Hearing aids are crucial devices that help your hearing and enhance your quality of life. They do, however, need to be routinely cleaned and properly maintained just like any technology does. Regular maintenance can considerably extend their lifespan and ensure you’re hearing clearly. In this guide, we’ll go through the steps to effectively clean and care for your hearing aids.
Regular cleaning and professional tuning
To keep your hearing aids working at their best, daily or weekly cleaning is essential. A quick cleaning routine doesn’t take very long but goes a long way in maintaining sound quality and device lifespan.
In addition to your regular at-home care, periodic professional maintenance by a hearing professional is recommended. Think of it like going to the dentist, while brushing and flossing help, professional cleanings ensure the best results. Usually, you are advised to bring your hearing aids in every six months for a deep clean by a specialist. This helps to identify any problems your device may have and helps keep it in excellent working condition.
Basic daily care tips
The performance and longevity of your hearing aids can be considerably increased by utilizing these few basic tips. Avoid common obstacles by utilizing these tips:
- Safe Storage: When they’re not being used, keep your hearing aids stored in a protective case or in their charger to prevent exposure to dirt or physical damage.
- Use a Dehumidifier: If it’s really humid, a dehumidifier can be utilized to keep the moisture away from your hearing aids.
- Keep Them Free of Moisture and Chemicals: Moisture and chemicals can be detrimental to your hearing aids. Be sure to remove them before showering, swimming, or applying products like hairspray or perfume.
- Protect From Temperature Extremes: Extreme weather conditions can damage your hearing aids. If it’s particularly cold or hot, leave your devices indoors instead of bringing them outside.
- Wash Hands Before Handling: Skin oils and debris can impact the function of your hearing aids so make sure you clean and dry your hands before handling them.
- Clean Before Bed: When you clean your hearing aids at night they will be totally dry by the time you get up and put them back in.
Hearing aid care tools
Maintaining your hearing aids requires the right tools. Think about investing in a hearing aid care kit, which may include the following:
- Wax pick or loop: For gently removing earwax from small crevices.
- Cleaning brush: For removing dust and wax accumulation.
- Slim tube cleaner: To eliminate any debris stuck in the hearing aid tubes.
- Hearing aid dryer: Dries any moisture accumulated after using the device all day.
- Microfiber cloth: Ideal for wiping down the surface of your hearing aids.
Our hearing specialists can help you keep your hearing aids in great working order by guiding you to the best tools and maintenance practices.
Step-by-step cleaning based on hearing aid type
Different types of hearing aids require somewhat different cleaning strategies. Two of the primary types of hearing aids are Behind-the-ear (BTE) and In-The-Ear (ITE): Here are precise cleaning instructions for each type.
Cleaning In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids
- Clear the Ventilation Tube: Push a thin cleaning tool through the vent tube to ensure there’s no blockage.
- Wipe the Exterior: Wipe down the entire outer surface with a microfiber cloth to clear away any residue.
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Use a wax loop or pick to carefully remove any remaining earwax.
- Brush Debris Away: Carefully brush away any debris or earwax from the surface of your hearing aid while holding it face down.
How to clean Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Reassemble and Test: Once everything is dry, reassemble your hearing aids and test to make sure they’re working correctly.
- 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.
- Clear the Tubing: Push a pipe cleaner through the tubing to remove wax or moisture, then wipe the outside with a cloth.
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Clear the microphone of debris by brushing its opening.
- Use a Wax Pick: Eliminate any stubborn wax with a loop or pick.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Take off and soak the ear mold in warm, soapy water to loosen any buildup. Utilize a tubing blower to remove excess moisture and dry with a clean cloth.
- Detach the Tubing: The first thing to do is remove the tube from the device.
Preventing ear infections with effective hygiene
Cleaning your ears is just as important as cleaning your hearing aid. Excessive accumulation of earwax can negatively impact the function of your hearing aid and cause your ears discomfort and potentially infection. These issues can typically be avoided by regularly cleaning your ears and hearing aids.
Schedule an appointment to have your hearing aids cleaned by a professional
Contact us right away if you would like to set up a consultation to talk about any concerns you might have about hearing aids.
Your hearing aids will benefit you for many years with correct maintenance.