As we navigate our way through our new world, many consumers may be asking themselves, “What at-home care can I do for my hearing aids?”. To keep your hearing aids in tip-top condition, you can follow these few helpful hints:
Reach out to your Audiologist
First, always reach out to your audiologist. We are here to help! We’re always happy to talk with our patients. Believe it, we miss you too! We’re happy to listen to your questions and explain things you can do or check to save you a trip into the office. We have helped many people over the phone or through e-mail during the quarantine. We will also tell you when your problem needs our expert attention and devise a plan to see you, in the safest manner possible.
Read the Owner’s Manual
Second, always try the owner’s manual for your hearing devices. The manual has tons of good information, diagrams and trouble-shooting suggestions. In many instances, you may find the answer you’re searching for in the manual.
At the First Sign of Trouble
Next, at the first sign of trouble, always inspect the earmold or dome that are inserting into your ear everyday. Even though our hearing aids are very high tech, they can still be affected by a simple thing like ear wax. Ear wax can clog the aid and keep the sound from reaching your eardrum. Clean your aids often with the small brush provided with them or a dry toothbrush. Wipe them off with a dry, clean tissue to clear the ends of wax. Hold the earmold or dome facing downward to keep loose wax from getting further down into the aid as you clean it.
If your hearing aid has wax guards or wax filters, become familiar with how to change them. If you’re unsure, just ask your audiologist. We’re happy to explain it. Please note, if you feel uncomfortable doing this or feel you lack the dexterity to do this properly, we will happily perform this task for you.
Finally, many hearing aids are water resistant, but not water proof! If you accidentally get them wet, most aids can be dried off and they will work just fine. If they do get wet, dry the hearing aid off, open the battery door and remove the battery. Never attempt to dry the aids in the oven, microwave or with a blow dryer. This action can damage the delicate internal parts of the hearing aid with their high heat.
As always, when questions or concerns arise, please reach out to Charlotte Speech & Hearing Center. As we have been for 53 years, we will continue to provide exceptional speech and hearing services during whatever the world dishes out.
For more helpful, at-home hearing healthcare resources, visit our Hearing Aid Services page and our YouTube channel.
Blog written by Julie Palazzolo, M.A., CCC-A. Julie is an Audiologist at Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center.