How to Properly Clean and Store Your Hearing Aids

Taking proper care of your hearing aids is incredibly important to preserve their longevity and maintain optimal performance. Routine maintenance saves you time and money down the road! As a hearing aid wearer, chances are you already know about regular cleaning and safe storage practices, however there are some less obvious tips that can make a significant difference that you might not have thought of. In this blog post, we’ll dive into expert advice on how to go the extra mile when cleaning and storing your hearing aids. Let’s explore some often overlooked but crucial aspects of hearing aid maintenance!

Be Mindful of Hair and Beauty Products

Are you someone that loves to primp and preen as well as style your hair? If so, had you considered that the hair products you use can potentially harm your hearing aids? Hair sprays, gels, and other styling products often contain chemicals that can lead to damage or buildup on your devices. To prevent any accidental damage, it’s best to apply these products away from your hearing aids. Create a morning routine where you get ready, spray perfumes and do your hair first, and then put in your devices afterwards when your ears are clean and dry and you’re finished with the gels, creams and sprays.

Remove Your Hearing Aids Before Swimming

While some hearing aids are designed to be water-resistant, it’s generally best to remove them before taking a swim. Water can find its way into your devices and can cause damage to the sensitive electronics inside. If you love to frequent the pool or swim in the ocean then consider using waterproof covers or swimming plugs specifically designed for hearing aids. These accessories provide an extra layer of protection which will allow you to enjoy water activities worry-free.

Keep Them Away from Pets

Our beloved pets can be curious creatures, and they may mistake your hearing aids for chew toys! To avoid any unfortunate mishaps, it’s crucial to keep your hearing aids stored securely when you’re around pets. If you have a pet with a penchant for exploration, consider using closed storage containers or placing your devices in a drawer or cabinet that your pet cant access. By taking this simple precaution, you’ll ensure the safety of both your hearing aids and your furry friends and avoid some potentially costly accidents!

Protect Them During Physical Activity

Taking part in sports or other physical activities requires extra precautions to protect your hearing aids from impact or excessive sweat. Consider using sweatbands, headbands, or specially designed sports clips to secure your hearing devices in place. These accessories not only prevent your hearing aids from falling out but also shield them from potential damage caused by sudden impacts or excessive moisture.

Take Extra Care When Travelling

While you might not find yourself in extreme environments in day-to-day life, you definitely can do when you’re travelling. Whether you’re visiting a humid Florida beach or trekking your favorite mountain range, it’s essential to take extra care of your hearing aids in these environments. High humidity can cause moisture buildup, while excessive dust can clog the device’s openings and affect performance.

To protect your hearing aids, consider using a hearing aid dehumidifier or a drying kit specifically designed for removing moisture. Additionally, whenever you’re in dusty environments, keep your hearing aids in a protective case or pouch to stop dust particles from getting in.

Be Mindful of Electronic Interference

Electronic devices like smartphones, tablets and computers emit electromagnetic fields that can sometimes interfere with the performance of your hearing aids. We all own these devices so it of course doesn’t mean you need to stop using them. But to minimize any possible interference it’s advisable to keep your hearing aids away from these devices when they’re not in use. Avoid placing your hearing aids directly on top of electronic devices or storing them in close proximity.

Caring for your hearing aids goes beyond basic cleaning and storage practices. By implementing these often-overlooked tips, you can elevate your maintenance routine and enhance the lifespan and performance of your devices, they might not be things you need to do on a daily basis but are worth keeping in mind in case these situations crop up. These extra precautions will go a long way in ensuring that your hearing aids continue to provide you with optimal sound clarity.

If you have any questions or need professional assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to our audiologists at The Hearing Clinic at Woodlake. We have a team of experts who can support you with your hearing health, feel free to contact us at (612) 246-4868 if you want to learn more.