For individuals who have hearing loss, hearing aids are essential for better hearing and general quality of life. However, like any technological device, they require regular care and cleaning to ensure optimum performance. Regular maintenance can substantially extend 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.
Regular cleaning and professional tune-ups
You should clean your hearing aids once a week or more. A quick cleaning routine doesn’t take very long but goes a long way in maintaining sound quality and device longevity.
Along with your regular at-home care, periodic professional maintenance by a hearing specialist is recommended. Think of it like visiting the dentist, while brushing and flossing help, professional cleanings ensure the best results. Typically, you are encouraged to bring your hearing aids in every six months for a deep clean by a specialist. This not only keeps them in prime condition but also helps diagnose any potential issues early.
Simple care tips for daily use
The performance and longevity of your hearing aids can be substantially enhanced by utilizing these few basic tips. Consider the following tips to avoid common hurdles:
- Use a Dehumidifier: If it’s very humid, a dehumidifier can be utilized to keep the moisture away from your hearing aids.
- Keep Them Dry and Chemical-Free: Your hearing aids can be damaged by excessive moisture. Be certain to take them out before taking a shower, swimming, 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 wash and dry your hands before handling them.
- Protect From Extreme Temperatures: Avoid exposing your hearing aids to severe 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 they’re not being used, keep your hearing aids stored in a protective case or in their charging unit to prevent exposure to dirt or physical damage.
- 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.
Tools for proper hearing aid care
Taking care of your hearing aids requires the correct tools. Here are a few of the things you can expect to find in a hearing aid care kit:
- Wax pick or loop: To gently clear out earwax and debris from tight spaces
- Hearing aid dryer: Dries any moisture accumulated after using the device all day.
- Cleaning brush: For getting rid of dust and wax buildup.
- Slim tube cleaner: For the removal of debris trapped in the tubes.
- Microfiber cloth: The best tool for cleaning the outer surface of the hearing aid.
Our hearing specialists can help you keep your hearing aids in tip-top working order by guiding you to the appropriate tools and maintenance techniques.
Step-by-step cleaning determined by hearing aid type
Different models of hearing aids require slightly different cleaning strategies. Two of the main 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
- Wipe the Exterior: Use a soft microfiber cloth to clean the whole outer surface, getting rid of any residue.
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Use a wax loop or pick to carefully remove any remaining earwax.
- Brush Debris Away: Carefully wipe away any debris or earwax from the surface of your hearing aid while holding it face down.
- Clear the Ventilation Tube: Push a slim cleaning tool through the vent tube to ensure there’s no blockage.
How to clean Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Soak the Ear Mold: Release any accumulation on the ear molds by detaching them and soaking them in warm soapy water. Get rid of any excess moisture with a tubing blower and finish with a dry cloth.
- 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.
- Reassemble and Test: Reassemble and test your hearing aids once everything dries.
- Clean the Aid: Position the hearing aid face down and gently brush away any wax or dirt, particularly around the receiver and microphone.
- Clear the Tubing: Clean the exterior of the tube with a cloth after pushing a pipe cleaner through it.
- Detach the Tubing: The first thing you need to do is remove the tube from the device.
Preventing ear infections through proper hygiene
Beyond maintaining your devices, it’s equally important to keep your ears clean. Earwax buildup not only interferes with your hearing aids but can also cause discomfort and infection. Regularly cleaning your ears and hearing aids will help decrease the chance of these problems.
Set up a professional hearing aid cleaning
Contact us today if you would like to schedule a consultation to discuss any concerns you may have about hearing aids.
Your hearing aids will serve you well for many years with proper maintenance.