Hearing aids help you stay connected, whether that means sharing conversations with loved ones, staying engaged at work, or participating fully in your community. Like any computer, they perform best with regular care. Gentle cleaning, careful handling, and periodic professional checks support their comfort, clarity, and reliability.
At DWM Audiology, clients often ask how to look after their hearing aids and when it may be time for repairs or servicing. These practical tips reflect current hearing care practices and technology, and can help you maintain consistent, dependable performance.
How Long Do Hearing Aids Last?
Modern hearing aids generally last around five to seven years, depending on daily use, the environment, and routine maintenance. Current styles, such as behind‑the‑ear (BTE), receiver‑in‑canal (RIC), and custom in‑ear models, each have different care considerations.
Rechargeable hearing aids may require battery replacement after several years to maintain charging efficiency. Regular servicing, updates, and timely repairs can extend your devices’ lifespan and help you continue hearing clearly and comfortably.
Tip 1: Clean Your Hearing Aids Daily
Wipe your hearing aids each evening with a soft, dry cloth to remove earwax, oils, or debris. Use the small brush or wax tool provided with your care kit to keep ports and vents clear. Avoid liquids, sprays, or household cleaners. If residue builds up, ask for a professional clean. Consistent cleaning helps ensure reliable sound and good hygiene.
Tip 2: Protect Them from Moisture
Moisture is one of the most common causes of hearing aid malfunction. Remove your devices before bathing, swimming, or applying hair or skin products. Store them overnight in a drying box or dehumidifier to remove any residual moisture. This simple habit can reduce corrosion and the likelihood of repairs. Rechargeable devices have a sealed battery compartment reducing the risk of moisture issues and corrosion. The heat from charging units can also assist with dehumidifying. It is important not to store rechargeable devices in an electronic drying unit due to the impact these units can have on the efficiency of rechargeable batteries.
Tip 3: Handle with Care
When inserting or removing your hearing aids, hold them over a soft surface to avoid accidental damage from dropping the devices on a hard surface. Grip the main body rather than cords or tubing. If hand movements are limited, speak with your audiologist about tools that make handling easier. Careful handling helps protect both the casing and the sensitive electronic parts.
Tip 4: Store Hearing Aids Safely
Place your hearing aids in their protective case or charging dock when not in use, and store them in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight and humidity. Avoid keeping them in cars or bathrooms, where temperature and moisture may fluctuate. For disposable‑battery models, open the battery door at night to allow airflow and prevent moisture build‑up.
Tip 5: Monitor Battery or Charging Performance
For rechargeable models, follow the manufacturer’s directions for daily charging and avoid leaving devices uncharged for long periods. Lithium‑ion batteries are long‑lasting but may show reduced performance over time. If your hearing aids lose charge more quickly or turn off unexpectedly, arrange a professional check. Those using disposable batteries should replace them when sound weakens or a low‑battery tone sounds.
Tip 6: Schedule Regular Professional Servicing
Professional servicing helps keep your hearing aids clean, well adjusted, and comfortable. At DWM Audiology, we recommend a full clean and check every three to four months, or sooner if your devices are exposed to dust or moisture. An annual fine-tuning appointment with your audiologist is also recommended to recalibrate devices to any hearing changes, update hearing aid firmware, and ensure optimal device performance.
During servicing, our audiologists can:
- Inspect and clean external and internal components
- Replace filters, domes, or tubing where needed
- Update software or adjust digital settings
- Complete listening checks and performance tests
Regular servicing helps identify small issues before they affect daily use.
Tip 7: Be Aware of Environmental Factors
Heat, humidity, and dust can affect how hearing aids function. When exercising, working outdoors, or using sprays or lotions, apply products first and allow them to dry before inserting your devices. Those spending time in dusty or damp conditions may benefit from protective sleeves or covers.
Tip 8: Seek Help if Problems Occur
If your hearing aids sound weak, distorted, or inconsistent, or if you notice new whistling or feedback, avoid adjusting internal parts yourself. Clean the devices gently, but leave internal repairs to your audiologist. Prompt attention usually resolves small concerns quickly and prevents further damage.
When to Contact Your Audiologist
Arrange an appointment if you notice:
- Persistent feedback or whistling
- Difficulty turning devices on
- Reduced sound clarity or volume
- Visible cracks or tubing damage
- Discomfort or a change in fit
- Bluetooth or app connection issues
Your audiologist can advise whether a simple repair or reprogramming is needed. Increasingly, some follow‑up support can also be provided through remote care or teleaudiology services, which can be useful for clients who live regionally or have mobility concerns.
Caring for Your Hearing Health
Looking after your hearing aids helps preserve both the devices and your overall hearing wellbeing. With consistent daily care and regular professional attention, you can maintain clear, comfortable hearing and reliable performance.
For tailored advice or assistance with hearing aid maintenance or repairs, contact the Melbourne audiologists at DWM Audiology for calm, expert support whenever you need it.
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