Hearing aids are an important investment in your health and well-being. For them to function properly and last a long time they must receive proper care. In addition to daily cleanings, one of the most important things you can do is to store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place where they are safe from harm.
Let’s examine some of the best places to keep your hearing aids, as well as a few of the worst.
Best Places to Store Hearing Aids
Drying Boxes
Hearing aid drying boxes are small boxes that use air and heat to dry hearing aids. Most are made to be extremely portable, so you can use them to store your hearing aids when you travel for work or vacation. There are also UV dry boxes which use UV light to sanitize you hearing aids and remove moisture. This helps to rid the device of bacteria and prevent any potential water damage which helps lengthen the life of your hearing aids. Just remember to remove the battery before placing your hearing aids in the box!
Hearing Aid Dehumidifier
Hearing aid dehumidifiers use desiccants to dry out your hearing aids, usually in the form of discs or pellets. These are a great option for when you’re unable to easily plug in your drying box. Maybe during a weekend getaway at Mount Rose Campground?
Nightstand
Simple and standard. Your nightstand is the perfect place to keep your hearing aids near you and not misplace them. You can take them out right before bed and wipe them down, then pop them right back in when morning comes. It’s also useful to have them easily accessible in case you need to get up in the middle of the night.
Worst Places to Store Hearing Aids
Refrigerator
While refrigerators are certainly cool, they are definitely not dry. Some people think it’s a good idea to store their hearing aids in the fridge because it can help preserve battery life. However, the moisture in the fridge could cause permanent damage to your hearing aid, and the cold does not extend your battery life in any meaningful way.
Bathroom
Similar to your nightstand, your bathroom might seem like an easy place to take out and put in your hearing aids every day, but there’s a catch. Moisture from your bathroom, especially after a hot shower, can damage your hearing aids and battery. Stick to a room with less humidity!
Direct Sunlight
While dry is good, too much heat from direct sunlight can damage your hearing aids as well. The ideal combination for any hearing aid storage climate is cool and dry.
To learn more about caring for your hearing aids, or to schedule an appointment with a hearing expert, contact LeMay Hearing & Balance today.