For individuals who have hearing loss, hearing aids are essential for improved hearing and general quality of life. However, like any technological investment, they require routine maintenance and cleaning to ensure optimum performance. Regular maintenance can significantly 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 tune-ups
You should clean your hearing aids once a week or more. The lifespan of your hearing aid will be increased, and the sound quality will be improved by doing a quick, easy cleaning routine.
In addition to your regular at-home care, periodic professional maintenance by a hearing professional is advised. It’s comparable to a dental visit where professional cleanings are essential alongside your regular at-home cleaning and maintenance routine. Typically, you are advised to bring your hearing aids in every six months for a deep clean by a specialist. This helps to detect any issues your device might have and helps keep it in excellent working order.
Basic care tips for everyday use
Taking a few simple precautions can significantly enhance the longevity and performance of your hearing aids. Avoid common pitfalls by implementing these tips:
- Before Bed, Clean Them: When you clean your hearing aids at night they will be totally dry by the time you get up and put them back in.
- Use a Dehumidifier: If it’s really humid, a dehumidifier can be used to keep the moisture away from your hearing aids.
- Keep Them Dry and Chemical-Free: Your hearing aids can be damaged by too much moisture. Before swimming, taking a shower, or using products like hair spray, be sure you take them out.
- Safe Storage: When not in use, keep your hearing aids stored in a protective case or in their charging unit to prevent exposure to dirt or physical damage.
- Wash Hands Before Handling: Skin oils and debris can impact the function of your hearing aids so make sure you wash and dry your hands before handling them.
- Protect From Extreme Temperatures: Harsh weather conditions can damage your hearing aids. If it’s particularly cold or hot, leave your devices indoors instead of bringing them outside.
Hearing aid care tools
Taking care of your hearing aids requires the right 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 out earwax and debris from tight spaces
- Hearing aid dryer: Helps eliminate moisture, particularly after a long day of use.
- Cleaning brush: For clearing away excessive wax and dust.
- Microfiber cloth: Perfect for wiping down the surface of your hearing aids.
- Slim tube cleaner: For the removal of debris trapped in the tubes.
Your hearing specialist can guide you on the best tools and techniques to keep your hearing aids in superb condition.
Detailed cleaning based on hearing aid type
There are some minor 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).
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 built up on the surface.
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Use a wax loop or pick to carefully extract any remaining earwax.
- Wipe the Exterior: Use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe down the entire outer surface, removing any residue.
- Clear the Ventilation Tube: Push a thin cleaning tool through the vent tube to ensure there’s no blockage.
How to clean Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Clear the Tubing: Run a pipe cleaner through the tubing to remove wax or moisture, then wipe the outside with a cloth.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Release any accumulation on the ear molds by detaching them and soaking them in warm soapy water. Utilize a tubing blower to remove excess moisture and dry with a clean cloth.
- Detach the Tubing: The first thing you need to do is remove the tube from the device.
- Use a Wax Pick: Remove any stubborn wax with a loop or pick.
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Brush the microphone openings to ensure they’re clear of debris.
- Reassemble and Test: After everything is dry, reassemble your hearing aids and check to make sure they’re functioning correctly.
- Clean the Aid: Hold the hearing aid face down and carefully brush away any wax or dirt, particularly around the receiver and microphone.
Preventing ear infections with effective hygiene
Beyond maintaining your devices, it’s equally important to clean your ears. Excessive accumulation of earwax can negatively impact the function of your hearing aid and cause your ears discomfort and potentially infection. These problems can usually be avoided by regularly cleaning your ears and hearing aids.
Set up a professional hearing aid cleaning
Contact us today if you would like to set up a consultation to talk about any concerns you may have about hearing aids.
Your hearing aids will benefit you for many years with correct maintenance.