How to Make Your Hearing Aids Last Longer
Should you use hairspray first thing in the morning or put in your hearing aid? To ensure these little mini-computers keep working as long as possible, you should treat them with the care any technical device deserves. We’ve put together a few practical tips for you.
Today’s hearing aids are no longer those large, flesh-colored boxes behind the ear, but rather small, extremely high-performance mini-computers that not only make it easier for us to hear but also help us enjoy a better overall quality of life. Like any high-performance technical device, even the smallest hearing aids require proper care and handling—so they last as long as possible. This includes the question already asked: What do you do first thing in the morning—put in your hearing aids or apply hairspray, deodorant, or perfume? Since sprays create tiny droplets that can settle on the hearing aids, the devices should, for example, be inserted only after you’ve finished your morning routine.
What are some tips for caring for these delicate high-tech devices?
To ensure your hearing aids remain in top condition for as long as possible, these simple tips will help:
- Make sure your fingers are clean and dry when handling your hearing aids.
- When taking off your hearing aids, it’s best to turn them off and—if they won’t be used for an extended period—remove the batteries.
- Some devices are water-resistant and can therefore withstand sweat and moisture. However, to avoid putting excessive strain on these mini-computers, you should remove them when showering or bathing.
- Of course, the devices aren’t completely immune to moisture even when you’re wearing them. Therefore, it’s best to dry your hearing aids at least once a week in a special drying case. You can get one from your trusted hearing care professional.
- When storing your hearing aids, protect them from extreme heat or cold. It’s best not to place them directly in the sunlight by a window or on a radiator; instead, store them in a safe place at moderate temperatures.
- And finally: Clean your hearing aids only with special cleaning solutions—don’t use the window cleaner from the kitchen just because it’s within reach.
You can also find these and other tips in a flyer from the Federal Guild of Hearing Aid Specialists (biha). There, you’ll also learn how to properly insert and remove hearing aids, as well as how to troubleshoot problems. If you have detailed questions or need specific cleaning and drying products, please contact a hearing aid specialist near you.
