{"id":5271,"date":"2024-10-14T14:16:34","date_gmt":"2024-10-14T18:16:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/albanyentandallergy.com\/?p=5271"},"modified":"2024-10-14T14:16:36","modified_gmt":"2024-10-14T18:16:36","slug":"the-dos-and-donts-of-hearing-aids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/albanyentandallergy.com\/the-dos-and-donts-of-hearing-aids\/","title":{"rendered":"The Dos and Don\u2019ts of Hearing Aids"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As you begin your journey with hearing aids, there is a lot to learn. Your Albany Hearing Healthcare Team is here to help you adjust to your new technology\u2014here are a few tips to get you started.<\/p>\n\n\n

Dos for Successful Hearing Aid Use<\/h2>\n\n

Brush Your Hearing Aids Daily<\/h3>\n\n\n

Every morning before putting on your hearing aids, take a moment to brush them, focusing on the microphones and the tip that goes into your ear canal. We recommend that you hold the device upside down when you\u2019re brushing and brush up into the area of focus. This practice helps remove any debris or wax buildup, ensuring optimal performance, and allows it to fall out rather than being pushed in deeper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By waiting until the morning, anything that didn\u2019t come off the hearing aids the night before will have had a chance to dry and will flake off more easily. Don\u2019t brush wet wax\u2014it just smears around and creates a plug, which is ultimately harder to clean and manage. While most hearing aid manufacturers provide a small brush for cleaning, a child\u2019s toothbrush works just fine!<\/p>\n\n\n

Wipe Your Hearing Aids Every Evening<\/h3>\n\n\n

At the end of the day, make it a habit to wipe your hearing aids. You can use a microfiber cleaning cloth, tissue or paper towel, or cotton rag. Any dry cloth will do, and you should avoid water or alcohol, which can damage the device. Consistently cleaning your hearing aids will extend their lifespan and maintain their effectiveness. Patients who clean their hearing aids daily, as recommended, are more familiar with what their hearing aids should look like and how they are operating, often identifying problems earlier and reducing any delays in repairs or adjustments.<\/p>\n\n\n

Don\u2019ts to Avoid Potential Issues<\/h2>\n\n

Avoid Storing Hearing Aids in the Bathroom<\/h3>\n\n\n

While hearing aids are water-resistant, they are not truly waterproof. Even if your devices are advertised as waterproof, we don\u2019t want to add unnecessary exposure to increased humidity and moisture. The bathroom\u2019s humidity can damage the device, so it\u2019s best to store them in a dry place. Moisture can lead to malfunctions and reduce the lifespan of your hearing aids.<\/p>\n\n\n

Keep Hearing Aid Batteries Out of Reach<\/h3>\n\n\n

Hearing aid button batteries are poisonous and should never be ingested. If they are accidentally swallowed, contact the National Button Battery Ingestion Hotline at (202) 625-3333 immediately. Always handle batteries with care and store them safely out of children\u2019s reach. Hearing aid batteries, like all batteries, should be recycled. You can reach out to your county or waste management provider for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n

Remove Hearing Aids for Medical Imaging<\/h2>\n\n\n

For medical imaging procedures like MRI or CT scans, remove your hearing aids and do not give them to anyone you would not give your wallet to. You can wear your hearing aids through metal detectors at airports, museums, courthouses and the like without issues.<\/p>\n\n\n

Protect Hearing Aids from Sprays and Lotions<\/h3>\n\n\n

Before using any sprays or lotions, such as sunscreen or hairspray, ensure that you aren\u2019t wearing your hearing aids and that your hands are clean before putting them back on. These substances can clog the microphone covers, creating a film that prevents sound from entering the device. If you believe your microphones have been sprayed with something, brush more aggressively the following morning\u2014you may see debris flaking off.<\/p>\n\n\n

Keep Hearing Aids Away from Pets<\/h3>\n\n\n

Cats and dogs are often attracted to hearing aids. Cats like to play with them, and dogs may chew on them. When you\u2019re not using them, keep your hearing aids safe and out of reach. Rechargeable hearing aids should be on the charger if they are not in use, and battery-operated hearing aids should be in a case with the battery door open. If you are away from your charger, turn them off and place them in a carrying case.<\/p>\n\n\n

Managing Your Hearing Aids<\/h2>\n\n\n