For people with hearing loss, hearing aids are crucial for improved hearing and total quality of life. They do, however, need to be regularly cleaned and correctly maintained just like any technology does. Routine maintenance can significantly increase their lifespan and ensure you’re hearing 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 once a week or more. A quick cleaning routine doesn’t take much time but is really helpful in maintaining sound quality and device lifespan.
We suggest you periodically bring your hearing aids in for a professional tune-up along with your regular cleaning schedule. Think of it like going to the dentist, while brushing and flossing help, professional cleanings ensure the best results. Typically, you are advised to bring your hearing aids in every six months for a deep clean by a specialist. This helps to identify any issues your device may have and helps keep it in excellent working condition.
Basic everyday care tips
The performance and lifespan of your hearing aids can be substantially enhanced by utilizing these few basic tips. Avoid common obstacles by implementing these tips:
- Protect From Extreme Temperatures: Harsh weather conditions can damage your hearing aids. Leave your hearing aids in the house if the weather is particularly hot and humid or cold and wet outside.
- Keep Them Dry and Chemical-Free: Moisture and chemicals can be detrimental to your hearing aids. Be sure to take them out before showering, going for a swim, or using products like hairspray or perfume.
- 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.
- 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.
- Wash Hands Before Handling: Skin oils and debris can impact the function of your hearing aids so make sure you clean and dry your hands before handling them.
- 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.
Hearing aid care tools
Maintaining your hearing aids requires the right tools. Here are a few of the things you can expect to find in a hearing aid care kit:
- Microfiber cloth: Great for wiping down the surface of your hearing aids.
- Hearing aid dryer: Dries any moisture accumulated after using the device all day.
- Wax pick or loop: For delicately removing earwax from small crevices.
- Cleaning brush: For cleaning excessive wax and dust.
- Slim tube cleaner: To eliminate any debris stuck in the hearing aid 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 techniques.
Cleaning varies depending on the type of hearing aid
There are some minor 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
- Brush Debris Away: Holding your hearing aid face down, gently brush away any wax or debris that has collected on the surface.
- Wipe the Exterior: Wipe down the whole outer surface with a microfiber cloth to eliminate any residue.
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Any remaining earwax can be gently extracted using the loop or pick.
- Clear the Ventilation Tube: Push a slim cleaning tool through the vent tube to ensure there’s no blockage.
Cleaning Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Clean the Aid: Gently wipe away any dirt or wax while holding the device face down, paying specific attention to the area around the receiver and microphone.
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Brush the opening of the microphone to ensure they’re free of debris.
- Use a Wax Pick: Eliminate any stubborn wax with a loop or pick.
- Detach the Tubing: The first thing you need to do is remove the tube from the device.
- Reassemble and Test: Reassemble and test your hearing aids once everything dries out.
- Clear the Tubing: Push a pipe cleaner through the tubing to remove wax or moisture, then wipe the outside with a cloth.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Take off and soak the ear mold in warm, soapy water to loosen any buildup. Eliminate any excess moisture with a tubing blower and finish with a dry cloth.
Proper hygiene can help you avoid infections
Cleaning your ears is just as important as cleaning your hearing aid. Excessive accumulation of earwax can negatively affect the function of your hearing aid and cause your ears discomfort and potentially infection. These problems can usually be avoided by routinely cleaning your ears and hearing aids.
Set up a professional hearing aid cleaning
If you have any questions about your hearing aids or would like to set up a professional cleaning, contact us today.
Professional maintenance is key to ensuring your hearing aids continue to serve you well for years to come.