The Importance of Regular Hearing Aid Maintenance and Cleaning
Hearing aids, when being worn regularly, will be one of your most used devices, and we expect a lot from them. It is important to remember that hearing aids sit at least partially in your ear, which can be a sweaty, waxy environment. But there are things you can do to look after your hearing aids. The first of these is cleaning the hearing aid every day after you take it out, and before you put it in its charger or case. The part of the hearing aid that goes in your ear should be gently wiped over with a clean cloth or tissue every day when you take the hearing aid out. This removes moisture and wax on the earpiece and helps to minimise these debris getting further into the hearing aid.
The way hearing aids sit within the ear varies depending on the type of hearing aid. Some have little rubber domes that sit in the ears, others have a type of earpiece called an earmould, or custom tip. These parts can need replacing from time to time. If you have rubber domes on your hearing aid, these will need to be changed regularly, and you would have been given a supply of these when you were fitted with your hearing aids. You should change them if they become loose, blocked with wax, or generally just look a bit worn out. If you have earmoulds or custom tips with your hearing aids, these will last longer but may also need replacing from time to time. While your audiologist and Knox Audiology will always check the state of your earmould or custom tip when you attend for an appointment, if you notice any signs of the earpiece or earmould, or custom tip being damaged, contact Knox Audiology to get a replacement.
Many hearing aids will also have a wax guard that can be changed regularly. This is usually a little white, red, or blue part that sits at the end of the part of the hearing aid that goes in your ear. These little guards are good at catching wax in your ear canal to stop it going further into the hearing aid, but they do get blocked up at times. Along with domes, replacing this part is an incredibly good step if you are ever concerned your hearing aid is not working as well as it should be. It should also be replaced if you can visibly see wax in the wax guard. Like domes, you will have been given a supply of these when you were fitted with your hearing aid. If you run out, or can’t find your supply, contact us at Knox Audiology.
Storing your hearing aids properly is also part of the care and maintenance to keep your hearing aids working well. If the hearing aids are not in your ears, then they should be in either the charger, or a case to keep them protected. This is especially true if you have small children or dogs in your house or visiting your house. Some people will also be advised to use a hearing aid de-humidifier depending on the hearing aid and their needs – if you have been advised to use one of these, then make sure you use it regularly.
Some hearing aids may have other pieces that need to be changed regularly. At Knox Audiology, our university qualified, experienced audiologists are here to support you in caring for your hearing aids. If you ever have any questions about how to best care for your hearing aids, or if you need more parts for your hearing aids, just get in touch.