When people ask us how long hearing aids last, we often tell them that answer is like asking how long a car last—the answer depends a lot on how well you take care of it. Digital hearing device are essentially miniaturized computers that you wear on your ears. Because of that, they have many very small parts that are extremely sensitive to moisture, extreme temperature, and pressure. Here are a few tips for taking care of your precious investment.
- Use a soft bristled toothbrush to brush off wax and skin cells each night when you take it off. This will keep the filters wax free and the speakers and microphones free of build-up.
- Open the battery door each night. Besides saving your battery, this will also save hours of running time on the device.
- Never put your hearing aids in your pocket without putting them in a case first. This will not only keep them from getting lost, but also keep them safe from the pocket lint or other debris that may be in there.
- Have at least semi-annual clean-and-check appointments. In our office, we have special equipment such as tiny vacuums to take care of any wax or debris that your nightly toothbrush isn’t getting.
- If you live in a humid place or tend to sweat a lot, purchase a Dry-Jar in which to store the aids overnight. This will take care of any moisture build-up which can cause connections to short out or become corroded.
- While today’s hearing devices are much more water resistant than in the past, it is not advisable to expose them to any more moisture than necessary. Make sure that you remove them before showering, swimming, or even going out in the rain if you will be exposed for a long time.
- If your device comes with wax guards, make sure to change those as frequently as necessary. The audiologists in our office can show you how this is done.
- Most devices purchased in our office come with a three year repair warranty, but you can usually extend that warranty by a year or two. If your device is more than three years old, you may want to look into the warranty extension offered in our office, as repairs can cost upwards of $250.
Daily, weekly and annual maintenance can extend the life of your hearing device for many years. If you have any questions about hearing devices or would like to make an appointment for a free hearing consultation, please give us a call at 801-770-0801.
