There are behind-the-ear and in-the-ear hearing aids both need to be looked after and maintained.
Behind-the-ear hearing aid should be cleaned every night if not at least once a week. Remove the ear mould and tubing which needs to washed in warm soapy water and rinsed. Do not dry them, leave them to dry themselves. Once cleaned and dried then fit them back to your hearing aid.
The hearing aid itself clean with a soft dry cloth only as any solutions may damage the hearing aid.
The tube will need to be replaced every three to six months; this will help prevent cracks and hardening of the tube. You should be shown how to replace the tube by your dispenser. If you have two hearing aids ensure you keep each mould and tube with the right hearing aid to put it all back correctly.
In-the-ear hearing aids have no tubes to detach and clean, you should clean the aid with a dry soft cloth or tissue. Do not use any liquid on the hearing aid as it may damage it, only use the cloth.
Some in-the-ear hearing aids come with a wax pick and instructions how to clean.
Not only do you need to ensure your hearing aid has been cleaned regularly but change the battery often. If the sounds become quieter, distorted, crackling then change the battery. It is a good idea to carry a spare battery with you just in case. Some hearing aids have a slight beeping noise when the battery needs to be changed.
With NHS hearing aids the batteries should be supplied free of charge which you should be able to collect form any local hearing centre with your record book. Privately bought hearing aids you will have to buy batteries which you can normally get from local chemists.
Hearing aids should be always kept away from water, heat, hair products and body sprays as they may damage it. Try and take your hearing aid out when you go to sleep and turn it off to save the battery. Turning the hearing aid off whenever you are not using the hearing aid can help maintain the battery.
There are many common problems which occur with hearing aids but to establish which problem you should go through a checklist. It may sound simple but always check the hearing aid is on, the volume is up, not on setting 'T', the battery is in correctly and change battery if needed.
All these points may sound like common sense but they are easily done.
Remember to look after your hearing aid and it will last longer.
