Hearing aids are essential devices that help your hearing and enhance your quality of life. However, like any technological investment, they require routine care and cleaning to ensure best possible performance. Routine maintenance can significantly extend 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.
Keeping your hearing aids clean and getting professional tunings
You should clean your hearing aids at least once every week. The longevity of your hearing aid will be increased, and the sound quality will be enhanced by doing a quick, simple cleaning routine.
In addition to your regular at-home care, periodic professional maintenance by a hearing specialist is suggested. It’s comparable to a dental visit where professional cleanings are important alongside your normal at-home cleaning and maintenance routine. A deep clean by a professional is recommended every six months or so. This helps to detect any problems your device may have and helps keep it in prime working condition.
Basic daily care tips
Taking a few simple precautions can significantly enhance the longevity and performance of your hearing aids. Consider the following tips to avoid common obstacles:
- Keep Them Free of Moisture and Chemicals: Your hearing aids can be damaged by excessive moisture. Be sure to remove them before taking a shower, swimming, or using products like hairspray or perfume.
- Use a Dehumidifier: If it’s really humid, a dehumidifier can be used 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.
- Protect From Extreme Temperatures: Avoid subjecting your hearing aids to severe weather conditions. Leave your hearing aids inside your home if the weather is especially hot and humid or cold and wet outside.
- Before Bed, Clean Them: Cleaning your hearing aids before bed gives them a chance to dry completely before you wear them again in the morning.
- Wash Hands Before Handling: Skin oils and debris can interfere with the function of your hearing aids so make sure you wash and dry your hands before handling them.
Tools for proper hearing aid care
You will require the right tools to properly maintain your hearing aids. Think about investing in a hearing aid care kit, which could include the following:
- Slim tube cleaner: To clear out any debris lodged in the hearing aid tubes.
- Microfiber cloth: Perfect for wiping down the surface of your hearing aids.
- Wax pick or loop: To delicately clear away earwax and debris from tight spaces
- Cleaning brush: For cleaning excessive wax and dust.
- Hearing aid dryer: Dries any moisture built up after using the device all day.
Our hearing specialists can help you keep your hearing aids in great working order by guiding you to the best tools and maintenance practices.
Detailed cleaning based on hearing aid type
Different types of hearing aids require somewhat different cleaning practices. 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
- 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 extracted using the loop or pick.
- Wipe the Exterior: Wipe down the entire outer surface with a microfiber cloth to eliminate any debris.
- Brush Debris Away: Carefully brush away any earwax or debris from the surface of your hearing aid while holding it face down.
Cleaning Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- 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 to do is remove the tube from the device.
- Clean the Aid: Gently wipe away any dirt or wax while holding the device face down, paying particular attention to the portion around the receiver and microphone.
- Use a Wax Pick: Eliminate any stubborn wax with a loop or pick.
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Clear the microphone of debris by brushing its opening.
- Reassemble and Test: Once everything is dry, reassemble your hearing aids and test to make sure they’re working correctly.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Remove and soak the ear mold in warm, soapy water to release any buildup. Utilize a tubing blower to get rid of excess moisture and dry with a clean cloth.
Protecting against ear infections with effective hygiene
Cleaning your ears is just as important as keeping your hearing aid clean. Earwax accumulation not only inhibits your hearing aids but can also cause discomfort and infection. These issues can usually be avoided by routinely cleaning your ears and hearing aids.
Make an appointment to get your hearing aids cleaned by a professional
If you have any concerns about your hearing aids or would like to schedule a professional cleaning, reach out to us today.
Your hearing aids will benefit you for many years with correct maintenance.