Hearing aids are crucial devices that help your hearing and enhance your quality of life. However, like any technological investment, they require regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure optimal performance. The lifespan of your device can be considerably extended by regular 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.
Routine cleaning and professional tuning
You should clean your hearing aids at least once every week. The lifespan of your hearing aid will be extended, and the sound quality will be improved by performing a quick, simple cleaning routine.
In addition to your regular at-home care, periodic professional maintenance by a hearing professional is recommended. Think of it like going to the dentist, while brushing and flossing are helpful, 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 detect any problems your device might have and helps keep it in excellent working condition.
Basic daily care tips
Taking a few basic precautions can significantly increase the lifespan and performance of your hearing aids. Avoid common hurdles by implementing these tips:
- Safe Storage: When not in use, keep your hearing aids stored in a protective case or in their charging unit to avoid exposure to dirt or physical damage.
- Keep Them Free of Moisture and Chemicals: Your hearing aids can be compromised by excessive moisture. Be sure to take them out before taking a shower, going for a swim, or using products like hairspray or perfume.
- Protect From Temperature Extremes: Extreme weather conditions can damage your hearing aids. If it’s particularly cold or hot, leave your devices inside instead of bringing them outside.
- Before Bed, Clean Them: When you clean your hearing aids before bed they will be completely dry by the time you wake up and put them back in.
- Use a Dehumidifier: Keeping your hearing aids in a dehumidifier at night can help keep them dry and free of moisture that might cause malfunction.
- Before Handling, Clean Your Hands: Always wash your hands before handling 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 effectively maintain your hearing aids. Consider picking up a hearing aid care kit, which could include the following:
- Microfiber cloth: The best tool for cleansing the outer surface of the hearing aid.
- Hearing aid dryer: Helps eliminate moisture, particularly after a long day of use.
- Cleaning brush: For clearing away excessive wax and dust.
- Wax pick or loop: For delicately cleaning out earwax from small crevices.
- Slim tube cleaner: For getting rid of debris trapped in the tubes.
Our hearing specialists can help you keep your hearing aids in tip-top working order by guiding you to the best tools and maintenance practices.
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 precise cleaning instructions for each type.
Cleaning In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids
- Brush Debris Away: Holding your hearing aid face down, gently brush away any debris or wax that has built up on the surface.
- Clear the Ventilation Tube: Push a slim cleaning tool through the vent tube to ensure there’s no blockage.
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Any remaining earwax can be carefully removed using the loop or pick.
- Wipe the Exterior: Use a soft microfiber cloth to clean the entire outer surface, removing any residue.
How to clean Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Clean the Aid: Position the hearing aid face down and gently brush away any wax or dirt, particularly around the receiver and microphone.
- Use a Wax Pick: Eliminate any stubborn wax with a loop or pick.
- Clear the Tubing: Push a pipe cleaner through the tubing to eliminate wax or moisture, then wipe the outside with a cloth.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Remove and soak the ear mold in warm, soapy water to release any accumulation. 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.
- Detach the Tubing: Begin by separating the tubing from the hearing aid itself.
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Brush the microphone openings to ensure they’re clear of debris.
Effective hygiene can help prevent infections
Keeping your ears clean is just as important as cleaning your hearing aid. Earwax buildup not only inhibits your hearing aids but can also result in discomfort and infection. These issues can typically be avoided by routinely cleaning your ears and hearing aids.
Make an appointment to have your hearing aids cleaned by a professional
If you have any concerns 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.