Hearing Aids: What To Avoid

By Author: Clay Green
Total Articles: 1
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In order to protect your hearing aid investment, there are a few things you should avoid. Remember that your digital hearing devices are advanced electronic pieces of equipment, and should be treated with due care. If you want to avoid unnecessary repairs, please follow this list!

Avoid moisture. Moisture build up is one of the main reasons for hearing aid dysfunction. Moisture sources include: exposure to water and other liquids, heavy perspiration, and high humidity. If possible, remove your aids during activities that may cause excessive sweating. Do not shower, bathe, or swim while wearing your hearing instruments. In months of high humidity or in humid locations, consider using a dehumidifier nightly to prevent moisture buildup.

Avoid high temperatures. Excessive heat will damage a hearing aids very quickly. Do not leave your aids in a car, especially in hot locations or summer months. Never leave a hearing instrument to sit in direct sunlight. Do not heat an aid in an oven or microwave. If your hearing instrument becomes wet and needs to dry, remove the battery and leave the battery door open. Place the aid ...
... in a dehumidifier or even in dry uncooked rice, and allow to dry overnight.

Avoid dropping or hitting on hard surfaces. Dropping hearing aids on hard surfaces can potentially damage or even break the aid. Softer surfaces are less likely to cause damage if the aid is dropped. Try to have soft surfaces available should the aid fall when inserting and removing from your ear.

Avoid aerosol chemicals. Hair spray and other aerosol sprays can cause buildup or damage to your hearing device. Before spraying hair spray or any other sprays, remove the hearing instruments and put them in a safe spot. Allow the spray to dry before putting your aids back on.

Avoid forcing batteries to fit. If the battery does not slip into the hearing device easily, check your positioning and battery size. The battery should never have to be forced into the hearing instrument. In most hearing instruments, the battery will fit into the door of the battery opening, not directly into the aid.

Avoid making adjustments. If you still wear an analog style hearing instrument with small screw-like ports on the faceplate (potentiometer), it is not advisable to adjust these settings yourself.

The direction of the screw will help to determine the gain and frequency settings. A hearing healthcare professional should make these adjustments to best suit your hearing impairment. If you are having difficulty hearing at the current hearing aid settings, make an appointment to see your hearing healthcare provider as soon as possible!

Clay Green, is a leading audiologist who has been providing South Texas with quality hearing care services for the past ten years. A native of South Texas, Clay received his Bachelor of Science degree from Stephen F. Austin in 1996 and his Masters degree in Audiology from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas in 1998. For up-to-date hearing aid information visit Dr.Greens blog.