If you've recently purchased a hearing aid, you may be concerned about how long this important little device will last you.
Hearing aids are an investment in your auditory function, and you probably want to keep them in working condition for as long as possible.
Today's devices are meant to last a decade or so, and you should be able to squeeze every last day out of that time frame.
Here are some tips for maintaining your devices to help you keep them working.
Dry It Out Open up the casing door before you go to bed at night and let the innards air out a bit while you sleep.
When moisture accumulates underneath that casing, it can cause damage to the circuitry and wiring.
It's important to let it dry out regularly.
Along the same lines, you may want to consider purchasing a special dehumidifier.
Moisture doesn't have to come from getting your device wet; it could be coming from the humidity in the air.
Clean the Wax You can't do much to stop your natural wax production, but a buildup of that wax can cause issues for your hearing aid.
It's not necessary to break out the heavy cleaning supplies to remove that wax, but you might make it a point to gently wipe it off on a daily basis.
Just use a soft cloth that won't damage or scratch the surface of the device and you should be fine.
If you produce more wax than the average person, you may want to talk to your doctor about getting a special tool that will let you clean wax out of the tip of your device.
Be cautious when using this tool, as you can push wax down into the receiver, which can have negative ramifications.
Replace the Tubing If you have a behind-the-ear hearing aid, you may need to replace the plastic tubing from time to time.
It isn't going to last as long as the device itself, the plastic becomes brittle and tends to crack.
When this happens, you aren't going to get all of the acoustic benefits you should from the device.
You could begin noticing muffled sounds or even a bit of whistling in your ear.
You don't need to live with this and replacement shouldn't be expensive.
Most devices will need this replacement on the order of once a year or so, but don't hesitate to do it more often if you notice decay setting in early.
Hearing aids are an investment in your auditory function, and you probably want to keep them in working condition for as long as possible.
Today's devices are meant to last a decade or so, and you should be able to squeeze every last day out of that time frame.
Here are some tips for maintaining your devices to help you keep them working.
Dry It Out Open up the casing door before you go to bed at night and let the innards air out a bit while you sleep.
When moisture accumulates underneath that casing, it can cause damage to the circuitry and wiring.
It's important to let it dry out regularly.
Along the same lines, you may want to consider purchasing a special dehumidifier.
Moisture doesn't have to come from getting your device wet; it could be coming from the humidity in the air.
Clean the Wax You can't do much to stop your natural wax production, but a buildup of that wax can cause issues for your hearing aid.
It's not necessary to break out the heavy cleaning supplies to remove that wax, but you might make it a point to gently wipe it off on a daily basis.
Just use a soft cloth that won't damage or scratch the surface of the device and you should be fine.
If you produce more wax than the average person, you may want to talk to your doctor about getting a special tool that will let you clean wax out of the tip of your device.
Be cautious when using this tool, as you can push wax down into the receiver, which can have negative ramifications.
Replace the Tubing If you have a behind-the-ear hearing aid, you may need to replace the plastic tubing from time to time.
It isn't going to last as long as the device itself, the plastic becomes brittle and tends to crack.
When this happens, you aren't going to get all of the acoustic benefits you should from the device.
You could begin noticing muffled sounds or even a bit of whistling in your ear.
You don't need to live with this and replacement shouldn't be expensive.
Most devices will need this replacement on the order of once a year or so, but don't hesitate to do it more often if you notice decay setting in early.
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