Hearing Health

Maintaining your hearing device

Modern hearing aids are durable and reliable, but they do need looking after. Here are a few do's and don'ts you can follow to make sure you get the best from your hearing aids for years to come.

DO:

• Make sure your hands are clean and dry when you handle your hearing devices
• Protect your hearing aids from heat and moisture
• Consult a Bay Audiologist about cleaning products
• Keep your devices in a ‘dry aid' kit when you are not using them
• Keep your ears clean
• Turn your hearing aid off when you're not using it
• Make sure any repairs to your hearing aids are carried out by a specialist
• Replace a dead battery immediately.

DON'T: 

• Get your hearing aids dirty - clean them daily with a soft cloth
• Use hairspray when your hearing aid is in place
• Let your hearing aids get too cold. If it happens, let the aid naturally return to room temperature and power should be restored
• Get your hearing aids wet in saunas, steam baths, baths or showers.
• Dry your hearing aid with anything but a specialist hearing aid drying kit. Using equipment like hairdryers or microwaves can cause irreparable damage
• Open the case of your hearing aid.

Troubleshooting

Here are some tips on the most common hearing aid issues. If you can't find the answer to your question here, just contact us and we'll be able to help.

Volume drop:

• Battery may need replacing
• The sound outlet may be blocked with earwax – clean and change the filter
• The microphone inlet may be blocked – consult your local Bay Audiologist.

Your hearing aid ‘whistles':

• The instrument may not be sitting in your ear correctly or may be in the wrong ear
• Flick your hearing aid on and off, sometimes dust can collect in the controls
• Check your volume control is set correctly
• Tubing of your hearing device may be split – consult your local Bay audiologist.
• Your ear is blocked with wax
• The aid no longer fits snugly (e.g. if you lose weight)

Your hearing aid doesn't work:

• Don't worry – this happens. First, make sure it's turned on
• Ensure the switch is in the right position
• Check that the battery is inserted correctly
• Check the tubes and ear mould to make sure they aren't clogged with wax.

Your hearing aid slips out of your ear:

• Your ear canal may be too wet or dirty – wipe the hearing aid and your ear with a soft cloth.

Your hearing aid hurts your ear:

• Your hearing aid was not fitted correctly – remove it and have another try.
• If discomfort persists see your audiologist as soon as possible.

The hearing aid is hard to insert:

• Place a drop of non-irritating lubricant on your finger and smear onto the ear canal entrance and try inserting your hearing aid once more.
• If your moulds continue to hurt consult your local Bay audiologist.

To arrange an appointment at one of our Bay Audiology hearing clinics, please contact us on 0800 600 545, book online or call your local Bay Audiology hearing clinic.