How to Care for Your New Hearing Aids

Congratulations on your new hearing aids! These sophisticated devices represent a significant investment in your hearing health. With proper care and maintenance, your hearing aids will provide you with years of better hearing and an improved quality of life. At Audiologic Solutions, we want to help you get the most out of your devices with some practical tips for everyday care.

Daily Cleaning Routine

Your hearing aids are exposed to moisture, earwax, and other debris throughout the day. Establishing a simple daily cleaning routine will keep them functioning optimally:

1. Wipe the exterior: Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe the surface of your hearing aids each night before storing them.
   
2. Clean the microphone ports: These tiny openings can become clogged with debris. Use a small brush (usually provided with your devices) to carefully sweep away any visible particles.
   
3. Check the receiver: For receiver-in-canal (RIC) models like the Oticon Intent, Resound Vivia, or Signia IX, examine the small speaker that fits in your ear canal. If you see earwax, use the wax pick or brush tool to remove it.
   
4. Inspect the tubing: For behind-the-ear models with tubing, check for moisture or debris and clean as needed.
   
5. Examine the battery compartment: For devices with disposable batteries, wipe the contacts clean. For rechargeable models like the Phonak Infinio, ensure the charging contacts are free of debris.
   

Moisture Management

Moisture is one of the biggest threats to hearing aid performance. Modern hearing aids like the Starkey Edge AI feature advanced moisture protection, but additional care is still valuable:

1. Use a hearing aid dehumidifier: Electronic or desiccant-based dehumidifiers draw moisture out of your devices overnight. The Charge n Clean option for the Widex Allure combines charging with automatic drying and sanitization.
   
2. Avoid water exposure: While many newer models have IP68 water-resistance ratings, they aren't designed for swimming or showering. Remove them before these activities.
   
3. Dry your ears thoroughly: After bathing or swimming, make sure your ears are completely dry before inserting your hearing aids.
   
4. Mind the weather: In rainy or humid conditions, take extra precautions to keep your devices dry, such as wearing a hat or using an umbrella.
   

Battery Care

Depending on your hearing aid model, you'll either have disposable batteries or a rechargeable system:

For Rechargeable Hearing Aids:

Many modern devices like the ReSound Vivia, Starkey Edge AI, and Signia IX offer rechargeable options with impressive battery life. For example, the ReSound Vivia provides up to 30 hours of use on a single charge.

1. Charge nightly: Place your hearing aids in their charger every night, even if the battery isn't fully depleted.
   
2. Keep charging contacts clean: Ensure the charging contacts on both the hearing aids and charger remain clean.
   
3. Travel preparedness: When traveling, bring your charger and check if you need a voltage adapter for international destinations.
   

For Disposable Battery Hearing Aids:

1. Keep spare batteries handy: Always have fresh batteries available.
   
2. Open the battery door when not in use: This preserves battery life and allows air to circulate inside the device.
   
3. Remove dead batteries promptly: Dead batteries can leak and damage your hearing aids.
   

When to Seek Professional Help

While regular at-home maintenance is essential, some situations call for professional attention:

1. Persistent feedback (whistling): If your hearing aids consistently produce feedback despite cleaning and proper insertion, it may indicate a fitting issue or damage.
   
2. Sound quality changes: If sounds become distorted or volume fluctuates, your devices may need adjustment.
   
3. Physical damage: Cracks, broken pieces, or other visible damage should be evaluated by a professional.
   
4. Regular check-ups: We recommend bringing your hearing aids in for professional cleaning and check-ups every 3-6 months.
   

At Audiologic Solutions, our team is experienced in handling repairs for a variety of hearing aid models. In most cases, we can complete necessary work in our office on the day you bring them in. For more complex issues, we can coordinate repairs with the manufacturer and may offer loaner devices while yours are being serviced.

Special Considerations for Different Hearing Aid Types

For RIC (Receiver-in-Canal) Models

Popular RIC models like the Oticon Intent, Phonak Infinio, and Resound Vivia require special attention to the receiver portion that sits in your ear canal:

1. Check wax guards regularly: These small filters prevent earwax from entering the receiver. Replace them when they appear clogged (typically every 1-3 months).
   
2. Inspect for moisture: The thin wire connecting the receiver to the main body can trap moisture. Wipe it down daily.
   

For Custom In-the-Ear Models

1. Check the vent: The small air passage can become clogged with wax. Keep it clear using the cleaning tools provided.
   
2. Handle with care: When inserting or removing, hold the device by its outer shell rather than by any controls or microphones.
   

Extending the Life of Your Hearing Aids

Following these additional tips can help maximize the lifespan of your devices:

1. Establish a routine: Clean your hearing aids at the same time each day to make it a habit.
   
2. Create a safe cleaning space: Choose a well-lit area with a soft surface to prevent damage if you drop your devices.
   
3. Wash your hands: Always clean your hands before handling your hearing aids.
   
4. Store properly: Keep your hearing aids in their case or charger when not in use, away from heat, moisture, and pets or children.
   
5. Apply hairspray or cosmetics before insertion: These products can clog openings and damage components.
   

Real Ear Measurement and Regular Follow-ups

Having your hearing aids regularly checked with Real Ear Measurement (REM) ensures they continue to perform optimally for your specific hearing needs. At Audiologic Solutions, we use this specialized testing to verify that your devices are delivering the correct amount of amplification across all frequencies based on your unique hearing profile.

We recommend scheduling follow-up appointments at:

• 2-4 weeks after initial fitting
• 3-6 months after fitting
• Annually thereafter

These check-ins allow us to make fine-tuning adjustments as your hearing or lifestyle needs change and to thoroughly clean and inspect your devices.

Protecting Your Investment

Quality hearing aids from manufacturers like Phonak, Widex, Oticon, ReSound, Signia, and Starkey represent a significant investment in your quality of life. Most hearing aids come with a manufacturer's warranty that covers repairs and sometimes loss for a specified period.

We can discuss extended warranty options that provide continued coverage after the manufacturer's warranty expires, giving you peace of mind for years to come.

Schedule Your Next Hearing Aid Check-up

Regular professional maintenance keeps your hearing aids performing at their best. Our audiologists at Audiologic Solutions in Rensselaer, Hudson, Queensbury, and Saratoga are here to help with all your hearing aid care needs. From wax removal to programming adjustments to Real Ear Measurements, we provide comprehensive support to maximize the benefit you receive from your devices.

Contact us today at (518) 267-7750 for our Rensselaer office, (518) 267-7751 for Hudson, (518) 267-7752 for Queensbury, or (518) 360-2144 for Saratoga to schedule your next hearing aid check-up. Your hearing health is our priority!