You might be wondering what type of maintenance is required for your hearing aids and what you can do at home to take care of them. Moisture, wax and debris can cause your hearing aids to malfunction, so it's essential to know how to avoid this from happening to your devices.

Here are 5 simple steps you can take to look after and maintain the performance of your hearing aids.

1. Wash Your Hands Before You Handle Your Hearing Aids

Though this may seem minor, making sure your hands are clean is helpful to avoid debris (body oils, dust, etc.) affecting the performance of your hearing aid(s).  This debris can block the opening to the microphones, causing your hearing aids to malfunction.  You'll also have peace of mind that you are putting clean devices into your ears!

2. Store Your Hearing Aids in A Safe and Dry Area

Where you store your hearing aids is important in ensuring they keep in excellent condition, so keep them in a dry area where moisture is not likely to occur. They should be out of reach for young children and especially pets (particularly dogs, who will eat them) to avoid any damage. As a bonus, if you store them in the same place every time, you will always know where they are when you need them.

3. Schedule a Hearing Aid Service Appointment with Your Audiologist

Your audiologist knows exactly how to clean your hearing aids so that they are in tip-top shape. During a hearing aid service appointment, they can check to see if any repairs are required, diagnose issues that may hinder the benefit you get from them and take a look in your ears to make sure wax isn’t becoming an issue.

4. Avoid Harmful Substances 

It can be easy to forget that you're wearing your hearing aids at times because they are so comfortable, but it’s important to remove your hearing aids before showering or going swimming as electronics and water don’t mix.  Harmful substances, such as hairspray, perfumes/colognes, lotions/gels can damage your hearing aids.  So before using these products, remove your hearing aids and let the substances dry before putting them on again.  Be sure to also remove them when using a hairdryer too.

5. Change the Filters or Wax Guards on Your Hearing Aids

This will remove any dirt, debris, or wax that might affect your hearing aids.  Don’t hesitate to contact your team of experts at Berkeley Hearing Center to find out how to change your filters and wax guards. We want to ensure all of our patients consistently get the most benefit out of their hearing technology so that they can enjoy all that the world has to offer. If you require any further assistance or advice in caring for your hearing aids at home, please don't hesitate to contact my team at Berkeley Hearing Center at 510-841-0681.

If you would like to have your hearing aids serviced, you can still use our dropbox at our front window to ensure your hearing aids can be cleaned/repaired while keeping you safe during this time.