For people with hearing loss, hearing aids are essential for better hearing and total quality of life. However, like any technological investment, they require routine care and cleaning to ensure optimal performance. The lifespan of your device can be significantly 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.
Routine cleaning and professional tuning
To keep your hearing aids working at their best, it’s essential to clean them on a daily or weekly schedule. A quick cleaning routine doesn’t take much time 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 normal at-home cleaning and maintenance routine. A deep clean by a professional is advised every six months or so. This not only keeps them in top condition but also helps diagnose any potential issues early.
Basic care guidelines for daily use
Taking a few basic precautions can greatly increase the lifespan and performance of your hearing aids. Avoid common hurdles by utilizing these tips:
- Before Bed, Clean Them: When you clean your hearing aids at night they will be totally dry by the time you wake up and put them back in.
- Keep Them Dry and Chemical-Free: Your hearing aids can be compromised by too much moisture. Be sure to take them out before taking a shower, going for a swim, or using products like hairspray or perfume.
- Wash Hands Before Handling: Skin oils and debris can impact the function of your hearing aids so be certain you clean and dry your hands before handling them.
- Safe Storage: Prevent physical damage and exposure to dirt and debris by keeping your hearing aids in their charger or their protective case when they aren’t in use.
- Use a Dehumidifier: If it’s really humid, a dehumidifier can be utilized to keep the moisture away from your hearing aids.
- Protect From Extreme Temperatures: Extreme weather conditions can damage your hearing aids. If it’s particularly cold or hot, leave your devices indoors rather than bringing them outside.
Tools for proper hearing aid care
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:
- Cleaning brush: For cleaning excessive wax and dust.
- Microfiber cloth: An ideal tool for cleansing the outer surface of the hearing aid.
- Wax pick or loop: For delicately cleaning out earwax from small crevices.
- Slim tube cleaner: To eliminate any debris lodged in the hearing aid tubes.
- Hearing aid dryer: Helps get rid of moisture, especially after a long day of use.
Your hearing specialist can direct you to the right tools and techniques to keep your hearing aids in superb condition.
Step-by-step cleaning based on hearing aid type
There are some minor differences in how you clean different models of hearing aids. 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
- Clear the Ventilation Tube: Push a slim cleaning tool through the vent tube to ensure there’s no obstruction.
- Brush Debris Away: Holding your hearing aid face down, carefully brush away any debris or wax that has collected on the surface.
- Wipe the Exterior: Wipe down the whole outer surface with a microfiber cloth to clear away any residue.
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Any remaining earwax can be gently removed using the loop or pick.
How to clean Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Use a Wax Pick: Eliminate any stubborn wax with a loop or pick.
- Reassemble and Test: Reassemble and test your hearing aids once everything dries.
- Detach the Tubing: Begin by detaching the tubing from the hearing aid itself.
- Clear the Tubing: Run a pipe cleaner through the tubing to remove wax or moisture, then clean the outside with a cloth.
- Clean the Aid: Carefully wipe away any dirt or wax while holding the device face down, paying particular attention to the area around the receiver and microphone.
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Free the microphone of debris by brushing its opening.
- 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.
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 inhibits your hearing aids but can also lead to discomfort and infection. Regularly cleaning your ears and hearing aids will help reduce 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 schedule a professional cleaning, reach out to us today.
Professional maintenance is key to ensuring your hearing aids continue to serve you well for years to come.