Hearing aids need proper care if you want to ensure they don't break or have any problems. They're designed to last a while, but they can still be vulnerable to damage. Various things can damage your hearing aids, from temperature fluctuations and moisture to leaving batteries in when you're not using them. If you care for them properly, you can ensure your hearing aids last for years to come. They don't need much care, but a few tasks will make a big difference. Take a look at some of the ways you can take care of your hearing aids to protect them and speak to your hearing care provider if you need more help.

Keep your hearing aids dry

Too much moisture can spell trouble for your hearing aids. It's important that you try to keep them dry, which means being careful both when you're wearing them and when you take them off. When you're wearing them, try to avoid hairspray or makeup. Take them off if you're styling your hair and leave them in your bedroom if you're going into the bathroom for a bath or shower. When you're not wearing them, put them somewhere dry and not too hot or too cold.

Keep your hearing aids safe

When you're not wearing your hearing aids, make sure that you put them somewhere safe. You will often get a hard case with them when you buy them or you can buy a storage case to use. You might use it at night or when you're traveling to keep your hearing aids safe. When you put them away, put them somewhere out of reach from both children and pets. When you're handling them, keep a firm grip so that you don't drop them and don't put them down anywhere there's a risk of them being knocked off or even sat on.

Clean your hearing aids

Hearing aids can get dirty, with earwax, dust and dirt having the potential to affect their performance. Cleaning your hearing aids regularly helps to prevent any problems. A wipe with a dry or slightly damp cloth is often enough, but make sure you turn your hearing aids off first. If you have a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid, you can also detach the tubing and soak it. You can get special cleaning kits for hearing aids too, which can make it easier to look after them.

Get your hearing aids serviced

Having a professional who can look at your hearing aids and either give them a service or make repairs will help your hearing aids to work longer. If you experience any problems with your hearing aids, don't be tempted to do any more than basic troubleshooting. If you've tried things like checking the battery, take your hearing aids for professional repairs from your hearing specialist. Trying to repair a hearing aid yourself could end up causing more problems.

Talk to your hearing health professional about how you can care for your hearing aids. They can offer you more advice on how to look after them.