October 7, 2025
Starting your hearing aid journey opens up a world of clearer conversations and richer sounds. Your new devices are sophisticated pieces of technology that deserve proper care to keep delivering the excellent performance you expect. Taking a few simple steps each day will help your hearing aids stay in top condition and serve you well for years to come.
Think of caring for your hearing aids like brushing your teeth - a quick daily routine that prevents bigger problems down the road. Every morning, take a moment to look over your devices before putting them on. A gentle wipe with a soft, dry cloth removes overnight moisture and any dust that may have settled.
Pay attention to the small openings where sound enters and exits your hearing aids. These areas can collect debris that affects how well you hear. The cleaning tools that came with your devices - those tiny brushes and picks - are perfect for clearing away buildup without causing damage.
Your ear tips or domes need attention too. These soft pieces sit in your ears all day, so they naturally collect earwax and oils from your skin. A gentle brush or wipe keeps them clean and comfortable. Replace them when they start looking worn or discolored.
Skip the household cleaners, soap, or rubbing alcohol on your hearing aids. These liquids can seep into the electronics and cause expensive damage. Dry cleaning methods work best and keep your warranty intact.
Your ears are naturally moist environments, and humidity from the air adds to the challenge. Even though today's hearing aids like the Phonak Infinio and Oticon Intent can handle water exposure much better than older models, managing moisture still matters for long-term performance.
At bedtime, give your hearing aids a dry place to rest. A simple dehumidifier or drying case pulls moisture out overnight. Some charging cases include drying functions built right in, making this step automatic. These small investments pay off by preventing the corrosion and malfunctions that moisture can cause.
If you're active outdoors or live somewhere humid, consider protective sleeves during exercise or gardening. Your hearing aids are built to handle daily life, but a little extra protection during sweaty activities helps them last longer.
Modern rechargeable hearing aids take the guesswork out of power management. The Widex Allure platform gives you up to 25 hours of listening time, while Phonak Infinio models typically run 16-18 hours per charge. That's more than enough for even your longest days.
Set up a simple nighttime routine - place your hearing aids in their charger before bed, just like you do with your phone. This keeps them ready for tomorrow and maintains healthy battery cycles. Those little LED lights on your charger tell you everything's working properly.
Keep the charging contacts clean with an occasional gentle wipe. Dirty contacts can prevent proper charging, leaving you without power when you need it most. If you notice your battery life decreasing significantly, your audiologist can check the health of your rechargeable system.
For the few models still using disposable batteries, the low-battery beep gives you plenty of warning. Keep a spare set handy, and open the battery door when you're not wearing your hearing aids to save power.
Your ears produce wax to protect themselves, which is completely normal and healthy. Some people make more than others, and wearing hearing aids can actually stimulate production. Don't worry - this is manageable with the right approach.
Check your devices each morning for any visible wax, particularly around the speaker areas. Your cleaning tools can handle small amounts, but don't push too hard or go too deep. If you're seeing reduced volume or muffled sounds, wax buildup might be the reason.
Many newer hearing aids come with wax guards - tiny filters that prevent buildup from reaching sensitive components. Your audiologist can show you how to replace these simple but effective protectors.
Home maintenance handles the daily needs, but professional care keeps your hearing aids performing like new. Regular checkups every few months catch small issues before they become big problems. We clean areas you can't reach at home and run electronic tests to verify everything's working correctly.
These visits also mean access to software updates that can improve how your hearing aids work. The Oticon Intent and Signia IX platforms receive updates that add features or refine performance. Only trained professionals can install these improvements safely.
Professional maintenance visits are also perfect times to discuss any concerns or questions you have about your hearing aids. We can make small adjustments to improve comfort or fine-tune settings for better performance in your daily environments.
Most hearing aid issues have straightforward solutions. Weak or unclear sound often means a quick cleaning is needed, or perhaps your volume got accidentally adjusted. Take a moment to check these basics before worrying about bigger problems.
If sound cuts in and out, moisture might be the culprit. Remove your hearing aids, dry them gently, and make sure all connections are secure. A night in your drying case usually solves temporary moisture issues.
Hearing whistling or feedback usually means something shifted - either your hearing aids aren't seated properly, or earwax is changing how they fit. Clean everything thoroughly and make sure they're positioned correctly in your ears.
Your hearing aids go everywhere with you, so treat them with the same care you'd give your smartphone or glasses. Always put them in their case or charger when not in use. Nightstands and bathroom counters are risky places where they can be knocked off or forgotten.
Keep them away from extreme heat and cold - car dashboards in summer or freezing temperatures can damage the electronics. Room temperature storage keeps everything functioning properly.
Consider insurance or extended warranty options when you purchase your hearing aids. These programs provide peace of mind and can save money on unexpected repairs or replacements.
Proper maintenance isn't complicated - it's just a matter of developing good habits that become second nature. Your hearing aids are designed to handle daily life while delivering clear, natural sound that keeps you connected to family, friends, and the world around you.
Our mobile audiology team brings professional hearing aid care directly to your home across New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Florida. We'll show you the best techniques for your specific devices, perform thorough professional cleanings, and make sure your hearing aids are always working their best. Call us at (201) 731-8828 to schedule your convenient at-home visit and keep your hearing aids performing beautifully for years to come.
