Why Do Hearing Devices Break

Hearing devices are built to stand up to everyday wear. However, they still need to be worn and cared for properly to prevent them from breaking. They experience wear and tear over time, and they can be damaged if not properly cared for. With the correct care, you can prevent any damage from occurring and keep your hearing aids functional. If you want to avoid the need for hearing aid repairs as much as possible, follow these tips.

Not Enough Cleaning

Hearing devices must be cleaned as part of their regular maintenance. They can be affected by earwax, dust and other dirt and debris. The good news is that cleaning your hearing aids can be quick and easy. Simply wiping them down with a soft cloth will help keep them clean, and you can do this daily. You might also find it helpful to have a few tools for cleaning that you can use to pick earwax out of small spaces or dislodge any debris. You should avoid moisture with in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids, but you can clean the earmolds of behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids if they don’t have speakers. If you notice excess moisture after wiping down your hearing aids, you can use a dehumidifier to dry your hearing aids.

Dropping Them

Dropping hearing aids risks damaging them, as the impact can dislodge or break delicate parts. Accidents happen and aren’t always avoidable, but you can try to take the utmost care when handling and removing hearing devices. Be careful when taking them out or putting them in. If you’re carrying them but not wearing them, put them in a protective case. Try not to put them down on high surfaces, where they could be knocked off. Keep them in a case if you’re placing them somewhere like your nightstand.

Storing Incorrectly

Good storage is essential to protect hearing devices. They need to be stored somewhere cool and dry, where they won’t be affected by moisture or changes in temperature. This is also important to protect the batteries. Ideally, you should also store them where they can’t be reached by children or pets. If your hearing aids are rechargeable, follow the charging instructions to avoid battery problems. If you have to change the batteries, it’s a good idea to store them with the battery port open to prevent moisture from building up.

Moisture

Too much moisture can get to the internal parts of hearing devices, causing damage. That’s why it’s important to remove them before showering or bathing and keep them outside of the bathroom. Avoid wearing them when you go swimming too. If you’re styling your hair, it’s important to put your hearing aids in after using products like hairspray so they don’t get wet. Moisture could corrode the short circuit and other parts and could also damage the batteries.

Hearing devices can break, but they can also last a long time with the proper care. Use them and wear them properly to protect them. If you want to learn more about your hearing aids, schedule an appointment with an audiologist.