Hearing aids are crucial devices that help your hearing and enhance your quality of life. However, like any technological device, they require routine maintenance and cleaning to ensure optimal performance. The lifespan of your device can be considerably lengthened by regular 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.
Keeping your hearing aids clean and getting professional tunings
You should clean your hearing aids once a week or more. A quick cleaning routine doesn’t take much time but goes a long way in maintaining sound quality and device longevity.
Together with your regular at-home care, periodic professional maintenance by a hearing specialist is recommended. It’s similar to a dental visit where professional cleanings are important alongside your normal 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 not only keeps them in prime condition but also helps diagnose any potential problems early.
Basic daily care tips
The performance and longevity of your hearing aids can be considerably enhanced by using these few basic tips. Avoid common hurdles by employing these tips:
- Wash Hands Before Handling: Always clean your hands before handling your hearing aids to avoid transferring oils or debris that could hinder their function.
- Keep Them Dry and Chemical-Free: Moisture and chemicals can be detrimental to your hearing aids. Be sure to remove them before taking a shower, going for a swim, or applying products like hairspray or perfume.
- Use a Dehumidifier: Storing your hearing aids in a dehumidifier at night can help keep them dry and free of moisture that might cause malfunction.
- Before Bed, Clean Them: When you clean your hearing aids before bed they will be completely dry by the time you get up and put them back in.
- Protect From Temperature Extremes: Harsh weather conditions can damage your hearing aids. If it’s especially cold or hot, leave your devices indoors instead of bringing them outside.
- Safe Storage: Prevent physical damage and exposure to dirt and debris by storing your hearing aids in their charger or their protective case when not in use.
Tools for proper hearing aid care
Maintaining your hearing aids requires the right tools. Consider investing in a hearing aid care kit, which might include the following:
- Cleaning brush: For clearing away excessive wax and dust.
- Wax pick or loop: To gently clear away earwax and debris from tight spaces
- Microfiber cloth: An ideal tool for cleansing the outer surface of the hearing aid.
- Hearing aid dryer: Dries any moisture accumulated after using the device all day.
- Slim tube cleaner: For removing debris trapped in the tubes.
Your hearing specialist can direct you to the right tools and practices to keep your hearing aids in superb condition.
Detailed cleaning determined by hearing aid type
There are some minor differences in how you clean different models of hearing aids. Two of the primary 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
- Wipe the Exterior: Use a soft microfiber cloth to clean the entire outer surface, removing any residue.
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Use a wax loop or pick to carefully extract any remaining earwax.
- Clear the Ventilation Tube: Be certain that the vent tube is clear by pushing a slim cleaning tool through it.
- Brush Debris Away: Holding your hearing aid face down, gently brush away any debris or wax that has collected on the surface.
How to clean Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Reassemble and Test: Reassemble and test your hearing aids once everything is dry.
- Clear the Tubing: Clean the exterior of the tube with a cloth after running a pipe cleaner through it.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Loosen 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: Begin by separating the tubing from the hearing aid itself.
- Clean the Aid: Position the hearing aid face down and carefully brush away any dirt or wax, especially around the receiver and microphone.
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Brush the microphone openings to ensure they’re clear of debris.
- Use a Wax Pick: Use a loop pick to eliminate any stubborn wax that may remain.
Protecting against ear infections through proper hygiene
Cleaning your ears is just as important as keeping your hearing aid clean. Earwax buildup not only inhibits your hearing aids but can also result in discomfort and infection. These issues can usually be avoided by regularly cleaning your ears and hearing aids.
Set up a professional hearing aid cleaning
Contact us right away if you would like to schedule a consultation to go over any concerns you might have about hearing aids.
Your hearing aids will serve you well for many years with proper maintenance.
