Though hearing aids are built to last, they still contain intricate, delicate technology that can become damaged if not cared for properly. One of the cornerstones of proper hearing aid care is safe storage. Below we review three simple steps to ensure your hearing aids are stored safely.

1. Develop a Routine

Hearing aids are all too easy to misplace due to their small size. To prevent this, it’s best to develop a routine where you put them in the same place at the same time of day. Some good locations for hearing aids include:

1. On your dresser

2. On a bedside table

3. In a drawer

4. In a case in your purse or briefcase

Because you should be wearing your hearing aids during all waking hours, it’s best to wear them up until you wash your face before bed and put them back in after you shower in the morning.

2. Be Mindful of Hazards When Storing Hearing Aids

Just as important as the location of your hearing aids is how you store them. Ideally, you should put them in a padded case, jewelry compartment, dehumidifier or hearing aid dryer to keep them protected against dust, moisture and other types of damage. Never store your hearing aids in a:

1. Refrigerator or freezer

2. Bathroom

3. Windowsill that receives direct sunlight

4. Car

If there are pets or small children in your home, keep your hearing aids somewhere up high or locked away to prevent them from being ingested, as hearing aid batteries are toxic. If hearing aids or their batteries are ingested, contact a vet or doctor immediately and call the 24-hour National Button Battery Ingestion Hotline at (202) 625-3333.

3. Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry

Most hearing aids are built with a protective nano-coating to repel moisture, but that doesn’t mean they’re waterproof.

If you live in a humid environment, it’s a good idea to invest in a dehumidifier or hearing aid dryer to store your hearing aids in at night. Dehumidifiers are containers with a desiccant pad or gel that draws moisture out of the devices and cost around $20, while hearing aids dryers are electronic cases with drying and sanitizing functions and cost between $50 and $100.

If your hearing aids get wet from being splashed at Shawnee North Family Aquatic Center, dry them as quickly and thoroughly as possible with a soft cloth, then place them in a dehumidifier or hearing aid dryer. If you don’t have one of these devices already, you can put them in a baggy with uncooked rice. Never use a blow dryer, microwave or toaster oven to dry them out.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with a hearing aid expert, call Topeka ENT today.

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