Hearing aid care

The following is a general list of "do's and don'ts" for taking care of your hearing aids. These guidelines apply to all varieties of hearing aids. Specific questions regarding your hearing aids should be addressed with your hearing aid dispenser.

DON’T continue to wear the hearing aid if any discomfort develops. Instead discontinue use and contact the Hearing Aid Center as soon as possible.

DON’T drop the hearing aid on a hard surface.

DON’T expose the hearing aid to extremely hot temperatures, for example the heater or radiator, hair dryer, or inside a hot, parked car.

DON’T get the hearing aid wet. (A "Dri-Aid Kit" is available if your hearing aid is in danger of being exposed to moisture such as humidity and perspiration.)

DON’T apply hair spray while wearing the hearing aid.

DON’T try to repair the hearing aid yourself if you suspect that it is broken.

DON’T store the hearing aid within reach of children or pets. Dogs are attracted to the smell of the earmold and/or the feedback-whistle and may damage the hearing aid beyond repair.

DON’T store hearing aid batteries within the reach of children or pets. These are toxic if swallowed.*

DON’T store your battery in the same area as medication or pills.*

DON’T put your hearing aid or batteries in your mouth for any reason, as they may be accidentally swallowed.*

DO remove the battery from your hearing aid or open the battery door when it is not in use.

DO keep spare batteries with you at all times. However, avoid letting them contact other metal objects such as loose pocket change. Store extra batteries in a cool, dry place. Do not put batteries in the refrigerator. The battery life will depend on the style and model of hearing aid you have, battery size, volume settings and other variables. The audiologist can tell you how many hours of battery life to expect.

DO turn the hearing aid off (or turn the volume all the way down) when inserting or removing the hearing aid to avoid feedback whistle.

DO buy insurance for the hearing aid if you feel you are at risk for losing it. Insurance is strongly recommended for children.

*THE NATIONAL BUTTON BATTERY INGESTION HOTLINE 202-625-3333

You may also want to read the section, Adjusting to Hearing Aids.

There are also pages to help you troubleshoot  with problems that can develop in your hearing aid. If you have a behind-the-ear aid, if you have an in-the-ear aid, or if you have a body aid, good, reliable advice is available on what to do.

See also: Tips for Speaking to the Hard of Hearing

Page updated 2/16/09