Maintaining your Signia Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) Insio 1Px custom hearing aids is essential to ensure their longevity and optimal performance. Proper care not only extends the life of your hearing aids but also helps maintain clear and reliable hearing. This guide will walk you through effective maintenance practices for your Signia hearing aids, including cleaning, storage, and troubleshooting common issues.

Understanding Your Signia Insio 1Px Hearing Aids

The Signia Insio 1Px is a high-performance custom hearing aid designed to fit comfortably and discreetly within the ear canal. Unlike other hearing aid styles, the Insio 1Px provides a natural listening experience by combining advanced technology with a custom fit. To ensure these devices perform at their best, regular maintenance is crucial.

Daily Care and Cleaning

1. Clean Your Hearing Aids Daily:

• Wipe Down the Exterior: Use a soft, dry cloth or a specific hearing aid cleaning cloth to gently wipe the exterior of your hearing aids. This removes any moisture or debris that may have accumulated throughout the day.
• Clean the Receiver: The receiver or speaker part of the hearing aid, which is placed in the ear canal, should be cleaned carefully. Use a small brush or cleaning tool provided by your audiologist to remove any earwax or debris. Avoid using any liquids or solvents.

2. Check and Replace the Wax Guards:

• Inspect the Wax Guards: Wax guards are small filters that prevent earwax from entering the hearing aid’s receiver. Regularly check these filters for clogging and replace them as needed. Most hearing aid kits include replacement wax guards and instructions for changing them.

3. Use a Hearing Aid Drying Kit:

• Dry the Hearing Aids: To prevent moisture damage, use a hearing aid drying kit or dehumidifier overnight. These devices help absorb any residual moisture from the hearing aids, which can be particularly beneficial if you live in a humid environment or sweat a lot.

Proper Storage

1. Store in a Dry Place:

• Avoid Humidity: Store your hearing aids in a dry, cool place. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms. Using a hearing aid dehumidifier case can be an effective way to protect them from moisture.

2. Remove Batteries When Not in Use:

• Preserve Battery Life: If you do not plan to use your hearing aids for an extended period, remove the batteries. This prevents corrosion and leakage, which can damage the internal components of the hearing aids.

3. Use a Hearing Aid Case:

• Protect from Damage: When not in use, place your hearing aids in their designated case. This helps protect them from physical damage, dust, and accidental contact with liquids.

Battery Maintenance

1. Check Battery Life Regularly:

• Monitor Battery Levels: Regularly check the battery levels of your hearing aids. Many modern hearing aids have battery indicators that alert you when the battery is running low.

2. Handle Batteries with Care:

• Avoid Contact with Moisture: Store spare batteries in a cool, dry place, and avoid handling them with wet hands. Moisture can cause batteries to corrode and affect their performance.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Low Volume or Distorted Sound:

• Clean the Receiver and Wax Guards: Check for any blockages in the receiver or wax guards. Clean or replace them if necessary.
• Inspect the Battery: Ensure the battery is properly inserted and has sufficient charge. Replace the battery if needed.

2. Hearing Aid Not Working:

• Check for Moisture Damage: Ensure the hearing aid is dry and not exposed to moisture. If it appears wet, use a drying kit to remove moisture.
• Inspect the Battery and Contacts: Make sure the battery is inserted correctly and that the contacts are clean. Replace the battery if the hearing aid still does not work.

3. Feedback or Whistling Noise:

• Adjust the Fit: Ensure the hearing aid is properly positioned in your ear and that the ear mould or dome is fitting securely. Misalignment can cause feedback or whistling.
• Clean the Hearing Aid: Feedback can sometimes be caused by debris or earwax buildup. Clean the hearing aid thoroughly.

Professional Maintenance and Support

1. Regular Audiologist Visits:

• Schedule Check-Ups: Regular visits to your audiologist are important for professional maintenance and adjustments. Your audiologist can perform thorough cleaning, inspect for any potential issues, and make necessary adjustments to your hearing aids.

2. Seek Professional Repairs:

• Address Complex Issues: If you encounter problems that you cannot resolve through basic troubleshooting, seek professional repair services. Attempting to fix complex issues on your own could lead to further damage.

Conclusion

Proper maintenance of your Signia Receiver-in-Canal Insio 1Px custom hearing aids is crucial for ensuring their longevity and performance. By following these daily care practices, proper storage techniques, and addressing common issues promptly, you can keep your hearing aids functioning optimally and enjoy clear, reliable hearing. Regular professional check-ups and prompt repairs when necessary will further enhance your hearing experience.