Prolonging the Life of Your Hearing Aids

Hearing aids, like any other piece of technology, require regular maintenance to ensure they are functioning properly. Even the most advanced devices are exposed to potentially damaging elements including earwax, moisture, heat, and dirt. 

Here are some easy tips to prolong the life of your hearing aids:

• Clean using a soft, dry cloth: First, you should make sure your fingers are clean and dry before touching your hearing aid. Use a soft, dry cloth to remove any dirt or grime that may build-up. Never use alcohol, solvents or cleaning agents.  
• Avoid liquids and moisture: When hearing aids are exposed to liquids and moisture, it can cause serious damage. Although many devices are being made water resistant, it’s still recommended that you remove them when showering or swimming.
• Change the wax filter: The wax filter prevents ear wax from reaching the inner parts of the hearing aid which can cause damage. It’s important to periodically replace the filter to prevent wax build-up.
• Visit your audiologist: Be sure to bring your hearing aids in for routine care with an audiologist. They may notice a problem you may have missed and can make proper adjustments to your devices to better suit your needs.

If your hearing aids are not functioning properly or you find you’re not getting much use from them, then it may be time for a maintenance check with an audiologist. The Pennsylvania Ear Institute (PEI) is offering complimentary “Spring Cleaning” appointments from April 3- 12.

Your complimentary “Spring Cleaning” appointment will include:

• A consultation with one of PEI’s expert audiologists
• Hearing aid surface cleaning
• Verification of hearing aid performance (requires results from most recent hearing test)
• Recommendations based on your specific needs

For more information or to schedule your complimentary “Spring Cleaning” appointment at PEI, call 215.789.4736.