If you struggle to hear, you are not alone. Data tells us that one in eight people in the United States aged 12 or older has hearing loss in both ears. What this means is that millions of Americans could benefit from using hearing aids.
Regardless of whether you’re new to hearing aids or have been using them for a long time, one of the most important things you can do to ensure their longevity and effectiveness is to develop a regular care and maintenance routine.
Let’s go over some things you should be doing every day to keep your hearing aids working their best.
Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
It’s important to wear your hearing aids consistently every day. However, it’s just as important to take them out at night to give both them and your ears a chance to breathe. When taking them out, it’s also necessary to clean your hearing aids to rid them of earwax, moisture and other debris that accumulates throughout the day. Ask your hearing aid specialist what cleaning methods they recommend for your specific device.
Find a Safe Place to Store Hearing Aids at Night
It’s equally important to find a safe place to store your hearing aids after cleaning every night. Choose a cool, dry spot and avoid places where they may be exposed to direct sunlight in the morning. Options include:
- Nightstand
- Jewelry box
- Sock drawer
- Hearing aid drying box
Charge Your Hearing Aids or Have Extra Batteries on Hand
The last thing you want is for your hearing aids to lose power when you’re in an important work meeting or catching up with a friend over coffee at Zed’s Café.
If you use rechargeable hearing aids, put them in their charger before you go to bed to ensure you wake up to fully charged hearing aids the next morning. If you use disposable hearing aid batteries, change them out when the power gets low and always have a few extra that you keep on hand in case you need to replace them when you’re out and about.
Keep Away from Pets and Small Children
Another thing to keep in mind when storing your device is to keep them away from any pets or small children that either live in your house or visit from time to time. Hearing aids are small and can serve as a choking hazard for dogs, cats or small children, so make sure that wherever you store them, they are out of reach for anyone at risk of swallowing them.
To learn more about caring for your hearing aids or to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists, call Hearing Center Silver Spring today.