There's nothing worse than accidentally dropping a hearing aid into the toilet (especially if it wasn't already flushed!!), or jumping into the shower and forgetting to take off your hearing aids. Here are a few tips to think about when caring for your digital hearing aids.
Always have a special case in which to keep your hearing aids. If they aren't in your case, they should be in your ears. If they are always in the case or in your ears, you minimize the risk of losing them. Please don't think that you should only wear your hearing aids “when you need them.” It is critical to adjust your ears to everyday noises such as footsteps on hardwood flooring, newspapers cracking, water running, ringing telephones, and birds chirping. These are all important sounds in your environment that keep the hearing part of your brain active. These sounds may sound very loud to you at first, but if you wear your hearing aids every day these sounds should diminish. Don't give up, your brain will actually put these sounds in the background over time, allowing you to focus on what's more important – the human voice connection.
When you receive your new hearing aids, you will be given a special case and cleaning tools like a brush and a pick. Usually an old toothbrush works better for brushing ear wax off the part of the hearing aid that goes into your ear. There are two tiny holes at this end that can be clogged with ear wax. Simply brush these holes quickly every morning before putting them into your ears. Note: Please label that toothbrush for hearing aid usage, so you don't accidentally use it on your teeth!!
You will also want to open up the battery door on your hearing aid while you sleep to make your battery last longer and to allow moisture that may have accumulated in the hearing aid to evaporate out. It isn't necessary to take the battery out, just make sure that the battery door is cracked half way open. That way, all you have to do in the morning is close the door and put it in your ear. Always change your battery on your bed or on a table with a cloth. That way if you drop either the battery or the hearing aid you can easily find them.
People are always surprised how often they have to change the battery. It's anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks on average. But don't worry, batteries are easy to change and very inexpensive. It is not hard to care for your new hearing aids , your hearing professional will review everything as much as needed. Remember to keep your hearing aid in your ear during the day and enjoy hearing more clearly!
Author Biography:
Kelly C. Calkins is a doctor of audiology and has practiced for over 20 years. She is the owner of Alpha Hearing and Balance, works with several otolaryngologists in Atlanta, GA, and is also affiliated with the American Institute of Balance. If you are looking for digital hearing aids in the Atlanta area, take a look at her clinic profile by clicking here or give her a call at 770-491-3900. To find another clinic in your area, simply type your zip code into the clinic locator near the top left hand corner of this page.