Hearing aids are micro-electronic devices designed to improve auditory function and enhance communication. Consistent, proper maintenance is necessary to ensure they deliver clear sound performance throughout their lifespan. Neglecting routine care can lead to premature device failure, costly repairs, and reduced sound amplification quality. Understanding daily and long-term care routines maximizes the investment made in better hearing.
Daily Physical Maintenance
The primary threat to hearing aid function is cerumen, or earwax, which accumulates around the sound port. Earwax is oily and sticky, and its buildup can quickly clog the tubing or receiver, diminishing sound output. Daily physical maintenance is necessary to remove this accumulation before it hardens or penetrates inner components. This routine should take place every evening after the aids are removed.
Begin cleaning by gently wiping the entire shell and ear mold, if applicable, with a clean, dry, soft cloth. For behind-the-ear (BTE) or receiver-in-canal (RIC) models, inspect the thin tubing for visible moisture or debris. Manufacturers typically provide specialized cleaning tools, such as a small brush and a wax pick or loop, designed to safely clear the ports.
Use the provided brush to sweep away debris from around the microphone inlet ports. Blockages here can distort sound input and prevent the device from processing environmental noises correctly. The wax guard, a small filter positioned near the speaker or receiver, defends against cerumen entering the internal electronics.
Inspect the wax guard for signs of clogging, as a blocked guard must be replaced rather than cleaned. Replacement typically involves a small stick that removes the old guard and inserts a new one. This action prevents the receiver from needing professional repair due to wax obstruction. Maintaining clear sound pathways ensures the device’s circuitry performs its amplification function optimally.
Protecting Aids from Environmental Damage
The electronics within hearing aids are susceptible to damage from moisture and humidity. Sweat and condensation can corrode the internal wiring and microphone components, leading to intermittent function or failure. Users should employ a drying system immediately after the aids are removed daily.
A passive desiccant jar contains a drying agent that absorbs moisture overnight from the sealed devices. Electronic dehumidifiers use gentle heat and sometimes UV light, offering a more active method for extracting deep moisture. Placing the aids in one of these systems for several hours helps reverse the daily exposure to the humid environment of the ear canal.
Hearing aids must always be removed before any activity involving direct water exposure, such as showering, swimming, or entering a sauna. Aerosol products like hairspray, perfume, or bug spray can introduce fine chemical particles that coat and damage the microphone membranes. These products should be applied before the aids are inserted, allowing the air to clear completely.
Extreme heat poses an environmental risk, as it can warp the plastic casing and damage internal micro-components. Leaving hearing aids on a sunny windowsill, near a radiator, or on a car dashboard can cause irreparable thermal damage. The materials are designed for body temperature and should not be exposed to temperatures exceeding 120°F (49°C).
Power Source Management and Safe Handling
Proper power management begins with understanding the specific type of aid being used. For devices using disposable zinc-air batteries, open the battery door fully each night when the aid is not in use. This turns the device off and allows air to circulate within the compartment, enabling trapped moisture to evaporate.
New disposable batteries are activated by removing a protective tab that exposes the zinc to air, beginning the chemical reaction that generates power. For longevity, keep replacement batteries sealed in their original packaging at room temperature until needed, as refrigeration is not recommended. Used batteries should be disposed of safely according to local regulations, as they can contain materials harmful to the environment.
Rechargeable hearing aids require consistent charging practices to maintain battery health. These devices often use lithium-ion batteries, which benefit from being charged fully every night, similar to a smartphone. Avoiding deep discharge (letting the battery drain completely) before recharging helps prolong the lifespan of the integrated power cell.
Unlike disposable batteries, rechargeable aids do not require the battery door to be opened for ventilation or power-down, as they are sealed units. Users should always use the manufacturer-supplied charging case or station designed for their specific model to ensure optimal voltage and safe charging cycles. Using third-party chargers can degrade the battery or damage the device’s charging circuitry.
General safety protocols protect the physical integrity of the device when it is not being worn. Always handle the aids over a soft, clean surface, such as a towel or a bed, to mitigate damage from accidental drops. Impact from falling onto a hard floor can easily crack the shell or dislodge sensitive internal components.
When stored, hearing aids should be placed in their designated case or drying unit, away from pets and small children. Dogs are attracted to the scent of the ear canal and may chew on the devices, resulting in total loss. Storing them out of reach prevents accidental ingestion by children and minimizes physical harm to the devices.