Are hearing aids easy to care for?
Yes! Hearing aids need to be kept dry, and put in a safe place when you’re not wearing them (i.e. – while sleeping) – that’s about it! While most are water resistant, none are yet fully waterproof, so you’ll want to avoid showering or swimming with them. When they’re not in your ears, keep them somewhere safe so they won’t get misplaced, lost or carried off by the dog. No special cleaning is required other than wiping them with a dry cloth, or using a tool from your professional to brush earwax off them from time to time.
How often do I need to change batteries?
Larger models with larger batteries may go 30 days between changes while smaller models may require batteries be changed every 5 – 7 days. Many hearing aids will indicate the need for a battery change by emitting a soft signal in your ear. A few models even run on rechargeable batteries and include a convenient charger. Hearing aid batteries are inexpensive – costing approximately one dollar each.
Do hearing aids include a warranty?
Yes! New hearing aids come with a manufacturer’s warranty that usually includes repair and a one time loss replacement (a deductible for loss usually applies). The length of the warranty varies. Your audiologist or hearing instrument specialist can provide you with the details of the warranty and services provided with your instruments.
Can I try before I buy?
Styles requiring a custom fit or a custom earmold can’t be effectively demonstrated without having them manufactured for your ear. Additionally, since new technology emerges at a rapid pace, keeping a large inventory of many makes and models for demonstration isn’t practical for most providers. To ensure your satisfaction with hearing aids, most states by law require a trial period - a specified time period within which you can return the hearing aids for a refund (usually a fee applies for the professional’s services). But remember - returned hearing aids can’t help you hear better, so give yourself every opportunity to succeed with your instruments by working closely with your hearing care professional for follow-up and finetuning and ensure your satisfaction.
