3 Ways to Prevent Hearing Aid Repairs

The average in-the-ear (ITE), behind-the-ear (BTE) or in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids need considerable upkeep to maintain their functionality. And for people experiencing hearing loss, the constant use and potential wear given the necessity of the aids can be a big source of worry. So, to prevent the need for labor-intensive repairs, consider these three simple steps.

1. Keep Hearing Aids Away from Moisture

Since the design is meant to be as unobtrusive as possible, they can become a part of daily life that barely gets noticed. But that means bad habits can develop – like wearing them in the shower or when going swimming. Audiologists highly recommend keeping hearing aids away from moisture as much as possible.

Hearing aids are made up of delicate electronics that will corrode if exposed to a lot of moisture. While they are water-resistant, that only goes so far. This means that leaving hearing aids immersed in water will quickly make them need repairs. To avoid this, make sure you dry your device thoroughly and store it in an air-tight case.

2. Avoid Extreme Temperatures

It is important to avoid exposing your devices to extreme temperatures. Exposing any kind of hearing aid to extreme hot or cold temperatures, may cause serious damage. For example, if hearing aids are exposed to extreme heat – maybe hours of summer sun – the internal components can get warped, corroded and end up irreparable. Exposure to cold will do something similar. Instead of risking damage, it is best to keep them at room temperature, especially during storage.

3. Maintain the Wax Filter

Earwax is natural and normally a great thing for your ears. The substance, also called cerumen, plays an important role in keeping the ear canal lubricated and disinfected. But like dust clogging an AC unit, earwax can inhibit the effectiveness of hearing aids, especially ITC models that are closer to where earwax is produced.

In order to avoid clogging the device, it is necessary to regularly change the earwax filter. This will ensure your hearing aids run effectively for their full lifespan. Doing it at home can actually save a time.

Hearing aids are incredible, long-lasting pieces of technology, but keeping them effective for a full eight years usually means bringing them in for repairs. To avoid that as much as possible, make sure to follow these simple steps alongside general care. Doing research into the issues with each particular model should also be a part of the process since different designs present different challenges. But maintenance should not be a difficult task, instead it can become a part of a daily routine that promotes the quality and longevity of the devices.