Why is Hearing Aid Maintenance Important?

A hearing aid may be seen as something of an accessory, a life aid and something that helps you mitigate the effects of hearing loss. Yet it’s also a highly sensitive and refined piece of medical equipment, equipment that needs to be looked after delicately.

While hearing aids have become more robust despite their ever-more sophisticated designs, it’s essential to make sure you protect yours when you’re assigned or if you purchase one. Of course, there’s no need to chastise yourself if your hearing aid is damaged – life can get quite chaotic sometimes, and we all make mistakes. This way, you can ensure that your hearing aid is always there to help you live the best and most actualized lifestyle possible. 

Why is hearing aid maintenance important?

Hearing aid maintenance is essential for a variety of reasons. First, because hearing aids are worn on your ear and can sometimes enter your ear canal itself, it needs to be clean to remain healthy. Earwax, hair and oil from your skin can end up covering the hearing aid device itself, potentially finding its way into the inner workings of the device, or blocking off functionality. 

Not only that, but general exposure to the elements and daily life can reduce how hygienic it may be to wear, and so for that reason, maintenance is important. But it’s not only cleaning that matters, as even with the best care, repair or replacement of the device may also be necessary.

What risk factors should you consider when wearing a hearing aid?

Be careful of intense physical activity, or make sure that your hearing aid can withstand it. This might include running, lifting weights, and of course swimming. If possible, taking out the hearing out during those moments can be important, but be sure to speak to your audiologist about this.

As mentioned above, the act of wearing a hearing aid can also influence how hygienic the device may be over time, for external and internal reasons, Be sure to keep careful watch over your hearing aid and its functioning and report a sign of a problem as soon as it occurs.

How should you be maintaining your hearing aid for maximum longevity?

First, it’s important to handle your hearing aids with care, and don’t immerse them in water. Storing them in a safe, cool, and dry place overnight is also essential. Hearing aids usually have wax filters, so it’s good to replace those often and clean off earwax surrounding the device every day.

Hearing aids may require battery replacement, and so making sure you commit to that and have batteries at home is important. You can also opt for professional cleanings if necessary to help you totally sterilize the device.

With this advice, we hope you can commit to the best hearing aid maintenance possible, as and when you need it.