New year, new hearing aid routines. Prioritize your hearing health in 2026 by following these guidelines on ways to maintain your hearing aids this year to keep them in peak condition all year long.
Keep Them Clean
Cleaning your hearing aids daily is one of the best ways to prevent damage in the long run, and it takes only a few minutes. To clean your hearing aids, wipe them off with a soft washcloth or tissue. Don’t use water or cleaning products. Perform this basic cleaning routine before removing your hearing aids at night to remove dust, dirt, earwax and moisture from the body of the hearing aid.
Watch for Earwax Buildup
Earwax buildup can clog your hearing aids, damaging ports and muffling the sound. Earwax buildup in your ear canals can also lead to earwax impaction, which may contribute to hearing loss. Your hearing aids should have come with a brush or wax removal tool that can gently remove wax from the nooks and crannies, so use that regularly. Also, check your wax guard and replace it when necessary.
Perform At-Home Maintenance
Examine the various components of your hearing aids for damage or dysfunction every few weeks to stay on top of potential issues. The tubing may become cracked or blocked; the ear domes can wear out over time and no longer fit comfortably in your ear. Checking these smaller, often-overlooked pieces of your devices can help you catch issues early.
Care for the Batteries
If your hearing aids use disposable batteries, there are some small habits you can adopt to extend their lifespan. Power down your hearing aids entirely when not in use to give the batteries a break. Leave the battery compartment door open overnight to air out the compartment. Regularly check the battery and ports for corrosion, which can cause major power issues.
Store Them Properly
Whenever you remove your hearing aids, you should store them in a safe place; don’t just set them down wherever it’s convenient. Use a hearing aid case—preferably a hard-shell case—to protect them from heat, moisture or damage from being dropped, and put the case somewhere safe where you won’t lose it, like a drawer or your purse. Try to store your hearing aids in the same place every time you take them out.
Be Mindful of the Environment
Moisture, dust and heat can all damage hearing aids. Be aware of these elements whenever you’re wearing your hearing aids. For example, if it’s raining, wear a jacket with a hood or use an umbrella. If it’s a windy day, cover your ears to prevent dust from getting blown in. And if these hazards are unavoidable, clean and dry your hearing aids thoroughly.
Schedule Regular Maintenance Checkups
Much like your car, your hearing aids will benefit from regular maintenance appointments. Your audiologist can perform a professional cleaning, using specialized tools that reach the places you cannot, and they can troubleshoot any issues and perform minor repairs. Attending checkups like this regularly will ensure the long-term health and functionality of your hearing aids.
If it’s been a while since your last maintenance appointment, or if you have any questions about at-home hearing aid maintenance you can do to keep your hearing aids working longer, call Beneficial Hearing Aid Center.