Hearing aids are complex medical devices that connect you with the world around you. Though they are built to last, they can still be subject to damage if they’re not well-cared for. If you have a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid, the guide below will walk you through how to care for it properly.
Daily Checklist
There are a number of routine checks you should perform on your hearing aid each morning before you put them in:
- Check the battery with a battery tester, which can be purchased at Axis Pharmacy. If the battery is low, replace it with a new one, as leaving in old batteries can cause corrosion and damage your hearing aid.
- Check the tubing for cracks. If you notice any, contact your audiologist right away.
- Check the hearing aid casing for cracks, a broken door or exposed wire. If you notice damage, call your audiologist.
- Check the dials and switches to ensure they’re working properly. If you notice any problems, again, contact your audiologist.
- Check for feedback or whistling. Common culprits are the connection between the hearing aid, tubing and earmold not being tight; cracks in the tubing; earwax blockage or improper fit.
- Use a hearing aid stethoscope to check the sound quality of the hearing aid. There should be no static or distortion.
Daily Cleaning
Your hearing aids should also be cleaned every day, ideally as soon as you take them out at night. Below is the cleaning regimen you should follow:
- Wipe the hearing aid down with a soft, dry cloth. Don’t use water or solvents unless they’re specifically formulated for hearing aids.
- Detach the earmold and tubing and clean them in warm, soapy water. Make sure they’re completely dry before reattaching them.
- If the microphone port is clogged with debris, use a wax pick/wire loop to remove it. Be sure to hold the hearing aid upside down so debris falls out instead of in.
- If there are any blockages in the tubing, you can remove them with an air blower or a thin, flexible wire.
For more information about caring for BTE hearing aids or to schedule an appointment for a clean and check, call Hearing Advancement Center today.
