Behind-the-ear (BTE) style hearing aids consist of a plastic shell that attaches to an earmold via plastic tubing. Sound travels from the main portion of the hearing aid through the tubing and is delivered into your ear through the earmold. BTEs are suitable for a wide range of hearing loss, from mild to profound.
In order to get the most out of your BTE hearing aids, it’s important to know how to care for them properly. We’ve compiled a checklist below.
Daily Cleaning Checklist
Your hearing aids are subjected to the rugged environment of your ear and regularly come into contact with earwax, dirt, sweat and oils from your skin and hair. Because of this, they need to be cleaned daily. Each evening, be sure to:
- Wipe the hearing aid casing with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use chemicals or solvents unless they are specifically designed for hearing aids, and never use water.
- Detach the earmold and tubing from the ear hook and soak them in warm, soapy water. Make sure the earmolds are completely dry before reattaching them.
- If the microphone port is clogged with debris, remove it with a wax pick/wire loop. Be careful not to insert it too deeply.
Other Daily Care Tasks
Other care tasks you should complete daily for optimal hearing include:
- Checking the battery with a battery tester, which can be purchased at Continental Pharmacy. Replace the old battery if it is low in order to avoid corrosion.
- Checking the earmold and tubing from clogs and cracks. Use the wax loop to gently remove any blockages, and tell your audiologist right away if there are cracks.
- Checking the hearing aid casing for any damage such as cracks, a broken battery door or exposed wiring. Contact your audiologist if it is damaged.
Hearing Aid Safety Tips
While hearing aids are built to last, they still contain intricate technology that can be subject to damage. To minimize the risk of damage, be sure to:
- Keep your hearing aids away from moisture, as moisture is the number one cause of damage for hearing aids.
- Turn off your hearing aid and open the battery door at night to help promote battery life and allow moisture to evaporate.
- Invest in a dehumidifier to store your devices in at night.
- Keep your hearing aid away from extreme heat. This means do not store it in a car or sunny windowsill.
- Change the battery and insert/remove your devices over a soft surface to minimize risk of damage if they are dropped.
- Do not apply hairspray, perfume, sunblock or other sprays while wearing your hearing aids.
- Keep your hearing aids away from kids and pets.
For more information about caring for your hearing aids or to schedule an appointment with an audiologist, call Topeka ENT today.