Hearing aids are essential devices that help your hearing and enhance your quality of life. They do, however, need to be regularly cleaned and correctly maintained just like any technology does. Regular maintenance can significantly increase 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.
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 improved by performing a quick, easy cleaning routine.
We suggest you periodically bring your hearing aids in for a professional tune-up in conjunction with your regular cleaning schedule. Think of it like going to the dentist, while brushing and flossing help, professional cleanings ensure the best results. A deep clean by a professional is advised every six months or so. This helps to identify any problems your device may have and helps keep it in excellent working condition.
Basic everyday care tips
Taking a few simple precautions can greatly increase the lifespan and performance of your hearing aids. Avoid common obstacles by utilizing these tips:
- Before Bed, Clean Them: Cleaning your hearing aids before bed gives them a chance to dry completely before you wear them again in the morning.
- Keep Them Free of Moisture and Chemicals: Your hearing aids can be compromised by too much moisture. Be certain to remove them before showering, going for a swim, or applying products like hairspray or perfume.
- 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.
- Protect From Temperature Extremes: Avoid exposing your hearing aids to extreme weather conditions. Leave your hearing aids inside your home if the weather is especially hot and humid or cold and wet outside.
- Before Handling, Clean Your Hands: Skin oils and debris can interfere with the function of your hearing aids so make sure you clean and dry your hands before handling them.
- Use a Dehumidifier: If it’s really humid, a dehumidifier can be used to keep the moisture away from your hearing aids.
Tools for proper hearing aid care
You will need the right tools to properly maintain your hearing aids. Here are a few of the things you can expect to find in a hearing aid care kit:
- Hearing aid dryer: Helps get rid of moisture, especially after a long day of use.
- Cleaning brush: For cleaning excessive wax and dust.
- Wax pick or loop: For delicately cleaning out earwax from small crevices.
- Slim tube cleaner: For the removal of debris trapped in the tubes.
- Microfiber cloth: Great 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 techniques.
Step-by-step cleaning based on hearing aid type
There are some slight differences in how you clean different types of hearing aids. Here are tailored cleaning guidelines for two prevalent types of hearing aids: In-The-Ear (ITE) and Behind-The-Ear (BTE).
How to clean In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Any remaining earwax can be carefully extracted using the loop or pick.
- Brush Debris Away: Holding your hearing aid face down, gently brush away any wax or debris that has collected on the surface.
- Clear the Ventilation Tube: Push a thin cleaning tool through the vent tube to ensure there’s no obstruction.
- Wipe the Exterior: Wipe down the entire outer surface with a microfiber cloth to clear away any residue.
How to clean Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Clear the microphone of debris by brushing its opening.
- Detach the Tubing: The first thing to do is detach the tube from the device.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Release any accumulation on the ear molds by removing them and soaking them in warm soapy water. Utilize a tubing blower to remove excess moisture and dry with a clean cloth.
- Use a Wax Pick: Use a loop pick to clear away any stubborn wax that may remain.
- Reassemble and Test: After everything is dry, reassemble your hearing aids and check to make sure they’re functioning properly.
- Clean the Aid: Hold the hearing aid face down and carefully brush away any wax or dirt, especially around the receiver and microphone.
- Clear the Tubing: Clean the exterior of the tube with a cloth after running a pipe cleaner through it.
Proper hygiene can help you avoid infections
Outside of maintaining your devices, it’s equally important to keep your ears clean. Excessive accumulation of earwax can negatively impact the function of your hearing aid and cause your ears discomfort and possibly infection. These problems can usually be avoided by routinely 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 discuss any concerns you may have about hearing aids.
Your hearing aids will serve you well for many years with correct maintenance.