Hearing Aid Maintenance Checklist

By following these steps, you can ensure your hearing aids remain in optimal condition, providing you with the best possible hearing experience. Regular maintenance not only improves functionality but also extends the lifespan of your hearing aids, making them a reliable companion in your daily life.

Daily care starts with protecting your hearing aids from common hazards such as dirt, heat, humidity and water. In Australia’s warm climate, hearing aids are especially vulnerable to moisture and heat damage.

• If your hearing aids are not waterproof, avoid any contact with water — this includes rain, sweat and wet hands.
• If they do get wet, remove them immediately, switch them off, take out the batteries, and gently dry with a clean cloth.
• Leave the battery compartment open and allow the aids to air dry on a flat surface for a few hours.
• Never leave your hearing aids in direct sunlight or in hot places like a car dashboard, as heat can warp or damage the casing.
• Avoid contact with sunscreen, cosmetics, hair sprays and other chemicals, which can cause damage.
• Humidity can be tricky, especially when moving between hot outdoor air and air-conditioned rooms. Use a dehumidifier box or drying capsules regularly to keep moisture at bay.
• Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place — never in the bathroom or other damp areas

• Storing your hearing aids properly at night is an important part of hearing aid care.
• To avoid damage and ensure optimal performance, it’s best to remove your hearing aids before going to bed.
• Wearing them while sleeping can cause discomfort or pressure on the device, especially when resting your ear on a pillow. It may also lead to feedback or even damage the hearing aids over time.
• After removing your hearing aids, make sure to switch them off and store them in their protective case.
• Avoid leaving them on surfaces where they could fall, get lost, or collect dust.
• For hearing aids with disposable batteries, opening the battery door overnight helps reduce moisture build-up and extends battery life.
• If you use rechargeable hearing aids, simply place them in their designated charging unit overnight. This ensures the batteries are fully charged and ready for use the next day.

Building a consistent nightly routine for storing your hearing aids helps protect the devices, prevents unnecessary wear, and reduces the risk of costly repairs.

While daily at-home cleaning is vital, professional maintenance ensures your hearing aids function optimally for years. Audiologists and hearing care specialists have the tools and expertise to deep-clean intricate components like microphones, receivers, and internal circuitry, which are difficult to manage safely at home. They can also spot early signs of wear, recalibrate settings to match your hearing needs, and replace parts like tubing or filters that require specialised handling.

Key reasons to book regular appointments:

• Thorough cleaning: Professionals use ultrasonic cleaners and precision tools to remove trapped debris and bacteria that home methods can’t address.
• Performance checks: Tests detect subtle sound distortions or connectivity issues (e.g., Bluetooth glitches in modern devices).
• Preventative care: Worn-out components (e.g., corroded battery contacts) are replaced before they cause major failures.
• Hearing adjustments: Your audiologist can fine-tune settings if your hearing needs change over time.

Aim for at least one professional service every 6–12 months, or more frequently if you live in humid climates or notice performance changes. These check-ups not only protect your investment but also help maintain your overall hearing health.

Regular check-ups for both your hearing and hearing aids are essential for maintaining your overall hearing health and ensuring your devices continue to perform at their best. Hearing loss often develops gradually, making it difficult to notice subtle changes day to day. By scheduling routine hearing assessments, you can detect any decline early, allowing for timely intervention and more effective management.

Early identification of hearing loss not only helps preserve your ability to communicate and participate fully in daily life, but it can also reduce the risk of cognitive decline, dementia, and social isolation. Regular hearing tests are especially important if you are over 60, have a history of noise exposure, or already use hearing aids. Most experts recommend annual check-ups for older adults, while younger adults should be tested every few years unless they have specific risk factors.

In addition to monitoring your hearing, these appointments allow your audiologist to inspect, clean, and adjust your hearing aids. This ensures your devices are functioning properly, settings are optimised for any changes in your hearing, and any minor issues are addressed before they become major problems. Regular professional care can also help prevent further hearing loss by identifying and treating medical conditions linked to hearing health, such as high blood pressure or ear infections.

Ultimately, routine hearing and hearing aid check-ups help you stay connected, independent, and safe, while maximising the benefits of your hearing devices and supporting your long-term well-being.