For those who have hearing loss, hearing aids are crucial for better hearing and overall 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 significantly extended by regular cleaning which will also allow you to hear more 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 at least once every week. A quick cleaning routine doesn’t take very long but is really helpful in preserving sound quality and device longevity.
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 going to the dentist, while brushing and flossing help, professional cleanings ensure the best results. Typically, you are encouraged to bring your hearing aids in twice a year for a deep clean by a specialist. This helps to identify any problems your device may have and helps keep it in excellent working order.
Basic care tips for everyday use
Taking a few simple precautions can greatly increase the lifespan and performance of your hearing aids. Consider the following tips to avoid common obstacles:
- 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.
- Clean Before Bed: Cleaning your hearing aids at night gives them a chance to dry completely before you wear them again in the morning.
- Use a Dehumidifier: Keeping 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: Moisture and chemicals can be damaging to your hearing aids. Before going for a swim, showering, or using products like hair spray, be sure you remove them.
- Wash Hands Before Handling: Always wash your hands before handling your hearing aids to avoid transferring oils or debris that could interfere with their function.
- Protect From Temperature Extremes: Avoid subjecting your hearing aids to harsh weather conditions. If it’s particularly cold or hot, leave your devices indoors instead of bringing them outside.
Hearing aid care tools
Maintaining your hearing aids requires the right tools. Here are some 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.
- Wax pick or loop: To delicately clear out earwax and debris from tight spaces
- Slim tube cleaner: For getting rid of debris trapped in the tubes.
- Cleaning brush: For removing dust and wax accumulation.
- Hearing aid dryer: Helps get rid of moisture, particularly 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 best tools and maintenance techniques.
Cleaning varies depending on the type of hearing aid
Different models of hearing aids require slightly different cleaning techniques. Here are customized cleaning guidelines 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
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Use a wax loop or pick to carefully extract any remaining earwax.
- Clear the Ventilation Tube: Push a slim cleaning tool through the vent tube to ensure there’s no blockage.
- Wipe the Exterior: Wipe down the entire outer surface with a microfiber cloth to clear away any debris.
- 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: After everything is dry, reassemble your hearing aids and check to make sure they’re functioning correctly.
- Clear the Tubing: Clean the outside of the tube with a cloth after pushing a pipe cleaner through it.
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Brush the microphone openings to ensure they’re free of debris.
- Use a Wax Pick: Eliminate any stubborn wax with a loop or pick.
- Detach the Tubing: The first thing you need to do is remove the tube from the device.
- Clean the Aid: Hold the hearing aid face down and carefully brush away any wax or dirt, especially around the receiver and microphone.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Release any accumulation on the ear molds by detaching them and soaking them in warm soapy water. Eliminate any excess moisture with a tubing blower and finish with a dry cloth.
Protecting against ear infections through proper hygiene
Beyond the upkeep of your devices, it’s equally important to keep your ears clean. Excessive accumulation of earwax can negatively affect 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 problems.
Schedule an appointment to get your hearing aids cleaned by a professional
If you have any questions about your hearing aids or would like to set up a professional cleaning, reach out to us today.
Your hearing aids will benefit you for many years with correct maintenance.
