How to take care of your hearing aids

Follow our tips and tricks to keep your hearing aids working well and ensure they last as long as possible.

What is the life expectancy of a hearing aid?

Quality hearing aids have a typical lifespan of between three and seven years. Routine care will maximize your hearing aids’ lifetime and help ensure you won’t have to replace them very often.

Tips and tricks to help you take care of your hearing aids

Minimize drops, knocks, and bumps.

The small components inside your hearing aids are tough, but all electronics are vulnerable to impacts.

When you handle your hearing aids, try to do it above a soft surface rather than a hard bathroom floor
When you're not wearing your hearing aids, keep them safely in a case, charger, or hearing aid dryer

Safeguard against sweat.

As they sit against skin, hearing aids gather moisture inside their plastic shells.

Check for moisture and dry your hearing aids in an airy place, charger, or hearing aid dryer
Be especially aware during summer or after sports, when we all sweat more

Keep them clean.

Dirt builds up in and on hearing aids, which can block sound, hold moisture, and prevent them from functioning properly.

Wipe your hearing aids regularly with a dry cloth or tissue
Remove ear wax build-up

> How to clean hearing aids

Watch out for water.

Bernafon hearing aids can survive your getting caught out in the rain or working up a sweat.

However, longer-term exposure can still be damaging, so it’s important to minimize your hearing aids’ contact with water and ensure they are regularly dried.

Remove your hearing aids in the shower or when swimming
If your hearing aids are exposed to moisture or very humid conditions, dry your hearing aids in an airy place or hearing aid dryer
Never use a hair dryer or microwave oven to attempt to dry hearing aids

Beware on the beach.

Salt water can leave salt crystals inside hearing aids, sand can block microphone ports, and sunscreen can contain chemicals that damage your hearing aids’ plastic casing.

Avoid touching your hearing aids if your hands are sandy
Remove your hearing aids when you apply sunscreen
Keep your hearing aids away from salt water

Avoid cosmetic chemicals.

Some products that we put on our skin and hair can have detrimental effects on hearing aids. These can include aftershave lotion, hairspray, oils, perfume, sunscreen, insect repellent, and eardrops.

Remove your hearing aids before applying cosmetic products
Allow time for cosmetics to dry before replacing your hearing aids
Remember to wipe your hands before putting your hearing aids back on

Watch out for extreme heat.

Very hot temperatures and direct sunlight can damage your hearing aids and even melt their plastic casing.

Never expose your hearing aids to extreme heat
Don’t leave your hearing aids in a hot car
Keep your hearing aids out of direct sunlight when you're not wearing them

Take care in the cold.

Cold weather can be tough on hearing aid batteries. They struggle to work properly in the low temperatures, which also shorten their life expectancy. Cold temperatures can also bring condensation challenges.

If your hearing aids are exposed to moisture or very humid conditions, dry your hearing aids in an airy place, charger, or hearing aid dryer