Easy ways to care for a hearing aid

If you know someone who wears a hearing aid, or if you wear one yourself, here are six tips on hearing aid care that you may want to listen to:

•Keep the hearing aid away from heat and moisture. Hearing aids are expensive and contain some very sensitive circuitry that should be handled with care.

•Replace dead batteries right away.

•Clean the hearing aid as instructed. Before starting, make sure hands are washed and dried. Remember not to get the electronic parts wet. Use a soft cotton cloth to clean the entire device. If the hearing aid is in the ear, take extra care while cleaning it.

•Inspect the hearing aid daily after taking it off at night to look for any dried earwax on it. If wax is found, use a soft cloth to clean the device.

•Don't use hair spray or other hair care products while wearing a hearing aid.

•Turn off the hearing aid when it's not in use. This will give the battery longer life.

•Keep replacement batteries and small hearing aids away from children and pets.

This story provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.