Congratulations, you have been successfully fitted with a hearing aid and have discovered all those forgotten sounds…the dripping faucet, the birds singing outside, the sound of the wind outside the windows. The world is a much more musical place.
It is important to remember that this device in your ear contains a lot of state-of-the-art technology and it is important that you maintain it as well as you can to get the very most out of your investment.
Here are our four top tips to ensure that your hearing aids stays in great condition:
1. Steer clear of moisture
Remember, this tiny device is full of complex electrics, so exposing it to a moist atmosphere could do damage. Though they are increasingly water resistant, it is best to play it safe when swimming or showering and leave them in their box. Should an accident happen, don’t try to dry the device with a hairdryer. The heat could do as much damage as the water.
2. Regularly de-wax
Let’s face it, you won’t be able to avoid the device meeting with ear wax, but it is important to regularly clean it. A soft toothbrush or cotton bud is ideal to gently sweep the surface daily, paying extra attention to the microphone and the receiver. You’ll also need to replace the wax filter when there is a build-up.
3. Change your batteries
Hearing aid batteries can actually cause damage if they are left in too long. If it looks like you won’t be using your device for a few days, take the opportunity to remove the batteries for a while to prevent corrosion and damage. Remember that the contacts need cleaning when batteries are replaced.
4. Be careful
Yes, hearing aids are much less delicate than they used to be, but they are still complex pieces of machinery that need to be handled with care. Make sure you store them out of the way of kids and pets, in a secure, dry container.
If you are looking for help or advice on how to care for your hearing aid, or anything to do with hearing loss, contact our friendly team at North Houston Hearing Solutions today.
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Dr. Lacey Brooks received a bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry in 2003, and earned her Doctorate of Audiology in 2009. She completed her clinical internships and residency at various facilities within Houston Medical Center.
Dr. Brooks is a preferred provider for the American Institute of Balance (ABI), a professional member of the American Tinnitus Association (ATA), a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology (AAA), a member of the Texas Academy of Audiology (TAA) and is certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). She is also the vice president of the Louisiana State University Houston Chapter Alumni Association.
In addition to her years of experience identifying, diagnosing and treating all types and degrees of hearing loss, and vestibular disorders, Dr. Brooks has spent the last 13 years becoming an expert in Tinnitus management and therapy. Dr. Brooks is also one of the few providers in the country certified for Lyric Implantable Devices. For over seven years, Dr. Brooks successfully ran and operated more than six audiology clinics for one of the largest practices in the state of Texas before joining the North Houston Hearing Solutions team in 2016.
Dr. Brooks prides herself on providing her patients with the highest quality of care. She loves her patients dearly and feels so fortunate that she gets to help improve their daily lives. This love, combined with her impressive skill set, business experience and passion for helping people hear has made Dr. Lacey Brooks a wonderful addition to the North Houston Hearing Solutions’ team.
When not at the office, Dr. Brooks enjoys spending time with her daughter, husband, family, and friends. Dr. Brooks is also very involved in her church and with mission work in her community and abroad.