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Habits

Habits to Avoid With Hearing Aids: A Guide to Protecting Your Investment

Learn the common habits to avoid with hearing aids to ensure better performance and longevity.

Hearing Aid Habits to Avoid for Better Performance

Taking the step to wear hearing aids is a powerful move toward staying connected to the people and moments that matter most. Whether you are catching up with friends or enjoying a quiet evening at home, your hearing aids are the bridge to your world.

However, like any high-performance technology, hearing aids require specific care to function at their best. To ensure you continue to hear life’s most meaningful sounds with confidence, it is important to recognize certain habits to avoid with hearing aids. By making small adjustments to your daily routine, you can protect your device and enjoy a more seamless hearing experience.

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Prevention is key

Never underestimate the importance of ear care, your hearing might depend on it.

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Common Habits to Avoid With Hearing Aids

Maintaining your hearing aids doesn't have to be complicated. Our hearing care professionals have identified the most frequent mistakes that can lead to repairs or decreased performance.

While many modern hearing aids are water-resistant, they should never be submerged.

  • The Habit: Forgetting to remove your devices before showering, swimming, or using a sauna.
  • The Fix: Make it a habit to place your hearing aids in a dedicated dry-store case or charger as soon as you enter the bathroom. If you live in a humid climate like Tampa or New Orleans, consider using a dehumidifier specifically designed for hearing aids to remove overnight moisture.

Your ears naturally produce wax and oils, which can accumulate on your devices over time.

  • The Habit: Skipping daily cleanings or using improper tools (like toothpicks or safety pins) to remove debris.
  • The Fix: Use only the soft cloth and specialized brushes provided by Miracle-Ear. Cleaning mistakes can push wax deeper into the microphone or receiver, potentially causing damage.

Where you put your hearing aids when they aren’t in your ears is just as important as how you wear them.

  • The Habit: Leaving hearing aids on a nightstand, in direct sunlight, or within reach of pets.
  • The Fix: Always store your devices in their protective case. Pets, particularly dogs, are often attracted to the scent of hearing aids and may chew them. Additionally, extreme heat can damage the sensitive internal circuitry.

Haircare and skincare products are essential for many, but they don't mix well with premium hearing aids.

  • The Habit: Spraying hairspray, perfume, or applying heavy lotions while wearing your devices.
  • The Fix: Apply all sprays and lotions first, let them dry, and then put your hearing aids in. This prevents "clogging" the microphones and protects the outer casing from chemical damage.

 

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Going Out With Hearing Aids: Best Practices

Modern life is fast-paced and interconnected. Whether you are driving across town or using a Bluetooth hearing aid to stream your favorite podcast, here is how to handle common situations.

In most cases, hearing aids and car Bluetooth systems can coexist without interference, though your phone may prioritize one connection over the other. If you find your car audio is not playing through the speakers because it is streaming to your hearing aids, you can usually manage this in your smartphone's "Bluetooth" settings or via the Miracle-Ear app.

While you typically pair your hearing aids directly to your smartphone, you can enjoy car audio by:

  1. Pairing your smartphone to the car’s infotainment system.
  2. Ensuring your hearing aids are connected to the same smartphone.
  3. Selecting the desired "Audio Output" on your phone (e.g., "Car Multimedia" or "Hearing Aids").

Yes, you can absolutely drive while wearing hearing aids; in fact, they often make driving safer by helping you stay aware of sirens, horns, and engine sounds. Hearing aids are designed to support your situational awareness, helping you feel more confident behind the wheel.

The Miracle-Ear Advantage: Unlimited Care for Life

At Miracle-Ear, we believe that your hearing journey is a lifelong partnership. Our expertise goes beyond the initial fitting. When you choose Miracle-Ear hearing aids, you gain access to our lifetime service commitment, which includes:

  • Free cleanings and inspections at any of our 1,600+ locations nationwide.
  • Personalized adjustments to ensure your devices are always tuned to your specific needs.
  • Expert guidance from our hearing care professionals to help you transition to better hearing.
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From the state of New Jersey, Deborah shares how Miracle-Ear's cutting-edge hearing aids have transformed her life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We recommend a quick, gentle cleaning every night before you go to bed. This prevents earwax from hardening and becoming difficult to remove.

It is generally best to remove them at night. This gives your ears a chance to breathe and ensures your hearing aids can be safely stored or charged.

If moisture exposure occurs, dry them immediately with a soft cloth. Do not use a hairdryer or microwave. Open the battery door (if applicable) and place them in a dehumidifier or a bowl of dry rice for 24 hours. If they still don't function, visit your local Miracle-Ear store.

Ready to Rediscover the Sounds You Love?

Better hearing is a journey, and you don't have to walk it alone. Whether you're looking for your first pair of hearing aids or need a professional check-up on your current devices, we are here to help.

Take the first step toward a more connected life today.

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