Hearing Aid Care and Maintenance: Tips for Extending the Life of Your Device
Taking good care of your hearing aids doesn't just protect your investment - it helps you hear better every day. At our audiology practice in Allentown, we often see how proper maintenance can make a real difference in both performance and longevity of hearing devices. Let's look at practical ways to keep your hearing aids working their best.
Daily Care Made Simple
The best time to clean your hearing aids is right before bed. This gives you a quiet moment to check your devices and ensures they're ready for the next day. You'll want to:
Clean the outside first:
- Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the device
- Look closely for any wax or debris
- Pay special attention to where sound comes in and out
- Never use water or cleaning solutions - these can damage the electronics
For behind-the-ear hearing aids:
- Check if the dome or earmold needs cleaning
- Look at the tubing - it should be clear and free from moisture
- Clean any visible wax from the sound opening
- Make sure all parts connect properly
For in-the-ear models:
- Examine all openings for wax buildup
- Change the wax guard if it looks dirty
- Brush away any loose debris
- Check that the battery door moves freely
Keeping Your Hearing Aids Dry
Modern hearing aids like our Oticon Intent, ReSound Nexia, Signia IX, Starkey Genesis AI, and Widex Moment come with strong water resistance ratings (IP68). But even with this protection, moisture remains one of the biggest threats to hearing aid performance. Here's what works:
- Use a dehumidifier case at night (especially during humid Pennsylvania summers)
- Take out your hearing aids before showering, swimming, or heavy exercise
- If you get caught in the rain, dry them thoroughly afterward
- Keep them away from the bathroom during hot showers
- Wait to put them in until after using hair products
Smart Battery Management
For rechargeable models:
- Place them in the charger every night - consistent charging helps battery life
- Keep the charging contacts clean with a soft brush
- Don't let the battery run completely empty before charging
- Store backup chargers in a dry place
If you use disposable batteries:
- Keep fresh batteries in a room-temperature, dry place
- When changing batteries, let the new battery sit for one minute after removing the tab
- Leave the battery door open at night to let moisture escape
- Write down when you change batteries to track battery life
Professional Care Makes a Difference
Regular checkups at our office help catch small issues before they become major problems. During these visits, we use specialized tools for professional cleaning that go beyond what's possible at home. Our complete electronic testing ensures your devices are functioning properly, and we make any needed adjustments based on your feedback about how you're hearing in different situations. When components show wear, we replace them promptly to prevent further issues. We also perform real-ear measurements to verify your hearing aids are providing the right amount of sound for your specific hearing loss.
Signs You Should Visit Us
Your hearing aids communicate potential problems through various changes in their performance. If you notice your hearing aid starting to sound different than usual, or experience more whistling and feedback, it's time for a checkup. Physical damage to the device, shorter battery life, intermittent sound, or discomfort in your ear are all signs that your hearing aids need professional attention. These symptoms often indicate simple problems that we can fix quickly before they affect your hearing or damage your devices.
Understanding and Solving Common Problems
Feedback often occurs when hearing aids aren't sitting quite right in your ear. Before calling us, check that your hearing aid is properly positioned, and make sure excess earwax isn't blocking the sound. Examine your dome for tears or damage - these can cause whistling sounds. If these steps don't resolve the feedback, we'll need to adjust your devices professionally.
Sound quality issues typically stem from maintenance needs. Start by carefully cleaning all openings and checking the wax guard. A weak battery can also cause sound problems. If these steps don't improve the sound, visit us to verify your settings are still appropriate for your hearing needs.
For comfort problems, first ensure you're inserting your hearing aids correctly. Check the ear piece for any signs of damage, and consider whether a different dome size might feel better. If discomfort persists, we can check the fit and make necessary adjustments.
Storing Your Hearing Aids
Proper storage plays a key role in protecting your hearing aids when you're not wearing them. Always place them in their designated case or charging unit, and choose a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. Keep them out of reach of curious pets, and never store them in the bathroom where humidity levels are high. For devices with disposable batteries, remove them if you plan to store the hearing aids for more than a few days.
Traveling with Your Devices
When planning trips, pack your complete cleaning kit and ensure you have plenty of batteries or charging equipment. Always carry your hearing aids in your carry-on luggage when flying - never check them with your baggage. A travel dehumidifier can protect your devices in humid destinations. Remember to bring your storage case and pack extra domes or wax guards for unexpected needs.
Protecting Your Investment
Modern hearing aids represent remarkable technological achievements. The Oticon Intent uses advanced DNN 2.0 technology to enhance speech understanding in challenging environments. The Starkey Genesis AI goes beyond basic hearing assistance, offering health tracking and fall detection capabilities. The ReSound Nexia provides seamless streaming options to keep you connected to your favorite devices. To maintain these sophisticated features, establish a regular care routine. Clean your devices daily, keep up with maintenance appointments, address any problems promptly, store them properly when not in use, and schedule regular professional cleanings. These habits help ensure your hearing aids continue performing at their best.
Making Your Investment Last
Today's hearing aids use advanced technology to help you hear better. The Oticon Intent features DNN 2.0 technology for better speech understanding. The Starkey Genesis AI includes health tracking and fall detection. The ReSound Nexia offers enhanced streaming capabilities. These sophisticated features work best when your devices are well maintained.
Good habits that pay off:
- Clean your hearing aids every day
- Keep up with regular maintenance
- Address problems right away
- Store devices properly
- Schedule professional cleanings
Time for a Checkup?
Your hearing aids work hard every day to help you stay connected with the world around you. Regular professional care helps them perform their best and last longer. Our audiologist at Kleckner Audiology has the expertise and equipment to thoroughly clean and check your devices. We can spot potential problems early and make sure your hearing aids are working exactly as they should.
Give us a call at 610-435-8299 to schedule a maintenance appointment at our Allentown office. We're here Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM to help keep your hearing aids in top condition. The better you care for your hearing aids, the better they'll care for your hearing.
Dr. Peter Kleckner, Au.D., a seasoned audiologist with experience from prestigious institutions, brings his expertise in comprehensive hearing evaluations and treatments to Kleckner Audiology, where he's been serving patients since 2016.