Hearing aids are crucial devices that help your hearing and boost your quality of life. However, like any technological investment, they require routine maintenance and cleaning to ensure optimum 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 tunings
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 performing a quick, easy cleaning routine.
In addition to your regular at-home care, periodic professional maintenance by a hearing specialist is advised. It’s similar to a dental visit where professional cleanings are important alongside your normal at-home cleaning and maintenance routine. Usually, you are advised to bring your hearing aids in every six months for a deep clean by a specialist. This helps to identify any issues your device might have and helps keep it in excellent working order.
Basic daily care tips
The performance and longevity of your hearing aids can be substantially increased by utilizing these few basic tips. Avoid common hurdles by employing these tips:
- Protect From Extreme Temperatures: Severe weather conditions can damage your hearing aids. If it’s especially cold or hot, leave your devices inside rather than bringing them outside.
- Use a Dehumidifier: Storing your hearing aids in a dehumidifier at night can help keep them dry and free of moisture that could cause malfunction.
- Keep Them Dry and Chemical-Free: Your hearing aids can be compromised by excessive moisture. Before going for a swim, showering, or using products like hair spray, be sure you remove them.
- Before Bed, Clean Them: Cleaning your hearing aids at night gives them an opportunity to dry completely before you wear them again in the morning.
- Safe Storage: Prevent physical damage and exposure to dirt and debris by keeping your hearing aids in the charging unit or their protective case when they aren’t in use.
- Wash Hands Before Handling: Always clean your hands before touching your hearing aids to avoid transferring oils or debris that could hinder their function.
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:
- Microfiber cloth: Great for wiping down the surface of your hearing aids.
- Cleaning brush: For removing dust and wax accumulation.
- Wax pick or loop: To delicately clear away earwax and debris from tight spaces
- Slim tube cleaner: For removing debris stuck in the tubes.
- Hearing aid dryer: Dries any moisture built up after using the device all day.
Our hearing specialists can help you keep your hearing aids in great working order by guiding you to the best tools and maintenance practices.
Cleaning differs depending on the type of hearing aid
Different models of hearing aids require slightly different cleaning techniques. 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
- Wipe the Exterior: Use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe down the entire outer surface, removing any residue.
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Any remaining earwax can be carefully extracted using the loop or pick.
- Clear the Ventilation Tube: Push a thin cleaning tool through the vent tube to ensure there’s no obstruction.
- Brush Debris Away: Holding your hearing aid face down, carefully brush away any debris or wax that has accumulated on the surface.
Cleaning Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Brush the microphone openings to ensure they’re free of debris.
- Clean the Aid: Position the hearing aid face down and carefully brush away any dirt or wax, especially around the receiver and microphone.
- Detach the Tubing: Begin by separating the tubing from the hearing aid itself.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Take off and soak the ear mold in warm, soapy water to release any buildup. Eliminate any excess moisture with a tubing blower and finish with a dry cloth.
- Reassemble and Test: Reassemble and test your hearing aids once everything dries out.
- Use a Wax Pick: Remove any stubborn wax with a loop or pick.
- Clear the Tubing: Run a pipe cleaner through the tubing to eliminate wax or moisture, then wipe the outside with a cloth.
Proper hygiene can help you avoid infections
Outside of maintaining your devices, it’s just as important to keep your ears clean. Earwax accumulation not only interferes with your hearing aids but can also result in discomfort and infection. These problems can usually be avoided by regularly cleaning your ears and hearing aids.
Set up a professional hearing aid cleaning
If you have any concerns about your hearing aids or would like to set up a professional cleaning, reach out to us today.
Professional maintenance is key to ensuring your hearing aids continue to work well for years to come.