For people who have hearing loss, hearing aids are essential for improved hearing and total quality of life. However, like any technological device, they require routine care and cleaning to ensure optimal performance. Routine maintenance can substantially increase their lifespan and ensure you’re hearing clearly. In this guide, we’ll go through the steps to effectively clean and care for your hearing aids.
Routine cleaning and professional tune-ups
You should clean your hearing aids once a week or more. The lifespan of your hearing aid will be extended, and the sound quality will be improved by performing a quick, easy cleaning routine.
We recommend you periodically bring your hearing aids in for a professional tune-up in addition to your regular cleaning schedule. It’s similar to a dental visit where professional cleanings are important alongside your regular at-home cleaning and maintenance routine. Usually, you are advised to bring your hearing aids in twice a year for a deep clean by a specialist. This not only keeps them in top condition but also helps identify any potential issues early.
Simple care tips for everyday use
The performance and longevity of your hearing aids can be substantially enhanced by utilizing these few basic tips. Consider the following guidelines to avoid common obstacles:
- Protect From Extreme Temperatures: Severe weather conditions can damage your hearing aids. If it’s particularly cold or hot, leave your devices indoors instead of bringing them outside.
- Use a Dehumidifier: If it’s really humid, a dehumidifier can be utilized to keep the moisture away from your hearing aids.
- Safe Storage: Prevent physical damage and exposure to dirt and debris by storing your hearing aids in their charger or their protective case when they aren’t in use.
- Before Bed, Clean Them: When you clean your hearing aids at night they will be completely dry by the time you wake up and put them back in.
- Keep Them Free of Moisture and Chemicals: Moisture and chemicals can be detrimental to your hearing aids. Be sure to remove them before showering, swimming, or using products like hairspray or perfume.
- Before Handling, Clean Your Hands: Skin oils and debris can interfere with the function of your hearing aids so be certain you clean and dry your hands before handling them.
Tools for proper hearing aid care
You will need 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:
- Hearing aid dryer: Dries any moisture accumulated after using the device all day.
- Slim tube cleaner: To eliminate any debris stuck in the hearing aid tubes.
- Microfiber cloth: Perfect 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
Our hearing specialists can help you keep your hearing aids in tip-top working order by guiding you to the appropriate tools and maintenance practices.
Detailed cleaning based on hearing aid type
There are some slight differences in how you clean different models of hearing aids. Here are customized cleaning instructions for two common types of hearing aids: In-The-Ear (ITE) and Behind-The-Ear (BTE).
Cleaning In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids
- 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 eliminate any debris.
- Brush Debris Away: Holding your hearing aid face down, gently brush away any wax or debris that has built up on the surface.
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Any remaining earwax can be carefully extracted using the loop or pick.
Cleaning Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Free the microphone of debris by brushing its opening.
- Use a Wax Pick: Eliminate any stubborn wax with a loop or pick.
- Detach the Tubing: The first thing to do is remove the tube from the device.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Loosen any buildup on the ear molds by detaching them and soaking them in warm soapy water. Use a tubing blower to get rid of excess moisture and dry with a clean cloth.
- Clear the Tubing: Push a pipe cleaner through the tubing to eliminate wax or moisture, then clean the outside with a cloth.
- Clean the Aid: Hold the hearing aid face down and carefully brush away any wax or dirt, especially around the receiver and microphone.
- Reassemble and Test: After everything is dry, reassemble your hearing aids and check to make sure they’re functioning correctly.
Effective hygiene can help you avoid infections
Keeping your ears clean is just as important as keeping your hearing aid clean. Earwax buildup not only interferes with your hearing aids but can also lead to discomfort and infection. Regularly cleaning your ears and hearing aids will help decrease the risk of these problems.
Make an appointment to get your hearing aids cleaned by a professional
Contact us right away if you would like to schedule a consultation to go over any concerns you may have about hearing aids.
Professional maintenance is key to ensuring your hearing aids continue to work well for years to come.