Reducing hearing aid repairs
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Pieter Jeroen Dunning
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Feb 8, 2012
A question we get asked a lot is, “how can I make my hearing aids go the distance.” The answer: regular maintenance is the best way to prolong the life of your hearing aids and reduce repairs.
When it comes to hearing aids, wax is the number one enemy. Wax and debris from your ear can clog the hearing aids. If left unchecked, wax and moisture can eventually corrode parts of the hearing aids.
The best fix is daily maintenance. Before you put your hearing aids on in the morning use the cleaning tools provided to remove any visible wax. If you have custom in-the-ear hearing aids, be sure to clean the microphones as well. They are the small holes usually located just above the battery door. If you wear behind the ear hearing aids the microphones are located on the top of the device behind your ear. Make sure to clean these too as debris from your skin and hair can clog these microphones. Your hearing health care professional will show you how to properly clean your hearing aids when you are fit with them.
Moisture can also be a problem for some people. Especially for those who are very active or work in warm environments. Moisture can damage the receiver and microphones as well as corrode your hearing aids. A Dri Aid Kit is the best solution. These kits are designed to absorb the moisture from your hearing aids when they are placed inside overnight. Dri Aid Kits can be purchased from your local hearing health care professional.
Finally, your hearing aids should be brought into the clinic for regular maintenance checks. A good rule of thumb is every 3 to 6 months. Your specialist will check the performance of your hearing aids and professionally clean them.
Follow these simple steps and you will get the longest possible life out of your hearing aids.
