Having a really great hearing aid routine really is the key to making your life as easy as possible with hearing aids. As we head into a brand new year, it’s a really great time to ensure you have the perfect routine.
Store your hearing aids safely
The number one thing to remember when planning your hearing aid routine is to store your aids safely. When you are not wearing your hearing aids, it is always best to store them in their case. Obviously, if your hearing aids are rechargeable then you will be keeping them in their charging case anyway. It can be tempting to pop them in a pocket or a gym bag. However, they are notoriously easy to lose given their small size. They could easily fall out of a pocket and be gone forever. Even at night, it is best to store them in your case and not just on the bedside table. This also protects them from dust and foreign bodies while they are on the bedside table overnight. If you do this every night then it soon becomes a habit and you are much less likely to misplace the aids.
Having a case is also useful for when you are out and about or on holiday. Another consideration is if you have a pet… Your hearing aids have a scent of you which will remind your pet of you and they may be tempted to try and chew on them. Before you disbelieve us, this has previously happened to one of our patients!
Perfect your cleaning routine
It’s important to keep on top of cleaning your hearing aids. The best thing to do first is to give your hearing aids a visual inspection. You will then be able to see clearly the areas that need cleaning as well as decide which tools / brushes you require to remove the dirt / debris.
You should begin by using a soft cloth to clean your aids gently. Do not ever use water or place your aids in water as this could ruin them. After you have wiped them over, you can begin to use your small brushes and tools to dislodge any earwax that may have built up. Once your hearing aids are clean, you can assess whether you need to change the wax filters and domes (if applicable). It is advisable to change these at least once a month to ensure they aren’t clogged up with earwax and affecting your hearing.
We would suggest that hearing aids are removed before any make up is applied. They should also be removed before using hair spray or similar spray products. Doing this will prevent any chemicals from coming into contact with your aids. It’s always best to be safe rather than sorry!
If your hearing aids take batteries, it’s good to have a few spare on hand. No matter the brand of hearing aid battery you decide to purchase, they all have the same sizes for hearing aids: 10 (yellow), 312 (brown), 675 (blue) and 13 (orange). Even if you can’t remember which size your hearing aids take, it’s easy to remember the colour.
Attend your hearing appointments regularly
We advise that everyone has 6 monthly check-ups for their hearing aids. This is to ensure they are always in tip-top working order. The good news is that if you purchase your hearing aids with us, you get 2 years’ worth of aftercare appointments included in the price! At your appointments, your aids will be re-programmed to your current hearing loss. If you are feeling unsure about changing your wax filter and dome, make sure you ask your hearing healthcare professional to show you again during your appointment. These should be changed at least once a month (unless you have been told otherwise).
We are always here to give you advice on how best to care for your hearing aids. Please don’t ever hesitate to get in touch and we will be happy to help.