Hearing devices are sophisticated instruments subject to a variety of extreme conditions on a daily basis – moisture, heat, earwax, dirt and other debris.
To keep them in optimal working order and extend their lifespan, you’ll need to have them cleaned and checked on a regular basis. This is especially important before going out of town for an extended period such as a long vacation or seasonal retreat. Nothing is more frustrating than being unable to hear properly during what is supposed to be a relaxing getaway, and trying to find service in an unfamiliar city can be frustrating. A little prevention now can bring peace of mind later.
There are steps you can take at home to care for your hearing devices and optimize their effectiveness, especially when you’ll be away from your audiology clinic.
- Wash and dry your hands before you handle your hearing devices.
- It’s important to clean your hearing devices over a soft surface (a folded towel, for example) to prevent damage if dropped.
- Clean your hearing devices each day with a dry, soft cloth.
- Do not use water, cleaning fluids, solvents or alcohol, as they can damage your hearing devices.
- Replace your wax traps at least once per month.
- Storage containers will help minimize moisture in your hearing devices and lengthen their life. Remove the batteries from your device before placing them in the containers.
- Check for blockages on the microphone. You can use a soft bristled toothbrush to clean out the microphones if you see any debris.
- Do not attempt to make any adjustments or repairs to your hearing device by yourself.
While these home steps can help, the best way to ensure your devices are working properly is to take them into an audiology clinic for a clean and check. The receivers, microphones, volume control buttons and battery doors will all be inspected and cleaned. Your hearing devices will also be tested to make sure they are performing to standards.
Don’t take a chance and assume your hearing devices will work properly while you’re out of town. Ask your audiologist about a clean and check today.
“Have always found the staff and doctors here to be helpful. This was my first visit with Dr. Prze after Dr. Allan retired, and he was very friendly, enthusiastic, and thorough. It was obvious he had read my chart carefully before my checkup.”