Hearing aids are more than an assistance device for Dr. Pinnock. After helping patients in and around Dearborn, Southfield, and the greater Detroit area with their hearing loss for the past 30 years, we believe become a part of our patients. Hearing aids allow our patients who come into our Southfield audiologist’s office to get something they once had or might of never had, the gift of sound. Since this gift is something so special to our patients and us, it is important to take care of your hearing aids so they last as long as possible. Our doctors will give you detailed instructions on hearing aid care when you first receive them, but here are some reminders and added tips on hearing aid care.

Perform Listening Checks Daily

Just like brushing your teeth, listening checks should be part of your morning routine. Use a listening tube and check your hearing aid’s performance. They should sound clear and not weak or distorted. Remember always make sure your listening tube is snugly attached to your hearing aid as to prevent any feedback from the device.

Inspect Your Hearing Aids

It is also important to check the physical condition of your hearing aid before putting them in every day. You should check the tube and earmolds or any other flexible pieces of your hearing aid for any damage. Any cracks in these pieces could allow for sound to leak out of your hearing aid and hinder its performance.

Check Your Batteries

Once your inspection is complete, check your batteries. Batteries will usually last anywhere from one to two weeks before they need to be replaced. Check your batteries with a battery tester to be sure that your hearing aids are working at full strength. If they are not charged, simply replace them and throw the old ones out. You should always keep a spare set of batteries on you throughout the day in case for whatever reason your batteries die. Make sure to store your batteries in a cool, dry place and throw old ones out correctly.

Take Time to Clean Your Hearing Aids

Cleaning your hearing aids regularly is essential for proper function and optimal performance. Clean the entire hearing aid with a soft dry cloth, looking for grime all over the device. You can also remove your earmolds and clean them with a mild soap solution. If you do clean your earmolds with any liquid, be sure to dry them carefully. An air puffer or blower can do wonders to blow off any leftover water from your earmolds. Be sure not to use a hair dryer or other heating device as they could misshape or malform the molding.

Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry

To keep your hearing aids operating smoothly you should keep them as dry as possible. Using a hearing aid drying container can keep moisture from building up in your hearing aids, giving them the best chance of lasting as long as possible. Be sure to always remove your batteries from your hearing aids before putting them in your hearing aid dryer.

Visit Platinum Hearing Aids if You're Experience Feedback

Feedback is caused by the microphone of the hearing aid picking up sound waves it has already amplified. Feedback can happen anytime the earmold is not snuggly secured into your ear, or the earmold or tube is damaged in some way. If you are getting feedback throughout the day, you should visit our Southfield and Allen Park audiologists. We can diagnose what is going wrong with your hearing aid and repair it if possible. Some cases it might be something as simple as making an adjustment to the device or getting new earmolds. Our audiologists can also help give you a hearing test in Southfield if you think you might be in need of some hearing assistance. Contact Platinum Hearing Aids today!