Hearing aids are crucial devices that improve your hearing and enhance your quality of life. They do, however, need to be regularly cleaned and correctly maintained just like any technology does. Routine maintenance can substantially increase their lifespan and ensure you’re hearing clearly. In this guide, we’ll go through the steps to properly clean and care for your hearing aids.
Routine cleaning and professional tuning
You should clean your hearing aids once a week or more. A quick cleaning routine doesn’t take very long 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 professional is advised. It’s comparable to a dental visit where professional cleanings are essential alongside your regular at-home cleaning and maintenance routine. A deep clean by a specialist is advised every six months or so. This not only keeps them in prime condition but also helps diagnose any potential issues early.
Basic everyday care tips
Taking a few simple precautions can greatly enhance the longevity and performance of your hearing aids. Avoid common pitfalls by utilizing these tips:
- Safe Storage: When they’re not being used, keep your hearing aids stored in a protective case or in their charging unit to prevent exposure to dirt or physical damage.
- Before Bed, Clean Them: When you clean your hearing aids at night they will be totally dry by the time you get up and put them back in.
- Use a Dehumidifier: Storing your hearing aids in a dehumidifier while you sleep can help keep them dry and free of moisture that could cause malfunction.
- Keep Them Free of Moisture and Chemicals: Moisture and chemicals can be detrimental to your hearing aids. Before going for a swim, showering, or using products like hair spray, make sure you take them out.
- Protect From Extreme Temperatures: Severe 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.
- Wash Hands Before Handling: 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.
Tools for proper hearing aid care
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:
- Wax pick or loop: To gently clear out earwax and debris from tight spaces
- Hearing aid dryer: Dries any moisture built up after using the device all day.
- Microfiber cloth: Ideal for wiping down the surface of your hearing aids.
- Slim tube cleaner: For getting rid of debris stuck in the tubes.
- Cleaning brush: For cleaning excessive wax and dust.
Our hearing specialists can help you keep your hearing aids in tip-top working order by guiding you to the best tools and maintenance techniques.
Cleaning differs depending on the type of hearing aid
There are some slight differences in how you clean different types 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.
Cleaning In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids
- Wipe the Exterior: Wipe down the entire outer surface with a microfiber cloth to clear away any residue.
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Use a wax loop or pick to carefully remove any remaining earwax.
- Brush Debris Away: Carefully brush away any earwax or debris from the surface of your hearing aid while holding it face down.
- Clear the Ventilation Tube: Push a thin cleaning tool through the vent tube to ensure there’s no blockage.
How to clean Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Free the microphone of debris by brushing its opening.
- Clean the Aid: Position the hearing aid face down and gently 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.
- Detach the Tubing: Begin by separating the tubing from the hearing aid itself.
- Use a Wax Pick: Use a loop pick to eliminate any stubborn wax that may remain.
- Reassemble and Test: Once everything is dry, reassemble your hearing aids and test to make sure they’re functioning correctly.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Loosen 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.
Proper hygiene can help you avoid infections
Outside of the upkeep of your devices, it’s equally 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. Regularly cleaning your ears and hearing aids will help reduce the risk of these issues.
Set up a professional hearing aid cleaning
If you have any questions about your hearing aids or would like to set up a professional cleaning, contact us today.
Your hearing aids will benefit you for many years with proper maintenance.