Getting Your Hearing Aids Spring-Ready: Tips and Maintenance Guide
As the seasons change, so do the conditions that might affect your hearing aids. Spring brings its own set of challenges and opportunities for hearing aid users, from increased outdoor activities to varying weather conditions. Here’s how you can get your hearing aids ready for spring, ensuring they perform optimally and continue to support your hearing needs effectively.
- Clean Your Hearing Aids Regularly
Springtime can be particularly dusty, and pollen in the air can accumulate on your hearing aids.
Regular cleaning is crucial:
Daily Wiping: Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe your hearing aids each day.
Weekly Deep Clean: Use a soft-bristled brush to remove any debris from the microphone ports and vent openings. Special cleaning tools designed for hearing aids can be particularly effective.
- Check for Moisture
Spring showers mean more moisture, which can damage your hearing aids:
Use a Dehumidifier: Store your hearing aids in a dehumidifier box overnight to remove any moisture that has accumulated during the day.
Dry Them Out: If you get caught in the rain, dry your hearing aids as soon as possible. Remove the batteries and leave the battery compartment open to air out.
- Replace Filters and Wax Guards
Pollen and dust can clog the filters or wax guards of your hearing aids, which can affect their performance:
Regular Replacement: Check and replace the filters or wax guards if you notice any buildup or if the sound quality decreases.
- Test the Batteries
Warmer temperatures can sometimes affect battery life. Make sure your hearing aids are powered for spring outings:
Regular Checks: Test your hearing aid batteries more frequently and keep spares on hand during outings.
- Adjust Settings for Outdoor Activities
Spring is a great time for outdoor activities, which can mean different acoustic environments:
Program Adjustments: Consult with your audiologist to adjust your hearing aids’ settings for outdoor environments, such as reducing wind noise or enhancing speech clarity in group settings.
- Schedule a Professional Check-Up
Just like any other device, a professional check-up can ensure your hearing aids are in top condition:
Annual Maintenance: Schedule a visit to your audiologist for professional cleaning, firmware updates, and a check-up to ensure everything is working as it should.
- Prepare for Allergies
Allergies can affect how you wear and use your hearing aids:
Manage Allergy Symptoms: If you experience skin irritation under your hearing aids due to allergies, consult with your audiologist for any advice that can help.
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Hearsmart Hearing Solutions, 321 Main Street, Lilydale, 3140 Phone: 1300 787 792 Email: admin@hearsmart.coma.u