Hearing aids are crucial devices that help your hearing and boost your quality of life. They do, however, need to be routinely cleaned and properly maintained just like any technology does. Regular maintenance can substantially increase their lifespan and ensure you’re hearing clearly. In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps to effectively clean and care for your hearing aids.
Keeping your hearing aids clean and getting professional tune-ups
You should clean your hearing aids at least once every week. The longevity of your hearing aid will be increased, and the sound quality will be enhanced by performing a quick, simple cleaning routine.
We recommend you periodically bring your hearing aids in for a professional tune-up in addition to your regular cleaning schedule. Think of it like visiting the dentist, while brushing and flossing help, professional cleanings ensure the best results. Usually, you are encouraged to bring your hearing aids in every six months for a deep clean by a specialist. This not only keeps them in top condition but also helps identify any potential problems early.
Simple care guidelines for daily use
The performance and longevity of your hearing aids can be substantially increased by using these few basic tips. Consider the following guidelines to avoid common pitfalls:
- Protect From Extreme Temperatures: Avoid subjecting your hearing aids to extreme weather conditions. If it’s particularly cold or hot, leave your devices inside rather than bringing them outside.
- Keep Them Free of Moisture and Chemicals: Moisture and chemicals can be damaging to your hearing aids. Be certain to take them out before showering, swimming, or using products like hairspray or perfume.
- Before Handling, Clean Your Hands: Skin oils and debris can interfere with the function of your hearing aids so make sure you wash and dry your hands before handling them.
- Before Bed, Clean Them: Cleaning your hearing aids at night gives them a chance to dry completely before you wear them again in the morning.
- Safe Storage: When they’re not being used, keep your hearing aids stored in a protective case or in their charger to avoid exposure to dirt or physical damage.
- Use a Dehumidifier: Keeping your hearing aids in a dehumidifier while you sleep can help keep them dry and free of moisture that might cause malfunction.
Hearing aid care tools
You will need the right tools to effectively maintain your hearing aids. Think about picking up a hearing aid care kit, which could include the following:
- Cleaning brush: For eliminating dust and wax buildup.
- Wax pick or loop: To delicately clear out earwax and debris from tight spaces
- Microfiber cloth: Great for wiping down the surface of your hearing aids.
- Slim tube cleaner: To eliminate any debris lodged in the hearing aid tubes.
- Hearing aid dryer: Helps get rid of moisture, especially after a long day of use.
Our hearing specialists can help you keep your hearing aids in great working order by guiding you to the appropriate tools and maintenance practices.
Step-by-step cleaning based on hearing aid type
There are some minor differences in how you clean different types of hearing aids. Here are customized cleaning instructions 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
- Brush Debris Away: Holding your hearing aid face down, carefully 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 blockage.
- Wipe the Exterior: Use a soft microfiber cloth to clean the entire outer surface, getting rid of any residue.
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Use a wax loop or pick to carefully extract any remaining earwax.
Cleaning Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Clear the microphone of debris by brushing its opening.
- Reassemble and Test: Reassemble and test your hearing aids after everything is dry.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Loosen any buildup 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.
- Clean the Aid: Position the hearing aid face down and carefully brush away any wax or dirt, especially 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.
- Detach the Tubing: The first thing you need to do is detach the tube from the device.
- Use a Wax Pick: Remove any stubborn wax with a loop or pick.
Preventing ear infections with proper hygiene
Outside of the upkeep of your devices, it’s just as important to keep your ears clean. Excessive buildup of earwax can negatively impact the function of your hearing aid and cause your ears discomfort and possibly infection. Routinely cleaning your ears and hearing aids will help lessen the risk of these issues.
Schedule 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 proper maintenance.