Ways to Extend the Lifespan of Your Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are significant investments that enhance quality of life for individuals with hearing loss. At Applied Hearing Solutions in Phoenix, our audiologists are committed to helping you maximize the lifespan of your devices. While hearing aids typically last 5-7 years with proper care, following our recommendations can help extend their functional life and protect your investment.

Regular maintenance, proper cleaning, and professional care are all essential to keeping your hearing aids working effectively. Let's look at the best ways to care for these sophisticated devices to ensure they continue to provide optimal performance.

Understanding Hearing Aid Care

Proper care significantly extends the lifespan of your hearing aids while maintaining their performance.

Recognizing Signs of Wear

Pay attention to these indicators that might suggest maintenance or repair is needed:

• Decreased sound quality: Muffled audio or static can indicate a problem
• Physical damage: Cracks or discoloration on the casing
• Battery issues: Batteries draining faster than usual or charging problems

If you notice any of these issues, contact our office promptly. Early intervention often prevents more serious damage.

Importance of Regular Maintenance

At Applied Hearing Solutions, we recommend a consistent maintenance routine:

• Daily cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe your hearing aids and remove earwax, dust, or moisture
• Regular check-ups: Visit our Phoenix office for professional cleaning and assessment
• Secure storage: When not in use, store your hearing aids in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight

Daily Maintenance Practices

Daily care maximizes the functionality and extends the life of your hearing aids.

Proper Cleaning Techniques

Each day:

• Wipe your hearing aids with a soft, dry cloth to remove earwax and oils
• Check that microphone and speaker ports remain clear of blockages
• Use wax picks or brushes designed specifically for hearing aids to clean sensitive areas

For receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids like the Oticon Intent, ReSound Vivia, or Phonak Infinio, pay special attention to the receivers, as they're most susceptible to wax blockage.

Battery Care and Storage

For devices with disposable batteries:

• Turn off your hearing aids when not in use
• Open the battery compartment at night to prevent moisture buildup and battery drain
• Store replacement batteries at room temperature away from metal objects

For rechargeable models like Starkey Edge AI, Widex Allure, or Signia IX:

• Charge devices fully every night
• Use only the manufacturer's recommended charger
• Keep charging contacts clean and free of debris

Arizona's hot, dry climate can be particularly hard on batteries. During our summer months, be especially vigilant about proper charging practices.

Moisture Prevention

In Phoenix, we face unique challenges with heat and monsoon humidity:

• Store hearing aids in a dry, cool place away from moisture sources
• Use a drying container or dehumidifier overnight – especially important during monsoon season
• Consider using Redux dehydration at our office if your devices have been exposed to excessive moisture

At Applied Hearing Solutions, we offer professional dehydration services using our commercial-grade Redux equipment – particularly useful during Phoenix's monsoon season when humidity increases.

Professional Servicing and Repairs

Regular professional care is essential for maintaining optimal hearing aid performance.

Scheduling Routine Check-Ups

We recommend scheduling professional check-ups every six months. During these visits, our audiologists will:

• Thoroughly clean all components of your hearing aids
• Check for wear and tear on parts like receivers, microphone covers, and domes
• Perform Test Box Measurements to verify your devices are meeting manufacturer specifications
• Conduct Real Ear Measurements to ensure your hearing aids continue to match your prescription
• Replace worn components like wax guards and tubing

These regular visits help identify potential issues before they become serious problems.

Handling Repairs and Replacements

If your hearing aids need repair, our audiology team is here to help:

• Our in-house repair lab can address many issues same-day
• For manufacturer repairs, we provide loaner devices programmed to your settings
• We stock replacement parts for many common hearing aid models

Acting promptly when issues arise prevents further damage and prolongs the life of your devices.

Lifestyle Considerations for Longevity

Your lifestyle affects how long your hearing aids will last. Here are some considerations specific to life in Phoenix.

Protective Measures for Physical Activities

Sweat and Impact Protection:

• During Exercise: Arizona's heat makes sweat protection crucial. Consider sweat-resistant covers or hearing aid sweatbands when exercising outdoors
• Hiking and Outdoor Activities: Our desert environment exposes hearing aids to dust and debris. Use hearing aid covers designed for outdoor activities

Managing Exposure to Extreme Conditions

Temperature and Moisture Control:

• Hot Car Warning: Never leave hearing aids in a hot car in Phoenix – temperatures can easily damage internal components
• Pool Time: Always remove hearing aids before swimming, and store them in a waterproof case away from the pool area
• Monsoon Season: Use hearing aid dehumidifiers nightly during monsoon season to combat increased humidity

Protecting Your Hearing Investment

At Applied Hearing Solutions, we believe proper care of your hearing aids begins with proper fitting. When we fit hearing aids, we follow Best Practice protocols including Real Ear Measurements to verify proper programming. This not only ensures optimal sound quality but also prevents issues like feedback that might cause you to adjust your hearing aids incorrectly or stop wearing them altogether.

Our commitment to comprehensive care includes:

• Professional cleaning services
• Performance verification with Test Box Measures
• Programming adjustments based on your feedback
• Education on proper home care techniques
• Access to the latest maintenance supplies

The sophisticated technology in today's hearing aids—like the AI-powered features in the ReSound Vivia or the Neuro Processor in Starkey Edge AI—requires proper care to function at its best. Regular professional maintenance helps protect these advanced features.

Don't wait for problems to develop with your hearing aids. Call Applied Hearing Solutions at (602) 877-0000 to schedule a maintenance appointment with one of our audiologists. With proper care and regular professional attention, your hearing aids can provide reliable performance for many years.