Hearing Aid Safety for New Users

Hearing aids are delicate, expensive technological devices that are made with intricate and tiny components which can be easily damaged if not taken care of properly. Here are the basics new users need to know to protect the hearing aid and to make sure you get the most you can from it.

What to Avoid:

There are several things that can cause damage to the sensitive parts of your hearing aids if it is not carefully protected.

• Health and Beauty Aids

Remove your hearing aid before using any products like spray colognes and aftershave, hairspray, and mosquito repellent. These chemicals can cause damage by getting the parts sticky or simply degrading the hearing aid housing. If you use lotions or liquid foundation, be sure your hands are completely clean and dry before remove or inserting the device.

• Moisture

While it may seem natural to store your hearing aid in the bathroom with all of your other health and beauty products, this is not recommended. Like any electronic device, dampness can corrode the delicate inner workings.

Of course hearing aids must be removed prior to bathing, showering, and swimming. If you have to go out in heavy rain, make sure your ears are protected. When you remove your hearing aid at night, the battery door should be left open to allow any residual moisture to evaporate.

• Temperature Extremes

Your hearing aid needs to be kept away from any heat sources, including laying in direct sunlight. Also take care that you do not leave it somewhere where it may be cold, such as your garage or basement.

Temperatures can get extremely hot or cold in a vehicle, too, so it's best not to take them off in the car. It can be especially common for new users to tire of the hearing appliance and want a break from it as they adjust to wearing it. Many times, this will happen while driving as they haven't learned to trust the device yet and feel as though they can't hear as well or they are meeting friends and still feel a stigma from wearing it.

• Small Children and Pets

Be certain to keep your hearing aid where little hands and paws can't get to them. The batteries can be dangerous if accidentally ingested.

What to Do:

Decide a safe spot for your hearing aid, and always put it in that same spot. While adjusting to life with a hearing aid can be a bit trying, the best thing to do as a new user is to wear them daily for as long as you can. This will help you adjust quicker, and before you know it, it will become a welcome habit as you realize how much more you can hear and enjoy the world around you.

If you have any questions about how to best care for your hearing aids, consider contacting a local specialist, such as the Hearing Specialists of DuPage, for more information.