There are many important issues to consider when using a hearing aid. Here are ten basic tips to help you wear your hearing aid safely and with ease, and to increase the longevity of this crucial instrument.

This sticky product can gum up hearing devices and interfere with their components, and is difficult to remove. So always be sure to take out your hearing aids before applying it, and make sure the hairspray is dry before putting your aids back in. This step might add a few minutes to your routine, but it will save you time and money in the long run by increasing the longevity of your hearing devices.

Your family pet doesn’t know that your hearing aids are expensive pieces of equipment; all he knows is that they might be delicious. Because damage, such as chew marks, caused by a dog is considered negligence and is NOT covered by insurance or warranties, be especially careful to keep your hearing devices out of your dog’s reach. When you are not using your aids, always remember to store them high up in a safe place!

When swallowed, severe damage to the esophagus can occur in just two hours, and this accident often proves fatal. In light of this, and the fact that small children love to put things in their mouths, it is imperative that your hearing aids and their batteries be kept well out of reach of your children or grandchildren. A swallowed battery can burn a hole in the esophagus and cause uncontrolled bleeding, so if you suspect a child has eaten a battery, go to the emergency room immediately.

Water is one of the most damaging elements to a hearing aid, so make sure to always remove your devices before swimming, showering, taking a bath, washing your face, or any other scenario where your aids are likely to become wet.

If you wish to prevent your battery from running out quickly, always be sure to turn your hearing aid off when not using it. Opening the battery door will turn off your device, but you may also wish to remove the battery when the aid is not in use. Opening the battery door before you go to bed will not only prevent the battery from being drained, but also will allow air into the device, preventing moisture build-up.

Before starting your day, be sure to check that your hearing devices are functioning properly. Some aids will play a melody when turned on and others will simply turn on. To check amplification levels, rub your hands next your ear after you insert the device–you should be able to hear the hand-rubbing sound clearly.

Getting used to wearing hearing aids is a big adjustment, and it takes time to become comfortable wearing them all day. Start out slowly and gently, wearing your hearing devices for short intervals of 3 to 5 hours per day for the first couple of weeks. Make adjustments as necessary. If you are comfortable with them, increase the wearing time by 1 to 2 hours each day. Be patient, and soon you will be able to wear them all day with ease.

For most hearing aid wearers, the ability to understand clearly on the telephone is an important consideration. Although there are many different ways to use hearing aids with telephones, the simplest way is to place the telephone over the ear with the aid in it. If you experience whistling or feedback, a slight tilt of the handset may be all that is needed to eliminate this unwanted noise.

Your hearing aid cannot function without the all-important battery. As a rule, the smaller the device, the smaller the battery–and the more frequently it will need to be replaced. Most hearing devices will beep to signal that the battery is running low; change your battery when you hear this signal instead of risking having your battery die when you are out and about.

Because some hearing aids have a snug fit and are difficult to insert and remove, it may help to put a little baby oil on your ear before inserting it. The extra lubrication will allow you to put your hearing aid in without struggle.