Caring For Your Hearing Aids
Hearing aids require daily care to ensure they perform well for years to come.
How Do You Clean Hearing Aids?
It’s important to remember to clean both your hearing aids and keep your ears clean, too. Because your hearing aids go into your ears, they can accumulate ear wax and dirt from your ears if they are not clean. The stimulation of your hearing aids inside your ear can also cause more earwax production, so you’ll want to keep them clean to avoid buildup and blockages.
We are happy to clean and perform minor repairs on your hearing aids in our office. We are often able to clean and repair your aids while you wait. All cleaning and repairs are provided at no cost during the warranty period.
When routine cleanings do not fix a problem, we can send your hearing aids to the manufacturer. When a hearing aid is covered under the original manufacturer warranty, there is no cost for the repair.
All hearing aids come with a 45-day no-obligation trial period, (excluding a $150 per aid restocking fee), 1 to 3 year repair warranty, and a 1 to 3 year loss and damage policy. During your warranty period, all of your follow-up visits, including all adjustments and cleanings, are at no additional charge.
How to Clean Hearing Aids
Because there are different types of hearing aids, there are different ways to clean your hearing aids. A hearing aid professional can give you a demonstration, but here is an online guide to help you clean your hearing aids at home:
-In-the-ear hearing aid:
First, find the openings on your hearing aid, and check for any buildup. Face the openings downward and brush at your hearing aid with a small hearing-aid brush or toothbrush. Then, use the small hook to clear out the holes, and make sure to dislodge any debris. Lastly, wipe down your hearing aid with a clean cloth.
-Behind-the-ear hearing aid:
To begin, use a soft brush to remove any dry skin from the outer casing. Next, remove the molds from your hearing aid. Wipe down the ear molds and soak them in soapy water. Once they are dry, they can be put back into your hearing aid. Water inside the tubing can cause issues, so ensure these are as dry as possible. You can buy a dehumidifier to ensure dryness, but if you don’t have one, you can set out your hearing aids overnight to dry.
Rechargeable Hearing Aid Batteries
Sierra Nevada Hearing Aid Center offers many types of hearing aids to better hear the world around you. Patients frequently ask about types of hearing aid batteries and if rechargeable hearing aid batteries are a better fit for their lifestyle than disposable batteries. How do you know if rechargeable hearing aids are right for you?
First, what is a rechargeable hearing aid? Rechargeable hearing aids have batteries built into them that do not require regular removal. This allows the hearing aid owner to dock the hearing aids to charge, rather than removing traditional disposable batteries. You can think of this like charging your phone each night, but for your hearing aids. Rechargeable hearing aids are more technologically advanced than they used to be. They are small yet deliver power to perform.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Rechargeable Hearing Aid Batteries
There are many advantages to using rechargeable batteries with your hearing aids; they have a long shelf life, are safer for children and are easier to handle than traditional disposable batteries. People with dexterity issues may prefer rechargeable hearing aids because disposable batteries are typically small with difficult packaging that can make changing batteries a frustrating process.
Rechargeable lithium ion batteries can hold a charge for up to 30 hours and can last up to 5 years while traditional disposable batteries need to be changed in as little as days, depending on the hearing aid model.
While some people like rechargeable hearing aids there are some disadvantages. Rechargeable hearing aids can have an additional cost associated with them, including the charging unit and there are fewer hearing aid styles that work with this type of battery. Also, having to recharge a battery on a dock each evening can be a hindrance for some users.
Types of Rechargeable Hearing Aid Batteries
There are three types of rechargeable hearing aid batteries: nickel-metal hydride batteries, silver-zinc batteries, and lithium-ion batteries.
Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Rechargeable Batteries have been used in hearing aids for over a decade. These batteries typically don’t last long before needing a charge and sometimes cannot operate for a full day. These batteries usually need to be replaced annually.
Silver-Zinc Rechargeable Batteries have enough power for a full day of continuous use on a single charge. Because these batteries are removable, you can swap them out while another set of batteries is charging. These non-toxic batteries are recyclable and need to be replaced annually.
Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Batteries are most known for powering mobile phones, tablets and medical devices. They deliver enough power for 24 hours of continuous use for hearing aids. Lithium-ion batteries are non-removable because they contain toxic components but sealing them into the hearing aid device protects the battery and the consumer.
Although rechargeable batteries initially cost more, they typically cost equal to less than disposable batteries at the end of their life. There are many factors to consider when buying a hearing aid or selecting batteries and it is important to consider all options with your healthcare provider. If you are looking for more information about rechargeable hearing aid batteries and if they are a good fit for you, contact our team today or schedule a hearing aid consultation.
Hearing Aid Accessories
Purchasing your hearing aid(s) is an essential first step for those that need them. However, there are hearing aid accessories available to custom fit your specific lifestyle needs and improve your hearing quality.
Most of the time, you’ll discover that hearing aid accessories support your hearing aids’ functionality. We always recommend consulting a professional hearing healthcare provider first for diagnosis through a consultation and examination before purchasing hearing aid accessories.
What are the different types of hearing aid accessories?
Chargers for Your Hearing Aids
If you’ve worn hearing aids for some time, you know how inconvenient it is to have your aids run out of battery life. There are hearing aid chargers available that offer faster charging capabilities, giving you more up time and less down time.
TV Transmitters to Pair with Your Hearing Aids
These types of transmitters work seamlessly with current televisions, so you’re streaming the audio straight from the TV to your hearing device. No more trouble hearing the audio from your favorite TV shows and movies.
Bluetooth-enabled Hearing Aid Accessories
What can’t a smartphone do these days? Smartphones can now pair with Bluetooth capable hearing aid accessories. Anything from watching videos and streaming music to phone calls and even finding your hearing aids is now an option.
Remotely Change the Settings of Your Hearing Device
Not all environments need the same hearing device settings. Which is why this hearing aid accessory is great for those who often move between different situations, from phone calls to watching television or having in-person conversations. This remote enables you to easily switch between settings as you move from one hearing situation to another.
Microphones for Enhanced Sound Amplification
This is a popular accessory to pair with your hearing aids. These microphones are usually clip-ons and/or able to stand on their own to amplify the sounds around you. This is great for those consistently in ambient-nose filled areas or when you need to hear crucial conversations in a meeting or group setting.
Browse Our Wide Selection Of Hearing Aid Supplies And Accessories
Protect your investment - hearing aid care goes a long way.
