TAKING CARE OF YOUR HEARING AIDS

February 26, 2020

Your hearing aids are small, finely-tuned appliances that require daily care to function properly. Fortunately, tools and kits can be purchased that make hearing aid maintenance easy. These tools include drying containers, forced air blowers, battery testers, listening tubes, and cleaning cloths. Your audiologist may also have tips on how to best maintain your specific model.

How are the Batteries?

A battery tester can help to make sure your hearing aid batteries are working to their fullest potential. You can expect to replace your batteries every 1-2 weeks. Fortunately, they are cheap and you can buy them in bulk! Always carry spare batteries with you so you are never unprepared when you need to switch them out. Also remember that batteries always require proper disposal.

Got Moisture?

Since your hearing aids live in your ears and sometimes your ears get wet for a variety of reasons (weather, sweat, etc.) a drying container is a good way to prevent moisture from building up in your devices. Keeping your hearing aids dry can lengthen their life, so a drying container is a great investment! Remember to remove the batteries before using the drying container.

Can You Hear Me Now?

Another handy tool to have is a listening tube. It will let you listen to your device so you can detect if the sound is scratchy or weak. This tool will help you to detect problems with your devices early. Your audiologist can teach you how to perform these daily checks to ensure you get the most value from your hearing aids.

Feedback

Feedback, a whistling sound that can occur when sound re-enters the microphone, is not fun for anyone. It can interfere with sound clarity and is often caused by an earmold that doesn’t fit properly, or sometimes excess ear wax. If feedback is an issue, talk to your audiologist so they can help you to fix the issue.

Just Clean It.

Cleaning your hearing aid is an easy, quick way to optimize its performance. Simply remove the earmold and clean it with a soft, dry cloth. Let it dry out before putting it back together, and your hearing aid should be as good as new! You may even get a special tool for cleaning your hearing device when you purchase it.

Your hearing aids may also need occasional adjustment, which your audiologist can help with in the office.

Having trouble with your hearing aid? Here are some troubleshooting tips:

Can’t hear anything?

  • Is it on?
  • Is it turned up?
  • Is the battery working?
  • Is the tubing bent or twisted?
  • Is there any blockage in the vent openings or receiver opening?
  • Is the microphone opening blocked? (Clean it with the brush in your tool kit)

Is the sound distorted?

  • Use the air blower to dry out any moisture.
  • Check the tubing for holes or cracks and ask your audiologist for help if you see them.
  • Replace the battery
  • Check the cords between the hearing aid parts for any cracks.

Do you hear feedback?

  • Turn the volume down.
  • Adjust the earmold in your ear.
  • Check for an obstruction (collar, scarf, hat).
  • Ask your doctor to check your ears for wax build up.

Does your battery need to be replaced?

  • Detach the removable tab first, then remove.
  • Make sure the battery is inserted with the “+” side up.
  • Open the battery door to air it out when not in use.
  • Store the batteries in a cool, dry place (not in the refrigerator).
  • Never swallow batteries.
    • Store batteries away from children and pets.
    • Store batteries away from medications.

If a battery is swallowed, call the National Battery Ingestion Hotline: 202-625-3333.

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The first step to halting hearing loss and preventing further damage is to recognize your situation. Come in today for a hearing screening and formulate a strategy to train your brain to listen actively and effectively.

Diablo Hearing Services   2301 Camino Ramon, STE 106   San Ramon (925) 394-4646

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