| y"> | | | | bathing, or exercising. Don't leave your aids in the |
| When you remove the hearing aid each day, wipe it | | | | bathroom, where condensation can cause water |
| off with a soft, dry cloth. Then inspect it to make sure | | | | damage. Also, dry perspiration around the ears to |
| there is no earwax buildup. If you see earwax, you | | | | protect the hearing aid. |
| should remove this. Most manufacturers provide you | | | | Cleaning solvents, alcohol, or soap and water should |
| with some sort of tool-a brush, wire pick, or | | | | not be used to clean your hearing device. They can |
| combination of both-to clean the hearing aid with. Make | | | | break down the materials in the aid or damage the |
| sure that your tools are always clean before working | | | | electronics. There are some special sprays designed |
| on your aids. Carefully remove any earwax from the | | | | for the cleaning of hearing devices. You should see |
| hearing device. Sometimes a toothbrush can be helpful | | | | your hearing professional to get these products. |
| as well. You should then open the battery door and | | | | Avoid excessive heat which will easily damage the |
| place the hearing aids in their case. Opening the | | | | hearing aid. Don't leave your aid in a hot car. If you're |
| battery door reduces moisture buildup and prolongs | | | | trying to dry an aid, open the battery door and let it air |
| battery life. | | | | dry or use a hair dryer held 18-24 inches away. |
| Earwax buildup can block sound to the ear. Large | | | | Be careful not to drop your hearing device on a hard |
| accumulations of wax can also cause whistling or | | | | surface. This could damage it. Always insert and |
| feedback. If the volume diminishes, earwax buildup | | | | remove your aids over a soft surface such as the |
| could be the problem. A hearing care professional can | | | | bed or a sofa. |
| check your hearing devices and recommend action. | | | | Don't use hairsprays, creams, or gels on your hair, and |
| If your hearing device has an earmold made of Lucite | | | | be careful of make -up. These can easily block the |
| or silicone (behind-the-ear style aid), you can wash the | | | | microphone inlet and some will break down the plastic |
| earmold with a mild soap and water. You can actually | | | | of the hearing aid case. Always use hair products first, |
| disconnect the earmold from the aid to wash it. Make | | | | and then insert the hearing device. |
| sure it is completely dry and that no water is trapped | | | | Store the hearing devices in a safe place when not |
| inside before re-attaching it to the hearing device. The | | | | being used. Pets or children can cause damage quickly |
| tubing on this type of aid should be replaced every 3-6 | | | | and easily. Pets are sometimes irritated by the |
| months because it will lose its flexibility. | | | | feedback sound and attracted by the owner's scent. |
| Protect your hearing aid from moisture. Water can | | | | They can easily chew up a hearing aid. |
| damage the electronic circuitry in the aid. Always | | | | Always have repairs done by a specialist. |
| remove your aids before swimming, showering, | | | | |