The cost for hearing aids can seem astronomical, especially if you're on a fixed income. Ranging in price from $1,500 to $3,500 for each unit, new hearing aids can take a huge chunk out of your annual budget. But there is good news. If cared for properly, hearing aids should last anywhere from 3 to 7 years. In-the-ear models typically don't last as long as behind-the-ear models, but you should still get several years of use out of them. What's more, there are things you can do to maximize the life of your units. Following are four tips for keeping your hearing aids in great shape.
Follow Proper Cleaning Instructions
Clean your hearing aids regularly with a dry, soft cloth. While you can clean the ear pieces with warm water and mild soap, you should never do so while they're still attached to your hearing aids. Remove the ear pieces before cleaning, and make sure they're completely dry before putting them back on.
Avoid Moisture Buildup
Your hearing aids will come into contact with moisture and humidity on a regular basis. If you get hot and start perspiring, your hearing aids will draw moisture. The same is true if you have to go outside when it's raining. Always try to keep your hearing aids as dry as possible. You should also prevent moisture buildup by storing your aids in a drying container each night when you go to bed.
Keep Them Away From Heat
Heat is the enemy. Never place your hearing aids in places where the temperature is not controlled, such as your car. Also, avoid placing them in direct sunlight or near a space heater. Your hearing aids should always be in a temperature-controlled climate. Extreme cold is not good for your hearing aids either.
Use Products With Care
Lotions, perfumes, and hair products can wreak havoc on your hearing aids, so they should never come into contact with them. Always remove your hearing aids and place them well away from you before using any hygiene or beauty products, especially if they're sprays. If the spray gets into your hearing device, it can coat the components, resulting in a complete malfunction of your unit.
As you can see, there are several things you can do to maximize the useful life of your hearing aids. If you have any questions about taking care of your hearing aids, be sure to talk to an audiologist like those at Jacobs Clinical Diagnostics.
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