Murphy’s Law informs us that “if anything can go wrong, it will.” A better variant might be that “things will go wrong in any given situation, if you give them a chance.”
That’s the reason we change the oil in our cars, switch out the filters, and rotate the tires. We’re aiming to protect our investment and extend its life.
You should think of hearing aids in the same manner. If you give things an opportunity to go wrong, they will; but if you’re proactive in your maintenance, your hearing aids can last and operate properly for years.
So what are the things that can go wrong? The following are the three principal threats to your hearing aids and what you can do to protect against them.
1. Physical damage
Enemy # 1 is physical destruction. Hearing aids consist of vulnerable electronics that are susceptible to damage from shock. To protect against this, be sure you store your hearing aids in their storage cases whenever you’re not using them.
A good rule of thumb is that your hearing aids should be either in your ears or in the storage case at any given time. Placing your hearing aids exposed on any surface is just asking for Murphy’s Law to come and knock them off. Likewise, when you’re putting in or removing your hearing aids, it’s best to do this over a soft surface in the event they fall.
In addition, take the time to check and replace the batteries frequently. You’re not doing the electronics any favors by having the hearing aids operate on low battery power.
2. Moisture
Electronic devices and water do not mix, which anyone who’s dropped a cell phone in the kitchen sink understands all too well. Once submerged, there’s very little that can be done. But it takes a lot less than complete submersion in water to harm your hearing aids.
Water, in the form of mist, can still work its way into the hearing aids and begin wreaking chaos. Because of this, you should avoid using hairspray, insect spray, or any other sprays while using your hearing aids. Additionally, keep in mind that extreme changes in temperature can create condensation, for example moving from a climate-controlled room to the outdoors. If this happens, ensure that you dry off any moisture that develops.
We also recommend not storing your hearing aids in the bathroom, as the condensation can generate problems. This is another reason that your bedside table drawer is probably the best place to store your hearing aids when they aren’t in use.
3. Earwax and dirt
Even if you’ve guarded your hearing aids against physical destruction and water with appropriate storage and the avoidance of moisture, you’ll still have to protect against adversary # 3: dirt and grime.
Earwax, dust, and debris can accumulate on the hearing aids, blocking the speakers, ports, and other parts. To defend against this, 1) sustain adequate ear hygiene, and 2) clean and sanitize your hearing aids each day.
Regarding cleaning and sanitizing your hearing aids, ensure that you use only the tools supplied by your hearing professional. Your hearing professional can supply cleaning kits and guidelines exclusively for your type of hearing aids.
Finally, consider purchasing a hearing aid sanitizer. Sanitizers utilize ultraviolet light to thoroughly kill pathogens, all while providing a safe place for storage.