If you’re one of the 7.1% of Americans over age 45 who wears a hearing aid, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you may wonder what you can do to make them last. It’s important to know that they may need a little extra care during the spring months to ensure they’re working optimally. We review how to protect your hearing aids this spring below.
Clean Your Hearing Aids Daily
Not only are your hearing aids subjected to the usual earwax and dirt, but they will also be covered in pollen during the spring. To prevent pollen from infiltrating the ports and causing damage, you should clean your hearing aids every night. To do this, wipe them down with a soft, clean cloth, use a wax pick/wire loop to remove stubborn debris, open the battery compartment doors, and brush them out. For hearing aids with tubing, detach and wash it in warm soapy water, ensuring they’re completely dry before reattaching.
Avoid Moisture
Spring is the rainy season, so you must take extra care to avoid contact with moisture. When you venture out in the rain, be sure you wear a rain jacket with a cinched hood or use an umbrella. You should also take your hearing aids out before enjoying any water-related activities.
Get a Dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers, or dry-boxes, are containers with a desiccant that work by drawing moisture out of hearing aids. After a particularly humid day or after accidental contact with moisture, it’s handy to have one of these to store your hearing aids in overnight.
Take Them Out Before Applying Sprays
Whether it’s sunscreen, bug spray or perfume, be sure you take your hearing aids out and put them somewhere safe whenever you apply a spray. Aerosols are especially damaging to hearing aids.
Limit Sunlight Exposure
On a sunny spring day, you should also be mindful about how much sun your hearing aids are exposed to. Even if it’s not very hot out, too much direct sunlight can melt the plastic coating on your hearing aids. Don’t put them on a windowsill or in a hot car.
For more information about caring for hearing aids or to schedule an appointment with a hearing aid expert, call Charleston ENT & Allergy today.