On a regular day at Hearing Sense, we have many people who come through our door just to get their hearing aids checked and cleaned. Free cleaning and checks is a service we offer all our clients because we know the importance of this service.
It is vital that our clients hear as well as possible through their hearing aids at all times. Wearing hearing aids that are not working properly can be worse than not wearing hearing aids at all.
When a client is initially fitted with their hearing aids at Hearing Sense, we provide them with a small maintenance kit. These kits include replacement wax filters, small brushes for cleaning the aids, and cleaning cloths. Maintenance kits are great for at-home cleaning, but we always recommend our clients come into a Hearing Sense clinic if their aids need some extra attention.
If you’ve ever experienced headphones or speakers with a dodgy wire, you’ll know how irritating a sound equipment malfunction can be. Now imagine the frustration when that problem affects everything you hear. Hearing aids are electronic devices and sometimes they will break down. The sooner you discover problems, the quicker they can be fixed. If there’s a fault with your hearing aid, Hearing Sense can help!
Here are some of our top tips to make sure your hearing aids are working correctly…
Examine the aid for damage
Hearing aids take a beating. They are exposed to wax, sweat, skin flakes, oil and hair. Make sure the case is not cracked or broken, that there is no visible sign that the aid has recently taken a swim, or that the wax filter is not plugged with earwax. If you notice major problems, contact Hearing Sense on 83318047 as soon as possible.
Check the battery
Different hearing aids use different size batteries, so it is important to make sure you are using the right type of battery. The size of the battery is written on the battery and the battery packaging is colour coded to the size. Batteries should be checked every day, even if you put a new battery in just a day before. Many aids will tell you when your batteries are running low, and we always recommend our clients carry an emergency supply of batteries with them.
If you check the battery and see that it is leaking or corroded, throw it away and bring the aid into Hearing Sense so we can check that there isn’t further damage. We offer to recycle used or damaged batteries.
Use a dry aid kit
Storing the aids in a dehumidifier dries them out, reducing the number of repairs. This is especially important in a humid environment or if you tend to perspire a lot.
Keep Them Dry
Always remove hearing aids before bathing or swimming. If you have been caught in a downpour of rain or been exercising heavily – you can just wipe the outside and the battery compartment with a dry tissue.
Attend regular hearing aid checks by one of Hearing Sense’s clinicians
If your aids were fitted at Hearing Sense, it is recommended that you come in for hearing aid adjustments and checks at least once a year. This is a free service. With frequent hearing aid checks and testing conducted, we are better able to provide you with exactly what you need. No matter how long you have had your hearing aids, we will work with you on the best settings to make sure you have the best hearing experience.
We also offer FREE over-the-counter checks by one of our trained front desk staff members. They can also arrange repairs with hearing aid manufacturers. If your aids need to be sent off, we can fit you with a pair of loan aids so you don’t miss out on hearing while your aids are away.
Your hearing aids are a big investment, and you want them to last you for many years. Our tips can help you keep them functioning at peak performance, or if you need some extra assistance come visit us at one of our three clinic locations. The better you take care of your hearing aids, the better they’ll take care of you.
If you ever need us or want more information about hearing health or more tips on how to care for your hearing aids, give us a call on 8331 8047 or drop into one of our three clinic locations. We have clinics in Norwood, Unley, and Salisbury.
