Hearing aids are simple to care for. Most hearing aid repairs are due to moisture and earwax accumulating in the hearing aid. The vast majority of these repairs are preventable. It's important to clean your instruments every time you remove them from your ear. Your professional can instruct you on how best to clean your particular model, and will most likely give you some small tools to brush the aid and clean ear wax from the sound bore and vent hole.
To best protect your investment, use a DRY-AID kit. These kits remove moisture that has accumulated in the instrument (from perspiration, humidity, etc.) and can extend the life of your hearing aids. Electronic dry-aid kits are best. They include a germicidal light that kills most bacteria and other germs, desiccants to absorb moisture, and fans to circulate air through the internal components of the hearing aids. They can be purchased through your audiologist or hearing instrument specialist.
Avoid dropping your hearing instruments on hard surfaces, the shock can damage the receiver and other miniature electronic components. Keep your instruments in their case or your dry aid kit when they're not in your ears. It's not uncommon for hearing aids to get lost when they're put in a pocket or purse without their designated case. It's also not uncommon for dogs to chew on hearing aids left laying out!
Preventive maintenance is the key to longer lasting hearing aids. Well maintained hearing aids can last five years or longer, so a little maintenance will go a long way!
