Modern hearing aids are small, sophisticated pieces of technology that live in a warm, waxy, humid environment all day — so a little care goes a long way. A simple daily routine keeps them sounding their best, prevents most common problems, and helps them last for years.
Your daily routine
None of this takes more than a moment, but doing it consistently makes all the difference:
- Wipe them with a soft, dry cloth each day — never water or solvents
- Take them out before showering, swimming or using hairspray
- At night, either open the battery door or pop them on charge, and let them air
- Store them somewhere safe, dry and away from heat, damp and curious pets
- Keep the wax filters and domes clean, as we have shown you
Keep them dry
Moisture is the single biggest enemy of a hearing aid. Beyond keeping them out of water, a drying pot or electronic dehumidifier overnight can genuinely extend their life, especially if you are active or tend to perspire. Never try to dry them with a hairdryer or on a radiator — heat does its own damage.
Wax is the usual culprit
If a hearing aid sounds dull, weak or dead, ear wax blocking the filter or dome is by far the most common cause — not a fault. Changing the wax guard regularly, as shown at your fitting, prevents most of it. And if wax in your ears is part of the problem, we can help with safe wax removal.
Batteries and charging
If your aids are rechargeable, get into the habit of charging them every night so they are ready for the day. If they use disposable batteries, keep a spare set with you, and remember that opening the battery door overnight helps them air and last longer.
Servicing and aftercare
Even well-cared-for hearing aids benefit from a professional clean, a check and — where relevant — new tubing or filters now and then. That ongoing care is exactly what our hearing care plans are for, so your hearing aids keep performing long after the fitting.
If they stop working — try this first
Before assuming the worst, run through the quick checks: is the battery fresh or the aid charged? Is the wax filter or dome blocked? Have they got damp? A surprising number of "broken" hearing aids are simply blocked or flat. If they still will not work after that, bring them in and we will sort them out.
Keep them dry, keep the wax filters clean, and charge them nightly. A minute of care a day keeps hearing aids sounding their best and lasting far longer.← Back to the Journal
