This is a summary of the UHC Hearing article “Your hearing care tool kit: 8 things every hearing aid wearer should have on hand”, which can be read here.
For the millions of people who rely on hearing aids to stay connected, small details can make a big difference. From keeping devices clean to staying powered up on the go, Kristen Conners, Chief Audiologist at Prescription Hearing, shares her professional advice with United Health Care Hearing on the must-have tools that help patients get the most out of their hearing aids.
Brush and Wax Loop: One Hearing Aid Tool to Rule Them All
Since dust and earwax are the biggest culprits behind hearing aid performance issues, the key piece of kit for hearing aid maintenance is the brush and wax loop:
“The standard tool we want patients to have is the cleaning loop,” says Conners. “It has a brush on one end and a metal loop on the other to scoop out wax. You can use both to get rid of the hard wax that can build up on your hearing aids.”
Chances are, even if your hearing aid manufacturer didn’t include this tool, your hearing care professional likely included one in the care kit they hand out, according to Cooners.
Cleansing Sprays for Everyday Comfort
Cleansing sprays are available to help loosen earwax and can make daily wear much more comfortable. There are an array of quality hearing aid cleansing sprays available in the market today. “It gets all the sticky wax off of the hearing aid,” Conners says. “Getting rid of the wax also helps tame some of the itchiness that people can get from wearing hearing aids.”
Staying Prepared: Replacement Domes and Wax Guards
Silicone domes cover the receiver of the hearing aid and goes directly into your ear. Similarly, wax guards goes beneath the dome and also serves to protect from buildup of debris in the receiver. As such, they’re directly exposed to earwax and dirt and hearing aid wearers should be ready to replace them regularly.
How often they should be changed depends on the person and how much wax builds up on them: “For some people it could be once a month, and for some it could be every three months,” Conners explains.“I tell patients when the sound is reduced, always check the device for wax,” she adds. “Most times, that’s the issue.”
Extra Batteries
A dying hearing aid battery brings little more than a helpless feeling from hearing aid wearers. Conners suggests carrying extra at all times: “You absolutely want to have spare batteries on you,” says Conners. That way you’re prepared to do a quick change if your hearing aids lose their charge at work. Or when you’re out with friends.” Sage advice.
A Carrying Case for Gear on the Go
If you’re out and about, a small carrying case can keep the essentials close at hand and prevent them from being lost. A simple plastic carrying case can be a lifesaver in instances when you need to remove your hearing aids. “Let’s say you need to take your devices off because you’re going swimming or getting your hair washed and styled. You can drop them in your pouch instead of your purse or pocket, Conners notes.
Other essential equipment for hearing aid upkeep
Important gear to keep at the ready if your wear hearing aids include:
- Dehumidifier
- Portable Charger
- Earwax Softening Drops
Hearing Aid Equipment & Maintenance Advice from Hearing Professionals
Whether you’re new to wearing hearing aids or a seasoned vet, everyone can use some good advice for care and tips on the best pieces of equipment to keep handy. For this and other advice, contact the pros at Prescription Hearing.
Get in touch with our team of audiologists about hearing aid maintenance and care.
