Hearing aids are a great tool for enhancing communication for those with hearing loss. They help people go about their daily activities and engage in social interactions, boosting self-confidence. Although hearing aids are built to perform well even in challenging conditions, they still need regular maintenance. Without proper care, they can become damaged and stop working effectively. If your hearing aids do get damaged, you might need assistance from an audiologist. Here are some tips to help you prevent physical hearing aid damages.

Clean it Regularly

Keeping your hearing aid clean and free from dirt and debris is one of the simplest things you can do to keep it from being damaged physically. At the end of each day or in the morning, clean your hearing aids with a soft, dry cloth. Don’t use any external cleaning agents like alcohol or a liquid cleaner as these can damage the hearing aid as opposed to making it work better. You can also use a small brush to gently remove any debris from the opening of the hearing aid.

Keep it Away from Liquid

Liquid is something you want to avoid when wearing your hearing aids. To keep it protected, always put it in a case when you’re showering or swimming and make sure you don’t forget to take them out when entering any bodies of water. If there is any moisture build up, it’s a good idea to leave the hearing aids near a dehumidifier overnight to draw the liquid out.

Store it Properly

The way you store and handle your hearing aid can also have an impact on how long it lasts. When putting your hearing aid in or taking it out, be sure to do so over a soft surface so if you drop them, they won’t break. When storing them, keep them in a protective case and ensure they’re not left anywhere that’s too hot, too cold or too humid. Extreme temperatures can affect your hearing aid and cause it to have damage.

Stay on Top of Maintenance

It’s a good idea to schedule regular appointments with your audiologist so you can check your hearing aid is functioning as it should, and they can identify any potential problems before they become worse. During this appointment your audiologist can also measure your hearing. Change the batteries yourself regularly to avoid leakage which can damage them and be sure to periodically have them cleaned by your professional. Maintaining your hearing aid is a lot easier and quicker than replacement so by staying on top of this your hearing aids can last longer.

Here are some key precautions to keep your hearing aid safe and prevent physical damage. Make sure to keep it away from moisture, store it properly, and get regular maintenance. By following these steps, you can avoid most common issues and keep your hearing aid in good working condition. Get in touch with an audiologist if you need any hearing aid repairs or advice.