Hearing aids are essential devices that improve your hearing and boost your quality of life. However, like any technological investment, they require regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure best possible performance. Regular maintenance can considerably extend 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
To keep your hearing aids functioning at their best, it’s essential to clean them on a daily or weekly schedule. A quick cleaning routine doesn’t take much time but is really helpful in maintaining sound quality and device longevity.
Along with 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 important alongside your regular at-home cleaning and maintenance routine. Typically, 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 issues early.
Basic everyday care tips
The performance and longevity of your hearing aids can be considerably increased by using these few basic tips. Avoid common hurdles by employing these tips:
- Safe Storage: Prevent physical damage and exposure to dirt and debris by storing your hearing aids in the charging unit or their protective case when they aren’t in use.
- Use a Dehumidifier: If it’s really humid, a dehumidifier can be utilized to keep the moisture away from your hearing aids.
- Before Handling, Clean Your Hands: Always clean your hands before touching your hearing aids to avoid transferring oils or debris that could interfere with their function.
- Before Bed, Clean Them: Cleaning your hearing aids at night gives them an opportunity to dry completely before you use them again in the morning.
- Keep Them Free of Moisture and Chemicals: Moisture and chemicals can be damaging to your hearing aids. Be sure to take them out before showering, going for a swim, or applying products like hairspray or perfume.
- Protect From Extreme Temperatures: Extreme weather conditions can damage your hearing aids. Leave your hearing aids inside your home if the weather is especially hot and humid or cold and wet outside.
Tools for proper hearing aid care
Taking care of your hearing aids requires the right tools. Here are a few of the things you can expect to find in a hearing aid care kit:
- Wax pick or loop: For gently removing earwax from small crevices.
- Hearing aid dryer: Dries any moisture built up after using the device all day.
- Slim tube cleaner: To eliminate any debris lodged in the hearing aid tubes.
- Cleaning brush: For cleaning excessive wax and dust.
- Microfiber cloth: The best tool for cleansing the outer surface of the hearing aid.
Our hearing specialists can help you keep your hearing aids in great working order by guiding you to the best tools and maintenance techniques.
Cleaning varies depending on the type of hearing aid
There are some slight differences in how you clean different models of hearing aids. Two of the main types of hearing aids are Behind-the-ear (BTE) and In-The-Ear (ITE): Here are specific cleaning instructions for each type.
How to clean In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids
- Brush Debris Away: Holding your hearing aid face down, carefully brush away any debris or wax that has built up on the surface.
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Use a wax loop or pick to thoroughly extract any remaining earwax.
- Wipe the Exterior: Use a soft microfiber cloth to clean the entire outer surface, getting rid of any residue.
- Clear the Ventilation Tube: Be certain that the vent tube is clear by pushing a thin cleaning tool through it.
How to clean Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Clear the microphone of debris by brushing its opening.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Release 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.
- Clear the Tubing: Clean the outside of the tube with a cloth after pushing a pipe cleaner through it.
- Detach the Tubing: Begin by separating the tubing from the hearing aid itself.
- Use a Wax Pick: Use a loop pick to remove any stubborn wax that may remain.
- Clean the Aid: Position the hearing aid face down and gently brush away any wax or dirt, especially around the receiver and microphone.
- Reassemble and Test: Reassemble and test your hearing aids after everything dries out.
Proper hygiene can help prevent infections
Cleaning your ears is just as important as cleaning your hearing aid. Excessive accumulation of earwax can negatively affect the function of your hearing aid and cause your ears discomfort and potentially infection. Routinely cleaning your ears and hearing aids will help lessen the chance of these problems.
Set up a professional hearing aid cleaning
Contact us today if you would like to set up a consultation to go over any concerns you might have about hearing aids.
Your hearing aids will benefit you for many years with correct maintenance.
