Preferred Hearing Solutions

The hearing instrument of today, manufactured by reputable manufacturers, is constructed quite well and very reliable. Even though they are "custom made" to fit the ear and the hearing loss of the user, many of their components are pre-manufactured because they are common to most hearing instruments, thereby increasing reliability.

Store your hearing instrument well out of the reach of pets and younger children.  It is not durable enough to be used as a toy, and it provides little nourishment, at great cost, when used for a snack. When not in use turn it off by the switch or opening the battery tray.  When left on it can make a high pitched noise , known as feedback, which can annoy those with unimpaired hearing and attracts dogs, often resulting in hearing instruments being chewed beyond repair.

Although hearing instruments are very reliable, try to avoid situations where your hearing instruments could fall for any distance to a hard surface. Change batteries and clean your instruments on a desk or table to minimize the risk of dropping them. Your hearing instruments may be so comfortable that it's easy to forget you're wearing them...but don't forget to remove them before swimming, using the spa or taking a shower. By all means don't leave any of your instruments in your clothing to be laundered. They don't like water. Should your hearing instrument(s) get wet, do not attempt to dry it(them) out in an oven or with other heat sources. Open the battery door, remove the battery and set the instrument in a dry place to dry out in the shade. After the instrument(s) is completely dry, inside and out, replace the battery, and give it a try. Temperatures much above normal could easily damage the instrument(s). For the same reason, do not leave a hearing instrument in a car or where it can be baked by the sun. Hair spray can easily clog the microphone port of a hearing instrument.  To avoid this problem, remove your hearing instruments before using hair spray.

Hearing aid problems may be caused by body oil, body moisture, body salts, earwax, dry skin, and dirty and oily hands. These may penetrate the hearing aid and cause clogging and breakdowns. Many people bring their hearing aid in for service and don't realize that the tip is clogged with earwax, that the volume wheel is corroded from perspiration or that the microphone is clogged by dirt from the air and/or grime from the hands. Never use alcohol, solvents or cleaning fluid on your instruments, and remember, they need absolutely no oil of any kind.

Each user should establish a regular cleaning schedule to which he/she will adhere. Some people should perform this cleaning procedure daily, while others can defer it to every other or every third day. This procedure should be performed at approximately the same time every scheduled day, preferably in the morning. The frequency is dependent upon the amount of dirt to which the user is exposed and the amount of ear wax the user produces. The cleaning procedure should include: wiping the hearing aid with a soft cloth to remove ear wax and body oil, brushing the tip and faceplate of the hearing aid to remove ear wax and dirt and clearing the vent passage. The brush recommended for this task is a toothbrush, the softer the better, that can be held on a counter top with one hand while brushing the tip and faceplate of the hearing aid on the toothbrush. When the hearing instrument is out of the ear, the battery door should be left open to allow air to circulate and dry out the electronic components.

Behind-the-ear hearing aid users should follow the same procedures. In addition, if properly instructed and comfortable doing so, you may remove the earmold and tube from the hearing aid and clean it in warm soapy water with a toothbrush. Leave the earmold out to dry overnight. The tubing should be checked for breaks, pliability and for possible obstructions.

It is recommended that you take your hearing instruments to Preferred Hearing Aid Center every three (3) to six (6) months to have them cleaned and serviced. When you do, you should discuss your regular maintenance program with your hearing professional and ask about any devices that may be available for home maintenance.

If, for any reason your hearing aid fails, do not attempt to repair it yourself because the instrument is quite delicate. Any at-home hearing aid repair efforts, though well intentioned, could easily cause extensive damage.   Instead take it to Preferred Hearing Aid Center where it can be repaired properly and expeditiously.

For more information about hearing device maintenance, call Preferred Hearing Solutions @ 951-652-9655, 951-303-8886 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it