appendix a: hearing aids 225
How to take care of hearing aids
With regular care, hearing aids will last longer, and give good sound.
Here are some tips to get better service from a hearing aid
• Keep the hearing aid far away from electrical equipment such as
refrigerators and televisions.
• Do not let it get very hot or very cold.
• Keep it dry — sweat or water will damage it. During the day, remove
it and wipe off any sweat or moisture. Remove the hearing aid before
bathing, swimming, or when out in the rain. At night, put the hearing
aid in a container with silica gel (a material that absorbs moisture).
Do not use perfumes or any sort of spray on the hearing aid.
Cleaning
• Use a soft dry cloth to clean it.
Never use any cleaning fluid.
Earmold
• Check for wax in the
earmold regularly.
Now let’s
rub it
with the
cloth.
• Clean the ear mold with warm water.
Battery
• To make the battery last longer, turn the
hearing aid off when it is not being used.
• Keep the battery clean, and remove it when the hearing aid is not
being used for a length of time — for example, when a child sleeps at
night.
• Change the battery regularly. To check if it is time to change the
battery, turn the sound to the highest setting. If whistling is heard,
the battery is okay. If not, it is time to get a new battery. If the battery
loses power faster than usual, it may be a sign of a problem with the
hearing aid.
• Store batteries in a cool, dry place. Bring a battery that has been kept
in the refrigerator to room temperature before using.
Try to have the hearing aid checked at a hearing aid clinic or store
periodically.
Hearing aids may need repair. Usually hearing aid repair can be done
only in big cities. But deaf organizations have started training deaf people
to take ear impressions, to make earmolds, and to repair hearing aids.
Helping Children Who Are Deaf (2004)