Peter studied hearing aid fitting at the world headquarters of Starkey Labs. He was able to have hands on training with the company’s founder, Bill Austin. He has also undergone advanced training in the smallest, nearly invisible style hearing aids, and has expanded his education by traveling to Denmark to learn directly from European hearing aid manufacturers. He continues to attend conferences and training seminars to stay current on the rapidly evolving world of hearing aid technology.
Latest posts by Peter Lucier, HIS (see all)
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If you have just invested in a new set of hearing aids, then congratulations are in order! You no longer have to struggle to hear your family, friends, co-workers and people you interact with daily. Your relationships can begin to improve and you can feel more confident navigating the world around you.
It takes a couple weeks to get used to your new hearing aids, but once you do, the independence they unlock is priceless. Of course you want your investment to last as long as possible. Most hearing aids have an operational span of 5 to 7 years.
While this may not seem like a lot, consider that you wear these devices everyday for most waking hours. To get the most out of your hearing aids a regular care schedule should be practiced. Here are just a few tips to make sure you get the entire life span of your investment.
Set up a Regular Cleaning Schedule
Just like you brush your teeth, and bathe on a regular schedule it is important to clean your hearing aids every day. A cleaning schedule for your hearing aids will ensure that they continue to sound clear for years to come.
Get used to cleaning your hearing aids at night while doing your evening bathroom routine. Sweat, ear wax and dirt can build up from a long day and it’s important not to let any of these affect the operation of your new devices.
Make sure to wipe your hearing aids clean with a dry cloth to remove dirt and moisture. Use a cleaning pick to remove any earwax that may have gathered and open the battery door overnight in order to dry, wiping the contact ports to eliminate the possibility of corrosion.
If your hearing aids have any tubing, you could soak them in warm water once a week and allow them to dry before re-installing. Setting up these cleaning habits can make sure that your hearing aids can sustain less damage, requiring fewer repairs.
Eliminate Moisture
While many hearing aids these days are water resistant, there is currently no hearing aid on the market that is truly waterproof. When you sweat or spend time in a humid environment, moisture can build up affecting the performance of your hearing aids over time. The electrical components become worn and start malfunctioning as moisture builds up.
To eliminate this stress invest in a dehumidifying case. Some rechargeable hearing aids can be recharged overnight while also dehumidifying them. Even if you live in a dryer place like a desert setting there are still common mistakes that occur with water and your hearing aids. For instance it is all too easy to forget to take your hearing aids out in the shower or to accidentally jump in the pool with them. If this occurs a dehumidifying box can help remove moisture from your hearing aids, potentially saving them.
Replace Worn Out Parts
There are many replaceable parts on a hearing aid, depending on the model. When you pay attention to wear on your hearing aids and replace parts that are not as fresh as they were as when they are new, you can rely on a much longer life for your device.
Just like an automobile, certain parts may wear but this does not mean you need to replace the entire hearing aid. If you can self diagnose the worn out part talk to your audiologist to order the part. If you require assistance then we can help. We can diagnose, order and replace aspects of your hearing aids to ensure a longer life for your important listening devices.
Get Your Hearing Aids Serviced
Most of us are not hearing aids experts and that is okay. That is why we are here to help you with these important and life changing devices. We can diagnose any issue with your hearing aids and help find the problem. We can commit to keep you hearing clearly with your hearing aids for as long of a life as you can get.
Make sure to visit with us every six months to ensure that you get the most out of your hearing aid experience so you can focus on hearing the sounds in your life that bring you joy and autonomy. Contact us today if you have any questions or concerns about your hearing aids!