Hearing Aid Maintenance and Care

Hearing aids are delicate, not to mention very expensive; therefore, they require  tender loving care and regular upkeep. With a little common sense and regular maintenance, you will be able to achieve optimal performance from your hearing aids, reduce if not avoid costly repairs, and extend the life expectancy of this investment. 

What to Do…

Keep the hearing aids dry

Keep the hearing aids and batteries out of the reach of children and pets

Wipe the hearing aids off daily with a soft, dry cloth or tissue

Gently brush the tip and faceplate of the hearing aids daily with the brush issued by your hearing instrument specialist

Carefully clean the sound bore and vent openings of the hearing aids daily with the wire loop issued by your hearing instrument

Remove them when you go to the hairdresser or before applying hairspray to your hair

Clean your hands before and after handling your hearing aids

Remove the hearing aids at night

Leave the battery door open at night to allow air to circulate and dry out the components of the hearing aid

Store the hearing aids in the same place every time you remove them to prevent them getting misplaced

Store batteries at room temperature

Keep the sticky tab on your batteries until you are ready to use the battery

Carry spare batteries with you either in their original package, soft pouch that came with your hearing aids, or plastic battery container that attaches to your key chain

Have your hearing aids professionally cleaned and checked at least every three (3) months

What Not to Do…

Don’t shower, bathe or swim while wearing your hearing aids, even if you are wearing a swim or shower cap

Don’t take them off or put them in over a hard surface, such as over tile or hardwood floors or other hard surfaces

Don’t try to dry your hearing aids by exposing them to excessive heat from hairdryers, microwave ovens, stoves, or clothes dryers

Don’t push your hearing aids or earmolds too far into your ear canals, stop immediately if you feel discomfort

Don’t get hairspray on the hearing aids

Don’t put any part of the hearing aid or earmold in your mouth

Don’t expose the hearing aids to extreme temperatures such as on a radiator or air conditioner, in direct sunlight or the glove compartment of a car on a hot day, or when tanning under a sun lamp

Don’t use solvents or alcohol to clean the hearing aids

Don’t use safety or straight pins, paper clips, bobby pins or toothpicks to clean your hearing aids or your ears

Battery Warning

Hearing aid batteries are toxic and can be harmful or fatal if swallowed.  Be sure to keep batteries in a secure place and out of reach of small children that are attracted to their shiny surface.  In addition, persons with diminished visual acuity or mental capacity may mistake hearing aid batteries for medication, due to their small size. If a battery is accidentally swallowed, seek medical attention immediately, or call the National Button Battery Hotline at 202-625-3333.