For many people, hearing aids are essential. They allow them to communicate with others and go about their day-to-day routine and activities. Because of this, keeping them in perfect condition is important.
Hearing aids are durable, but they are still very small and complex instruments that have electronic components. This means that things like earwax, heat, impacts, moisture and dirt can cause damage to them. Here we look at some of the most common reasons for hearing aids to break.
Not Keeping Them Clean
Hearing aids, like other electronics, can be damaged by grime and moisture, but they are also close to another substance that can create difficulties – earwax. Earwax can cause your hearing aids to fail or stop working entirely if it gets into the tubing and receiver. It is important to clean your hearing aids every day if you want them to keep them always working properly.
When you clean your hearing aids, it is important to do them as instructed by your Hearing Instrument Specialist. Avoid using water and alcohol or chemical-based cleaning agents, which can cause corrosion and irreparable damage.
Dropping Them
While hearing aids are tough, they are not going to withstand being dropped onto a hard surface. Doing this, particularly from a height, will certainly damage them. When taking them out or putting them in, cleaning them or changing the batteries, sit down or do it over a soft surface, such as a towel or a pillow, especially in the early days when you are getting to use to handling them.
Not Storing Them Correctly
When you are not wearing your hearing aids, what you do with them might be a major source of damage that necessitates repairs. Avoid storing your hearing aids in damp or hot environments, such as the restroom or the car. Find a cool, dry location and keep them there when you are not wearing them. It also stops them from getting lost or knocked. Try to leave the battery door open when not in use as well – this will dry out the compartment and prolong its lifespan.
Wearing Them During Certain Activities
Your hearing aids are designed to be worn comfortably for most activities. That’s the whole point of them; to help you to lead a life where your hearing loss does not hold you back. However, there are certain activities where you should not wear your hearing aids, as they can be damaged. These include:
- In a hot, steamy, and moist environment such as showers, saunas and steam rooms.
- When you go swimming
- While blow-drying your hair
- When spraying hairspray or other deodorants near to the hearing aid.
Moisture, heat, and chemicals that can clog the microphone and receiver are all present in these situations. Even waterproof hearing aids can be damaged by water if submerged for an extended period. It is a good idea to take out your hearing aid and put them somewhere safe before doing any of these activities.