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HEARING AID CARE OVERVIEW

The buildup of wax, oils, and other debris will affect the device's sound quality and performance. Continual neglect can shorten its life span and lead to costly repairs. To avoid problems, your hearing aids should be maintained daily and checked every six months by your hearing care provider. Daily maintenance is simple and will only take a few minutes of your time. At the very least, you should inspect your hearing aids after every use for possible wax or debris that may be blocking the microphones or sound port. lf wax or debris is present, remove the blockage with your cleaning tool. Thoroughly wipe the tip of the device with an alcohol pad. lf you notice that the sound quality is either not as vibrant as it should be or has diminished, it is time to change the little white wax guard in your earpiece. Store in your hearing aids in a safe, dry place. These simple steps will take just a few minutes and maybe all you need to do to maintain your hearing aids and avoid problems.

 

During the six-month checkup, your hearing care provider will perform a thorough cleaning, complete a diagnostic check of the components and circuitry, identify and correct any potential problems, and measure the devices' performance on the computer. The following is a guide to help you with the wear and care of your hearing aids and troubleshooting should you encounter any problems.

WEAR & CARE INSTRUCTIONS

MORNING CARE

TAKING DEVICE OUT PROPERLY

  • lf you cleaned the devices the night before, they should be ready to wear

  • Close the battery door and put on

EVENING CARE

  • Behind-the-Ear style: Always take the earpiece out of the ear canal first. Then, remove the casing from the back of the ear.

  • ln-the-Ear style: Pull the device out using the extraction string or push on the back of the ear with your thumb, and use your forefinger to dislodge it

  • Look for wax obstruction on tip of the earpiece

  • Remove with wax pick or cleaning tool

  • Wipe down the earpiece with an alcohol pad

  • Open the battery door using the fingernail catch

  • Store in a safe, dry place away from pets and moisture

PUTTING DEVICE ON PROPERLY

  • Turn your head and look over your opposite shoulder

  • Behind-the-Ear style: Place the casing on top of your ear. Pinch the receiver wire at its bend and insert the earbud/earmold into the ear canal. Seat the earbud/earmold in your ear canal using the forefinger and push toward your nose.

  • ln-the-Ear style: Hold the device with the lettering facing away from you. Pinch the device between the forefinger and the thumb and insert it into the ear canal. Push in using a finger and push toward nose.

CHANGING THE BATTERY

  • You can change your battery weekly or when the battery expires

  • Your devices have a warning indicator that will tell you when to change your hearing aid batteries 

  • Expect 8-12 days (#312 battery) and 4-6 days (#10 battery) of battery life under normal conditions

  • The battery's positive side is flat. The negative side has a bevel and is usually color-coded

  • Remove or place the battery in the battery holder with your fingers or by using the magnet at the end of your cleaning tool

  • Always remember that the negative side goes in first and face down. The positive side faces up

  • Never force the battery door closed, if it won't close, check to see if the battery has been inserted properly

  • The Mercury-free batteries contain no harmful chemicals and may be thrown in the trash.

TROUBLESHOOTING INSTRUCTIONS

TROUBLESHOOTING
WET HEARING AIDS

  • Remove the battery immediately and throw away

  • Remove the white wax guard and earbud (if applicable)

  • As soon as you can, blow out the battery department, sound port, and microphones using a hairdryer on medium setting for several minutes

  • Put devices in a warm, open place overnight or for at least 12-24 hours. Sticking them in a bowl of uncooked rice can be helpful as well

  • Make sure the battery compartment is completely dry before inserting a new battery

  • Replace the white wax guard and earbud (if applicable)

HEARING AID IS DEAD OR
SOUND LEVEL HAS DECREASED 

  • Check the tip of a device for wax or debris

  • Replace white wax guard and earbud (if applicable)

  • Check to make sure the sound port and microphone openings are not plugged with wax or debris

  • Replace battery

  • Make sure battery is inserted properly

  • Check the device for damage

SOUND IS INTERMITTENT
OR STATICKY

  • Check for damage to the speaker or speaker wire on Behind-the-Ear styles

  • Check for moisture or debris in the battery compartment

  • Check to make sure the sound port, microphones, wax guards and earbuds (if applicable) are clear of debris and moisture

  • Blow out the battery compartment and sound port using a hairdryer on medium setting

  • Change the battery

HEARING AID SQUEALS
OR WHISTLES

  • The hearing aid may not be inserted properly, so remove and reinsert it

  • Check if wax guards or earbuds are plugged

  • See your audiologist to remove earwax that has accumulated in your ear canal

  • Reprogram your hearing aids

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