Keeping Your Beltone Hearing Aids in Great Working Condition
If you have purchased hearing aids, you’ve made a valuable investment in your health and hearing. Hearing devices are not inexpensive, and it’s important to properly care for them so they remain in good working condition. Did you know moisture and debris can cause your hearing aids to malfunction? All hearing aids are exposed to environmental factors that can adversely affect performance including humidity, earwax, moisture, and debris. Even if you gently remove earwax on the device every day, it’s critical to also take time for a deeper cleaning once each week. Regular cleaning and care for your hearing aids will ensure they are working their best. Read on to learn how Beltone and our local Central Valley hearing centers can help you maintain your hearing aids.
Would you buy a brand-new car and then never clean it or bring it in for routine maintenance? Of course not! Keeping your hearing aids in optimal condition requires maintenance, too. Neglecting to routinely clean and maintain your hearing devices can lead to decreased performance in the long run. That is why caring for your hearing aids is so important.
Regardless of which hearing aid style you wear, it is important to routinely clean and care for your devices. Some hearing aids styles, such as Invisible-In-the-Canal (IIC) and In-The-Ear (ITE) devices, are especially susceptible to wax. Hearing aids worn over the ear are especially exposed to damage from sweat, water and physical debris. Wearers of these kinds of devices often find that cleaning the hearing aids daily reduces the number of repairs required during the lifespan of the hearing aids and helps keep sound quality high. Always remember when cleaning and caring for your hearing aids it is important to be careful, as the fragile parts can become damaged, and always wash your hands before cleaning so you don’t dirty your hearing aids with grease from your fingers.
In your day-to-day life and use, there are a few easy things you can do to keep your hearing aids in optimal working condition:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your hearing aids
- Always handle your hearing aids gently, with utmost care
- Store your hearing aids in a safe, dry place, away from children and pets
- Turn off your hearing aids when you are not using them
- Periodically clean the battery contacts and remove any visible earwax or debris with a clean cloth
- Change filters or wax guards to remove wax and dirt that may deter sound quality
- Don’t wear your hearing aids in the shower, while swimming or while using a hair dryer or hair spray
Following these simple steps at home will go a long way towards ensuring that your hearing aids last you for as long as they are intended. Besides daily care and maintenance, however, it is also important to schedule routine appointments with your hearing professional for professional cleanings. Because hearing aids do require some degree of professional service, all of Beltone’s hearing devices come our BelCare promise; the BelCare Promise Comprehensive Service Plan includes:
- Free cleanings and adjustments for the life of the hearing aid
- Free hearing aid evaluations for the life of the hearing aid
- Free annual audiometric screenings
If you are unable or uncomfortable going to an office right now, you can still keep your hearing aids clean and working their best at home with our Beltone Cleaning Set. The cleaning set includes all the cleaning supplies you need, in a convenient travel bag, so you can perform general maintenance on your device from the comfort and safety of your home. The Beltone Cleaning Set includes: 10 cleaning wipes, cleaning spray (with brush), drying cup, drying capsule, and the convenient travel bag.
If you want to order cleaning supplies or if you require a hearing aid adjustment, Beltone’s hearing care centers are open and we’re here for you. Even with proper at-home care, it is recommended you bring your hearing aids in to be checked regularly by your Beltone hearing care professional. Your Beltone hearing aid purchase includes our BelCare™ service, and you are entitled to regular cleanings and ongoing care for the life of your hearing aids. If you need assistance, please get in touch by calling your local Beltone office. At Beltone, we are fully committed to helping patients like you however we can during this challenging and stressful time. Give us a call today!
Would you like more tips and advice? Visit our YouTube Channel for easy tutorial videos on how to clean your instruments to ensure your hearing aids are always in good working condition.