Hearing aids are essential devices that improve your hearing and enhance your quality of life. They do, however, need to be routinely cleaned and correctly maintained just like any technology does. Regular maintenance can considerably extend their lifespan and ensure you’re hearing clearly. In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps to properly clean and care for your hearing aids.
Keeping your hearing aids clean and getting professional tunings
To keep your hearing aids functioning at their best, daily or weekly cleaning is essential. The longevity of your hearing aid will be extended, and the sound quality will be improved by performing a quick, simple cleaning routine.
In addition to your regular at-home care, periodic professional maintenance by a hearing professional is suggested. It’s similar to a dental visit where professional cleanings are important alongside your regular at-home cleaning and maintenance routine. A deep clean by a professional is advised every six months or so. This not only keeps them in top condition but also helps diagnose any potential issues early.
Basic daily care tips
The performance and lifespan of your hearing aids can be substantially enhanced by utilizing these few basic tips. Consider the following tips to avoid common obstacles:
- Use a Dehumidifier: Keeping your hearing aids in a dehumidifier while you sleep can help keep them dry and free of moisture that could cause malfunction.
- Before Handling, Clean Your Hands: Always clean your hands before handling your hearing aids to avoid transferring oils or debris that could hinder their function.
- Safe Storage: Prevent physical damage and exposure to dirt and debris by keeping your hearing aids in the charging unit or their protective case when they aren’t in use.
- Clean Before Bed: When you clean your hearing aids before bed they will be totally dry by the time you get up and put them back in.
- Keep Them Dry and Chemical-Free: Moisture and chemicals can be damaging to your hearing aids. Be certain to remove them before showering, swimming, or using products like hairspray or perfume.
- Protect From Temperature Extremes: Avoid exposing your hearing aids to severe weather conditions. If it’s especially cold or hot, leave your devices inside instead of bringing them outside.
Hearing aid care tools
Maintaining your hearing aids requires the correct tools. Here are a few of the things you can expect to find in a hearing aid care kit:
- Cleaning brush: For clearing away excessive wax and dust.
- Slim tube cleaner: To remove any debris lodged in the hearing aid tubes.
- Microfiber cloth: The best tool for cleaning the outer surface of the hearing aid.
- Wax pick or loop: For delicately removing earwax from small crevices.
- Hearing aid dryer: Dries any moisture accumulated after using the device all day.
Your hearing specialist can direct you to the best tools and techniques to keep your hearing aids in superb condition.
Cleaning varies depending on the type of hearing aid
There are some slight differences in how you clean different models of hearing aids. Here are tailored cleaning instructions for two common types of hearing aids: In-The-Ear (ITE) and Behind-The-Ear (BTE).
How to clean In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids
- Brush Debris Away: Holding your hearing aid face down, gently brush away any debris or wax that has collected on the surface.
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Any remaining earwax can be gently removed using the loop or pick.
- Clear the Ventilation Tube: Push a slim cleaning tool through the vent tube to ensure there’s no blockage.
- Wipe the Exterior: Wipe down the whole outer surface with a microfiber cloth to eliminate any debris.
Cleaning Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Clean the Aid: Carefully wipe away any wax or dirt while holding the device face down, paying particular attention to the portion around the receiver and microphone.
- Detach the Tubing: The first thing you need to do is detach the tube from the device.
- Clear the Tubing: Clean the outside of the tube with a cloth after pushing a pipe cleaner through it.
- Use a Wax Pick: Use a loop pick to remove any stubborn wax that may remain.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Release any accumulation on the ear molds by detaching them and soaking them in warm soapy water. Eliminate any excess moisture with a tubing blower and finish with a dry cloth.
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Brush the opening of the microphone to ensure they’re free of debris.
- Reassemble and Test: Reassemble and test your hearing aids once everything dries out.
Effective hygiene can help prevent infections
Cleaning your ears is just as important as keeping your hearing aid clean. Earwax accumulation not only inhibits your hearing aids but can also lead to discomfort and infection. These issues can usually be avoided by routinely cleaning your ears and hearing aids.
Set up a professional hearing aid cleaning
Contact us right away if you would like to set up a consultation to go over any concerns you may have about hearing aids.
Your hearing aids will benefit you for many years with correct maintenance.
