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Hearing Aid Care

Taking care of your hearing aids and ear moulds, Hearing aids are valuable instruments so it is important that you care for them as you would any other valuable and delicate items.

Here are some simple tips to help you.

  • Wipe your aids regularly with a dry cloth or tissue.

  • Avoid getting your hearing aids wet.

  • Hearing aids should never be exposed to extreme heat.

  • Keep them in the case provided when not wearing them.

  • Clean the tip with the tools provided to prevent wax build-up in the receiver. Be fastidious about this aspect of care. Wax causes most problems in hearing aids.

  • If you are fitted with an open fit device with a capillary tube remember to clear the sound bore with the fine “whisker” provided.

  • Keep your hearing aids away from pets. They like to chew them!

  • If you are wearing a behind the ear hearing aid with an attached ear mould it is recommended you wipe the mould down regularly with an alcohol swipe or wash it in warm soapy water (after detaching it from the hearing aid). Please be sure to dry the ear mould carefully before reattaching it to your hearing aid.

Batteries

The life of batteries will vary with hearing aid type and conditions of use. When you are not using your hearing aids remember to turn them off and open the battery holder to conserve battery power. You should always have spare batteries on hand. Telephone us when you need more. We will post them to your home.

Do not place them in an incinerator as they may explode. Be sure to keep them away from young children for whom they may be a swallowing hazard. Equally, adults with poor eyesight or cognitive difficulties are at risk for accidental swallowing, especially if they are situated where they may be mistaken for tablets. If a battery is ingested seek medical advice promptly.

Maintenance

Repairs are sometimes required due to the intricate technology of hearing aids today. If your hearing aid is not working and it is not the battery or wax build-up then you will need to bring it in to your nearest centre. If the support staff cannot rectify the problem, the manufacturer may need to become involved.

ACC and War Pension will pay the full cost of the maintenance of hearing aids that need repair as long as the damage has not been due to neglect.

If you are a private client then you will be responsible for paying for the repair. If the hearing aid is under warranty which is normally two years from the time of fitting then you will only have a small freight and handling charge. Note manufacturer warranties expressly exclude rough handling and abuse, moisture damage and wax and dirt damage. Please always ask for a quote for the cost of the repair. Our staff will be happy to obtain this and phone you for approval before the manufacturer proceeds.

You are not alone!

Information concerning support agencies for clients with particular difficulties is available from your local National Hearing Care New Zealand clinic.

Aid adjustment service

In future years you may require an occasional aid adjustment. We can perform a quick check of your hearing levels and fine-tune your hearing aid. Call your nearest National Hearing Care New Zealand clinic for details. This service is free for ACC and War Pension clients but does have a consultation fee for private clients.