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In this day and age of changing technology, we find that our patients are very interested in what is happening in the hearing health arena. We like to keep our patients informed and updated when new products are introduced. It is also very important to us that they are pleased with our service and the hearing aids they select.

In order to pass on very interesting and important information, we send out "SoundBytes" on a monthly basis. We post them on our website as well, so they can be read at any time.

Just click on the link to the right. All our SoundBytes are listed here for your convenience!

Taking Care of Your Investment

Many of our patients who wear hearing devices have asked us what is the best way to take care of their investment. So, we decided to put together a few quick tips on how to take care of those precious hearing aids that allow you to hear the world!

1. Invest in a hearing aid dehumidifier.
As you move about through your day, hearing aids can gather moisture. Depending on the humidity and the time of year, sweat from around the ear and earwax can affect your hearing device. Using a hearing aid dehumidifier will provide the added dryness and remove the moisture that collects within and on the hearing aids.

We suggest that you remove your hearing aids before going to bed, place them in the dehumidifier (open the battery door first) and gently, overnight, the dehumidifier will dry out the inside bits of your hearing aids.

These dehumidifiers don't cost a bundle and they can add years of useful life to your hearing devices. They will also reduce the need for repairs, as moisture build-up is one of the most common reasons hearing aids are sent to the manufacturer for repair. Dehumidifiers dry out the digital circuitry inside your hearing aids while you sleep.

2. Clean away ear wax.
The build up of earwax is something that happens to everyone, as it is 100% natural and beneficial to your health. It traps the dust, pollen and other airborne debris channeled down the ear canal each day before it reaches the eardrum. However, earwax can cause issues with your hearing aids, particularly with in-the-ear aids, and can clog the actual speakers or microphones. If you feel your hearing aids need to be cleaned, feel free to come in during our Walk-in Hour, which I have described below.

Earwax, along with moisture, is a common reason hearing aids are sent in for repair. With proper care and cleaning, you can reduce the negative effects of earwax on your hearing aids.

3. Clean the hearing aid's microphone screens.
It is also very important to have clean microphones. If there is any debris clogging your aids' microphones, it won't pick up the sounds around you clearly.

Upon examination of your aids, if there appears to be debris present, please make an appointment so we can either clean the microphone screen with safe cleaning tools and/or replace the screen in our office. We want your aid to have the maximum overall volume possible.

4. Replace BTE hearing aid tubing.
If you own BTE hearing aids, it connects to an earmold by way of plastic tubing. Over time, this soft flexible tubing can become hard or crack, which may make the aids sound muffled and can even lead to whistling.

If the tubing between the earmold and BTE hearing aid appears to have hardened or is discolored (yellowish), it is time to come in so we can replace it.

5. Before you go to sleep, let a little air in.
If you have not purchased a hearing aid dehumidifier yet, be sure you open the battery doors of your hearing aids. This natural air drying helps to keep circuits running smoothly and provides the opportunity for the hearing aids to dry out overnight...and it saves on battery life.

6. Avoid extreme heat or cold.
In Arizona, we need to be very careful with our summer days and extreme heat. Don't leave your aids in the car or in the sun, as this can directly affect the workings of the device. The same holds true for the hearing aid batteries.

Final Words of Wisdom:
Keep them clean, keep them dry, use a safe, recommended way of keeping your ear canals clear of waxy buildup and, last but not least, give us a call if you have any problems!

Walk-in Hour:
To reiterate, we offer Walk-in Hour, which is held Monday through Thursday, from noon to 1:00 pm, at each of our office locations. No appointment is necessary if your aids:
  • Need cleaning
  • Need the battery door changed
  • Are not working at all
  • Or they have any other minor problem
Scottsdale Civic Center
3271 N. Civic Center Plaza, Suite 4, Scottsdale
480-941-0519

North Scottsdale
9777 N. 91st Street, Suite 101, Scottsdale
480-451-0220

Thompson Peak
20201 N. Scottsdale Healthcare Drive, Suite 230, Scottsdale
480-515-0200

Let us know if we can be of assistance!

Kind regards,

Cathy Kurth, Au.D., FAAA, Doctor of Audiology
and the entire AHAC Team
www.azhearingaid.com