For individuals with hearing loss, hearing aids are essential for better hearing and general quality of life. They do, however, need to be regularly cleaned and correctly maintained just like any technology does. The lifespan of your device can be considerably extended by routine cleaning which will also allow you to hear more clearly. In this guide, we’ll go through the steps to properly clean and care for your hearing aids.
Regular cleaning and professional tuning
You should clean your hearing aids at least once every week. The longevity of your hearing aid will be extended, and the sound quality will be enhanced by doing a quick, simple cleaning routine.
We recommend you periodically bring your hearing aids in for a professional tune-up along with your regular cleaning schedule. It’s comparable to a dental visit where professional cleanings are essential alongside your normal at-home cleaning and maintenance routine. Usually, you are advised to bring your hearing aids in twice a year for a deep clean by a specialist. This helps to detect any problems your device might have and helps keep it in excellent working condition.
Simple care tips for daily use
Taking a few simple precautions can greatly enhance the lifespan and performance of your hearing aids. Consider the following tips to avoid common obstacles:
- Use a Dehumidifier: If it’s really humid, a dehumidifier can be utilized to keep the moisture away from your hearing aids.
- Safe Storage: When they’re not being used, keep your hearing aids stored in a protective case or in their charging unit to prevent exposure to dirt or physical damage.
- Protect From Temperature Extremes: Avoid subjecting your hearing aids to severe weather conditions. Leave your hearing aids in the house if the weather is particularly hot and humid or cold and wet outside.
- 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.
- Before Handling, Clean Your Hands: Skin oils and debris can impact the function of your hearing aids so be certain you wash and dry your hands before handling them.
- Keep Them Free of Moisture and Chemicals: Your hearing aids can be damaged by too much moisture. Before swimming, taking a shower, or using products like hair spray, be sure you remove them.
Tools for proper hearing aid care
Taking care of your hearing aids requires the correct tools. Here are some of the things you can expect to find in a hearing aid care kit:
- Wax pick or loop: To delicately clear away earwax and debris from tight spaces
- Hearing aid dryer: Helps eliminate moisture, especially after a long day of use.
- Slim tube cleaner: To eliminate any debris lodged in the hearing aid tubes.
- Cleaning brush: For clearing away excessive wax and dust.
- Microfiber cloth: An ideal tool for cleaning the outer surface of the hearing aid.
Our hearing specialists can help you keep your hearing aids in tip-top working order by guiding you to the best tools and maintenance practices.
Cleaning differs 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 guidelines for two common types of hearing aids: In-The-Ear (ITE) and Behind-The-Ear (BTE).
Cleaning In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids
- Brush Debris Away: Holding your hearing aid face down, gently brush away any wax or debris that has collected on the surface.
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Use a wax loop or pick to thoroughly remove any remaining earwax.
- Clear the Ventilation Tube: Push a slim cleaning tool through the vent tube to ensure there’s no blockage.
- Wipe the Exterior: Use a soft microfiber cloth to clean the whole outer surface, getting rid of any residue.
Cleaning Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Reassemble and Test: Reassemble and test your hearing aids once everything is dry.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Loosen any accumulation on the ear molds by removing them and soaking them in warm soapy water. Eliminate any excess moisture with a tubing blower and finish with a dry cloth.
- Detach the Tubing: Begin by separating the tubing from the hearing aid itself.
- Clean the Aid: Gently wipe off any wax or dirt while holding the device face down, paying specific attention to the area around the receiver and microphone.
- Clear the Tubing: Clean the outside of the tube with a cloth after running a pipe cleaner through it.
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Brush the microphone openings to ensure they’re free of debris.
- Use a Wax Pick: Remove any stubborn wax with a loop or pick.
Protecting against ear infections with effective hygiene
Beyond maintaining your devices, it’s equally important to keep your ears clean. Earwax accumulation not only interferes with your hearing aids but can also result in discomfort and infection. These issues can typically be avoided by regularly cleaning your ears and hearing aids.
Make an appointment to get your hearing aids cleaned by a professional
If you have any questions about your hearing aids or would like to schedule a professional cleaning, reach out to us today.
Professional maintenance is key to ensuring your hearing aids continue to work well for years to come.