It’s important to be mindful of how you handle your hearing aids. Whether you accidentally drop your devices or get them wet, you can take steps to mitigate damage and prevent it from happening again.
You Lose Your Hearing Aids
- Check their location if you have a hearing aid app connected to your devices. An app will show the last place your devices were paired to your phone or tablet.
- Search your surroundings and retrace your steps. You may need to do that several times or enlist others to help.
- If you’re in public, report your devices to security and ask if the facility has a lost and found. Leave your contact information if someone finds your hearing aids.
- Ask your audiologist if the manufacturer offers a warranty to cover replacement devices.
How to avoid it:
- Don’t remove your hearing aids in public.
- Be careful while removing face masks, hats and glasses and make sure your devices are secure.
- Schedule a hearing aid fitting if your devices don’t fit snuggly.
Your Hearing Aids Get Wet
- Remove your devices from the water as quickly as possible, even if you dropped them in the toilet.
- Take out the battery and leave the compartment door open. Remove tubing as well.
- Gently shake your devices to release trapped moisture.
- Place your devices in front of a fan or a hair dryer on a low, cool setting.
- Leave your devices out or put them in a dehumidifier to dry overnight and add new batteries in the morning.
- Contact your audiologist if your hearing aids continue to malfunction.
You can bring your hearing aids into our Mason City, Iowa, or Albert Lea, Minnesota, offices if your hearing aids get wet. We use the Redux evaporation system to remove traces of moisture in hearing aids.
How to avoid it:
- Wear a hat or carry an umbrella during inclement weather.
- Be careful wearing your hearing aids around pools and lakes.
- Store your hearing aids safely away from water sources when bathing.
- Don’t remove your hearing aids over the sink.
You Drop Your Hearing Aids Outside
- Search your clothing and immediate surroundings for your hearing devices.
- Check them for damage, cracks and debris.
- Wash your hands before cleaning your hearing aids.
- Wipe your devices with a soft, clean cloth and use cotton swabs to remove dirt or dust from mics, ports and battery compartments.
- Clean your hearing aids with a non-alcohol-based disinfectant.
How to avoid it:
- Only remove your hearing aids over a soft surface like a towel.
- Consider wearing hearing aid clips or headbands during physical activity.
- Secure your hearing aids before you leave your house or vehicle.
Your Pet Chews Your Hearing Aid
- Gently dislodge your devices from your pet’s mouth and verify there aren’t batteries or pieces left behind.
- Check your devices for damage before disinfecting them.
- Place your hearing aids in a dehumidifier overnight to eliminate any remaining moisture.
- Put in new batteries and see if your devices work. Contact your audiologist if your devices have been damaged beyond repair.
- Due to their toxicity, you should also seek emergency medical assistance if your pet swallowed a battery.
How to avoid it:
- Store your devices on high, safe surfaces out of your pet’s reach or in a drawer.
- Be mindful of your pet’s presence while putting in or taking out your hearing aids.
- Don’t leave your devices unattended while you’re in another room.
The expert Hearing Associates team can assist you with hearing aid repairs. Contact us online or call 888-760-2032 to schedule your appointment.