Maintaining Your Hearing Aids: Best Practices for Long-Term Performance
If you’ve recently invested in hearing aids—or have been using them for a while—then knowing how to properly maintain them is crucial. Maintaining your hearing aids isn’t just about keeping them clean; it’s about ensuring they function at their best, provide accurate sound, and last for years to come. In fact, the better you take care of them, the better they’ll take care of your hearing.
At Eljay Hearing Centre in Chennai, we often see patients come in with avoidable hearing aid issues simply because they weren’t aware of a few best practices. So, whether you’re using rechargeable hearing aids, Bluetooth hearing aids, or invisible hearing aids, this guide is for you.
Let’s dive into the top tips for maintaining your hearing aids and making sure you get the most out of your investment.
📍 Why Maintaining Your Hearing Aids Matters
Maintaining your hearing aids is essential for three main reasons:
- Sound Quality: Dirt and moisture can block sound input, reducing clarity.
- Device Longevity: Regular care prevents internal corrosion and extends device life.
- Cost Efficiency: Fewer repairs and replacements save you time and money.
Just like your glasses or your smartphone, your hearing aids work best when properly maintained—and they play a much more critical role in your health and wellbeing.
🧼 Daily Maintenance Routine for Your Hearing Aids
1. Clean Your Hearing Aids Every Night
Make it a habit to clean your hearing aids before bed. Use a soft, dry cloth and a hearing aid cleaning brush to remove earwax, dust, or debris. Avoid using water, alcohol, or cleaning agents unless specifically recommended by your audiologist.
2. Inspect for Earwax Blockages
Earwax is one of the most common causes of reduced performance. Clean:
- The microphone ports
- The sound outlet
- Domes and wax guards
Eljay Hearing Centre provides patients with cleaning kits and demonstrations at the time of fitting. You can book a service appointment if your wax filters need replacement.
3. Store in a Dry Box Overnight
Chennai’s humidity can wreak havoc on hearing aids. Use a drying box or dehumidifier to remove moisture overnight. Rechargeable hearing aids often come with built-in drying functions—ask your audiologist about these options.
🔋 Maintenance Tips for Rechargeable Hearing Aids
If you’re using rechargeable hearing aids, follow these practices:
- Charge fully every night to ensure all-day use.
- Avoid letting the battery drain to 0%.
- Keep your charging dock clean and dust-free.
- Do not expose the charger to moisture.
Eljay Hearing Centre offers Signia and Phonak rechargeable hearing aids in Chennai, complete with smart charging docks and long battery life.
📱 Maintenance for Bluetooth & AI-Powered Hearing Aids
Many users now wear Bluetooth hearing aids that connect to their phones or TVs. These require additional maintenance:
- Update firmware regularly via the manufacturer app.
- Keep Bluetooth on only when in use to conserve battery.
- Avoid pairing with multiple devices unless necessary.
- Protect them from electromagnetic interference (EMI) by not placing them near microwaves or routers.
If you experience connectivity issues, visit Eljay’s service center in Chennai for diagnostics and support.
🔧 When to Get Professional Servicing
Even with daily care, professional servicing is important. Visit your audiologist every 6 months or if you experience:
- Whistling or feedback sounds
- Decreased volume or clarity
- Unusual battery drain
- Connectivity issues with smart devices
At Eljay Hearing Centre, we offer maintenance sessions, warranty services, and quick replacements for malfunctioning parts.
💡 Additional Best Practices to Follow
1. Avoid Moisture Exposure
Never wear your hearing aids while:
- Bathing or swimming
- In heavy rain
- Using a hairdryer
Moisture can short-circuit internal components. Always dry your ears before inserting the aids.
2. Turn Off When Not in Use
If your hearing aids use disposable batteries, switch them off when not in use. This saves battery life and prevents internal damage.
3. Keep Away From Pets and Children
Pets are often attracted to the sound and smell of hearing aids. Store your devices in a safe, dry place—preferably in their case when not in use.
4. Use Only Recommended Batteries or Chargers
Cheap or incompatible accessories can damage your devices. Buy accessories from authorized centers like Eljay Hearing Centre in Chennai for guaranteed compatibility.
🛠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using tissues or sharp objects to clean hearing aids
- Keeping them in the bathroom where humidity levels are high
- Letting earwax build up inside your ears
- Trying DIY repairs at home
If you’re facing issues, always consult an audiologist instead of risking damage. You can book an appointment with Eljay Hearing Centre for a device check-up.
📍 Hearing Aid Maintenance Services in Chennai
If you’re wondering where to service your hearing aids in Chennai, look no further than Eljay Hearing Centre. With multiple locations including
- Purasawalkam (Head Office)
- Adyar – Near Nalli Silks, Kasturba Nagar
- Alwarpet – Eldams Road, opposite Punjab National Bank
- Tambaram West – Next to Passport Office
- Ambattur – Behind Axis Bank, Opposite Rakki Cinemas
- Velachery – Next to Dr. Batra’s, Vijaya Nagar
- Nanganallur – Near Anjaneyar Temple
where we offer:
- Device inspection and cleaning
- Wax guard replacement
- Battery replacement
- Reprogramming and firmware updates
- Fitting adjustments
All services are done by RCI-certified audiologists, ensuring both safety and performance.
🛍️ Where to Buy Hearing Aid Accessories in Chennai
Eljay also stocks high-quality hearing aid accessories:
- Drying kits
- Dehumidifiers
- Rechargeable batteries
- Bluetooth TV connectors
- Earwax guards and domes
- Cleaning brushes
You can buy them at any of our Chennai branches or contact us online.
🤔 FAQs About Hearing Aid Maintenance
How often should I clean my hearing aids?
Clean them daily using a soft brush and wipe. A professional cleaning every 6 months is also recommended.
How do I know if my hearing aids are damaged?
If they’re making static sounds, giving feedback, or aren’t as clear as before, schedule a professional check-up.
Where can I get hearing aid batteries and accessories in Chennai?
Visit any Eljay Hearing Centre location for accessories.
Can I use alcohol or sanitizer to clean my hearing aids?
No. Alcohol can damage the casing and internal circuits. Use a manufacturer-recommended cleaner or visit a service center.
Are rechargeable hearing aids easier to maintain?
Yes. They require less battery handling but still need regular cleaning and care—especially in humid climates like Chennai.
✨ Final Thoughts: Protect Your Investment with Proper Hearing Aid Maintenance
Hearing aids are a significant investment in your health and well-being. By following these best practices for maintaining your hearing aids, you can extend their lifespan, avoid unnecessary repairs, and ensure you’re hearing your best every day.
Eljay Hearing Centre is here to support you at every stage—whether it’s your first pair of hearing aids or a routine check-up. We offer hearing aid cleaning, repairs, upgrades, and accessories to keep your hearing experience optimal.
📞 Book your service appointment today at your nearest Eljay branch in Chennai or visit www.eljayhearing.com for more information.