Modern hearing aids are durable, easy-to use and reliable. Nevertheless, a few simple precautions will ensure that your hearing aid continues to give you many years of trouble-free service.
Avoid getting your hearing aid dirty. Always make sure your fingers are dry and clean before handling your hearing instruments. The microphone inlet is only a few tenths of a millimeter wide and can become blocked quite easily.
Avoid sharp knocks and impact. Insert and remove your hearing aid while leaning over a soft surface (a bed or sofa) – in case it falls from your hand.
Protect your hearing aid from heat. Never leave your hearing aid where it may be affected by extreme heat. Protect your hearing aid from direct sunlight (at home and in a parked car) and do not leave it near a domestic heater.
Protect your hearing aid from dampness. Remove your hearing aid from your ear before showering, bathing, washing your hair or swimming. Do not leave them in the bathroom where they could suffer water damage or from excess humidity. Dry any perspiration inside and around the ears regularly. Dampness and condensation can damage the circuitry in your hearing aid. It is recommend that you leave the battery compartment open overnight and use the special drying kit available from your hearing professional.
Keep your hearing instruments out of the reach of children and pets. Dogs are irritated by the feedback (whistling) sound while at the same time being attracted by the owner’s scent. Often the end result is a chewed up hearing instrument. The hearing instrument battery can be dangerous if swallowed. Consult a medical/veterinary professional immediately if the battery is accidentally ingested.
Avoid contact with make-up or hair spray. The fine particles produced by make-up or hair spray can easily block a microphone inlet. Always remove hearing instruments before using products such as hair gel.
Clean your hearing aid carefully. Clean your hearing aid using a soft, dry cloth. Alcohol, solvents and cleaning fluids can damage electronic circuitry.
Ear hygiene. Always make sure that your ear is clean. If your instrument sounds weak, it may be due to the sound outlet or the cerumen filter being blocked with ear wax or dirt. You can obtain special cleaning products from your hearing professional.
Keep your hearing aid in a safe place. When your hearing aid is not in use, always keep it in the supplied case or in a special drying box. Remove the batteries if the instruments will not be used for some time.
Always have repairs carried out by a specialist only. Screwdrivers and oil can be fatal for hearing instruments. Merely touching the electronics or micro-mechanics can lead to irreparable damage. See your hearing aid professional for service of your hearing aid.