How do you maintain a hearing aid? Well in this video, I’ll share my top 7 tips
for using hearing aid devices so that you can hear your best. Coming up!
Hi, I’m Dr. Derek - audiologist, audio engineer, and musician with Pro Fit Hearing.com bringing
you the best insight into today’s latest hearing aids, headphones, and audio technology
to improve your life. If you have concerns about your hearing, always consult with your
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you enjoy this video.
Today, I’m talking about my top 7 tips for hearing aid devices. Proper maintenance
is essential for success with hearing aids. So make sure to follow these 7 tips to hear your
best with hearing aids.
Tip 1. Keep hearing aids dry
Hearing aids can tolerate daily exposure to
sweat, however don’t forget to remove them if you're taking a shower or getting into
water. Wipe the hearing aids off with a dry cloth to remove any dirt or
sweat that builds up throughout the day. This helps prevent clogged microphones which
will make them sound weak or dead.
Tip 2. Clean hearing aids
Brush off the hearing aids every day. It's
very important to brush off any earwax that builds up inside the earpiece. This is where
sound comes out, so excessive earwax can plug it up and block the sound. It can be
easier to brush off hearing aids first thing in the morning since earwax is more likely
to be dry and not stick to the hearing aid.
If there's a hearing aid wax guard on the earpiece, make sure to change it about once
a month. You might need to do this more often depending on how much earwax is produced.
If you find that brushing doesn’t remove all the earwax and if the sound quality is
poor, it’s probably time to replace the wax guard.
Tip 3. Open the battery doors
Every night after removing the hearing aids, make
sure to open the battery doors. This is the only way to shut them off. Hearing aid
battery life will suffer and the hearing aids will probably whistle inside the case all
night if you don’t do this. Opening up the battery doors at night will also save
money on new batteries.
The only exception to this is for users of rechargeable hearing aids. If the hearing
aids recharge, you might not have a battery door at all and should just place the
hearing aids inside the case to charge at night.
Once they’re in the case, they will automatically turn off.
Tip 4. Change the batteries
Most hearing aid batteries need to be replaced
about once a week (for sizes 312 and 13). The smaller, size 10 batteries might need replacement
every 4-5 days. Size 675 is the largest and may last longer than a week.
Some people put the sticker tab from the back of the battery on a calendar each time they replace
their batteries to help estimate average battery life.
Replacing batteries on the same day each week is usually a good rule to follow
so that the hearing aids are always working.
If you're not sure when
to replace them, the hearing aid should also play a warning sound when the batteries need
to be changed.
Tip 5. Get a checkup by your provider
It is recommended to have a hearing aid check
and cleaning every 6 months at the clinic that provided them. That way they can be
thoroughly cleaned and have any needed parts replaced.
Hearing aid clinics have special
cleaning tools and equipment to make sure the hearing aid is working as designed.
You might also want an occasional sound adjustment especially for new hearing aid users.
If you suspect any changes in hearing, request an evaluation by your provider. Having a
new hearing exam at least once a year is recommended.
Tip 6. Know what’s covered in your warranty
Hearing aids are an investment in time and
money, so proper care and maintenance is essential. Hearing aids include a warranty for any repair
issues or any loss and damage claims. Make sure to ask your provider to discuss warranty
coverage details. You want to report any hearing aid problems as soon as possible,
especially if your hearing aid is lost so that it can be replaced before the warranty coverage
expires.
Tip 7. Give them a chance!
Unfortunately, some people just don't wear
their hearing aids enough to adjust. They will likely not sound natural at first,
so you have to wear them every day whether you’re home alone or having a conversation
in a noisy restaurant. Our brains need time to adjust to all the new sounds. The more
consistent you are at wearing hearing aids, the better success you'll have adjusting
to them. Commit to wearing the hearing aids throughout your day.
So for today’s question, which of these hearing aid tips did you find most valuable?
What other hearing aid related videos do you want to see? Let’s connect in the
comments.
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If you're interested in hearing aids, click on the link in description below for my FREE
ebook, “How To Buy Hearing Aids”. Know what to ask your audiologist or hearing aid
dispenser so that your hearing aids are easy to use and have all the features you’re
looking for.
Remember, Pro Fit Hearing brings you the best insight into today’s latest hearing aids,
headphones, and audio technology to improve your life.
If you have concerns about your hearing, always
consult with your local physician or audiologist.
Thanks for watching and I’ll see you in
the next video.