthening the lifespan of your hearing aids. Using their expertise, your provider will thoroughly remove any built-up earwax, oil, and debris without damaging the hearing aid receivers or microphones.

Professional cleanings are also a great opportunity for your provider to check for any damage and then suggest or make repairs on the spot, if needed.

Don’ts:

1. Don’t purposefully get your hearing aids wet

Water contact with your hearing aids—even if they are water resistant—could put a damper on performance. So, before you enter the shower, a swimming pool or any other water-based environment, it’s best to remove your hearing aids and safely store them until you finish your water activity.

And when you do, dry your ears (including ear canals) before reinserting your devices. Placing them in a dry-aid kit/dehumidifier after immersion can help dry out any excess moisture, as well.

Did you know there is a longer-term solution for unexpected splashes, rainfall, or dunks? Rechargeable Genesis AI hearing aids. These devices are designed to be waterproof up to a three-foot depth. Keep in mind that you wouldn’t want to swim in Genesis AI (they could fall out or cause discomfort underwater), but they are a great preventative solution in wetter surroundings.

2. Don’t apply hair or skin products while wearing hearing aids

Understandably, you wouldn’t want to risk poor hearing aid performance by clogging the microphones and/or receivers with everyday hairsprays, moisturizers, insect repellent, sunscreen, and so on. Your best course of action: (1) apply your lotion and/or spray, (2) wash your hands, (3) insert your hearing aids.

Tip: While we’re on the subject of “getting ready” for your day—you’ll also want to avoid using your hairdryer while wearing hearing aids to protect them against heat damage.

3. Don’t store your hearing aids in the bathroom

While it may seemingly make sense to stow your hearing aids where you primp for each day, resist the urge to store your hearing aids in the bathroom—medicine cabinet included. This high-humidity environment is filled with risks to your hearing technology—everything from shower steam to unplugged sinks to (dare we say it) open toilets. Choosing a dry and cool location for storage is definitely the better way to go (see #3 under “Do’s”).

4. Don’t drop your hearing aids

It’s probably no secret that dropping your hearing aids on a hard surface could damage them, and the greatest potential for this to happen is when you’re inserting or removing your devices. Whether it’s the early days and you’re learning how to put in your hearing aids, or you’d prefer to play it safe every time—it helps to insert/remove your hearing aids in a seated position and with a towel or pillow on your lap.

And let’s face it—accidents do happen to the best of us. So, it’s worth mentioning that Genesis AI hearing aids are built with additional layers of protective barrier for extra durability.

5. Don’t try to repair your hearing aids yourself

If your hearing aid isn’t working properly, save that toolbox for household repairs—tinkering inside your hearing aids in an attempt to repair them is a recipe for further damage. (Plus, you may inadvertently violate warranties or insurance in the process.) Here are some safer solutions to try (for sound issues in particular):

  • Run Self Check (see #2 under "Do’s").
    This can tell you if simple fixes such as cleaning your hearing aids or changing wax guards may be all you need to remedy a sound issue—or if seeing your hearing care professional is necessary.

  • Follow the troubleshooting guide in your hearing aid user manual.
    This addresses performance issues you may easily remedy yourself before contacting your hearing care professional.

  • Contact your hearing care professional.
    Your provider is always your best resource for any hearing aid issues. Many common problems may be solved right in your provider’s office or clinic.

Questions on hearing aid care do’s, don’ts, or anything in between? Do reach out to your hearing care professional. They will be happy to assist you with any concerns about your devices or hearing experience in general.

Take care and happy hearing!

*My Starkey app available for Genesis AI hearing aids only.

Try out new hearing devices or get yours repaired at Land of Lincoln Hearing today!