Health Promotion and Maintenance Q 40
Which instruction should be given to the client who is fitted for a behind-the-ear hearing aid?
A. Remove the mold and clean every week.
B. Store the hearing aid in a warm place.
C. Clean the lint from the hearing aid with a toothpick.
D. Change the batteries weekly.
Correct Answer: B. Store the hearing aid in a warm place.
The hearing aid should be stored in a warm, dry place. Proper maintenance and care will extend the life of your hearing aid. Make it a habit to keep hearing aids away from heat and moisture. Avoid using hairspray or other hair care products while wearing hearing aids. When it’s exposed to moisture it can cause serious damage. Although hearing aids are now being made to be water resistant it’s recommended that they are removed when showering or swimming. If they do come in contact with water, dry them immediately with a towel. Never attempt to dry them with a hair drier or other heated device, since the high heat can damage them.
Option A: It should be cleaned daily but should not be moldy. Clean hearing aids as instructed. Earwax and ear drainage can damage a hearing aid. Turn off hearing aids when they are not in use. Always take the hearing aids out before having a shower, taking a bath or going swimming. It’s best to leave the hearing aids out of humid environments like the bathroom, as moisture can damage the electronic components in the hearing aid.
Option C: A toothpick is inappropriate to use to clean the aid; the toothpick might break off in the hearing aid. A whistling sound can be caused by a hearing aid that does not fit or work well or is clogged by earwax or fluid. When cleaning your hearing aids, use a dry, soft cloth. Hearing aid care products are available through audiologists and audiometrists. They will also check for ear wax build up and the general working order of the hearing aid.
Option D: Changing the batteries weekly is not necessary. Replace dead batteries immediately. Keep replacement batteries and small aids away from children and pets. Also when changing out batteries, remember to clean the battery contacts in the devices. This can be done by gently wiping them down with a dry cotton swab. If the battery contacts on the devices are dirty, it can create a poor connection and lower performance.