Hearing aids are essential devices that help your hearing and boost your quality of life. They do, however, need to be regularly cleaned and correctly maintained just like any technology does. The lifespan of your device can be considerably extended by routine cleaning which will also allow you to hear more clearly. In this guide, we’ll walk 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 at least once every week. 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 similar to a dental visit where professional cleanings are essential alongside your regular at-home cleaning and maintenance routine. A deep clean by a professional is advised every six months or so. This helps to detect any problems your device might have and helps keep it in prime working condition.
Simple care tips for daily use
The performance and longevity of your hearing aids can be considerably enhanced by utilizing these few basic tips. Avoid common hurdles by implementing these tips:
- 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.
- Keep Them Free of Moisture and Chemicals: Moisture and chemicals can be detrimental to your hearing aids. Before swimming, taking a shower, or using products like hair spray, make sure you take them out.
- Use a Dehumidifier: If it’s really humid, a dehumidifier can be used to keep the moisture away from your hearing aids.
- Protect From Extreme Temperatures: Avoid subjecting your hearing aids to harsh weather conditions. Leave your hearing aids in the house if the weather is particularly hot and humid or cold and wet outside.
- Safe Storage: When not in use, keep your hearing aids stored in a protective case or in their charging unit to prevent exposure to dirt or physical damage.
- Before Handling, Clean Your Hands: Always wash your hands before touching your hearing aids to avoid transferring oils or debris that could hinder their function.
Hearing aid care tools
You will require the appropriate tools to properly maintain your hearing aids. Here are some of the things you can expect to find in a hearing aid care kit:
- Slim tube cleaner: To clear out any debris stuck in the hearing aid tubes.
- Microfiber cloth: The best tool for cleansing the outer surface of the hearing aid.
- Hearing aid dryer: Dries any moisture built up after using the device all day.
- Cleaning brush: For getting rid of dust and wax buildup.
- Wax pick or loop: For delicately cleaning out earwax from small crevices.
Our hearing specialists can help you keep your hearing aids in great working order by guiding you to the best tools and maintenance techniques.
Step-by-step cleaning based on hearing aid type
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 precise 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 whole outer surface, getting rid of any residue.
- Clear the Ventilation Tube: Make sure the vent tube is clear by pushing a slim cleaning tool through it.
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Use a wax loop or pick to carefully remove any remaining earwax.
- Brush Debris Away: Holding your hearing aid face down, gently brush away any debris or wax that has collected on the surface.
Cleaning Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Use a Wax Pick: Remove any stubborn wax with a loop or pick.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Remove and soak the ear mold in warm, soapy water to loosen any accumulation. Get rid of any excess moisture with a tubing blower and finish with a dry cloth.
- Clean the Aid: Position the hearing aid face down and gently brush away any dirt or wax, particularly around the receiver and microphone.
- Clear the Tubing: Push a pipe cleaner through the tubing to eliminate wax or moisture, then clean the outside with a cloth.
- Detach the Tubing: Begin by detaching the tubing from the hearing aid itself.
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Free the microphone of debris by brushing its opening.
- Reassemble and Test: Reassemble and test your hearing aids after everything is dry.
Preventing ear infections with proper hygiene
Beyond maintaining your devices, it’s equally important to keep your ears clean. Excessive buildup of earwax can negatively affect the functionality of your hearing aid and cause your ears discomfort and possibly infection. Regularly cleaning your ears and hearing aids will help decrease the chance of these problems.
Schedule a professional hearing aid cleaning
If you have any concerns about your hearing aids or would like to schedule a professional cleaning, reach out to us today.
Your hearing aids will benefit you for many years with correct maintenance.