Hearing aids are crucial devices that improve your hearing and enhance your quality of life. However, like any technological device, they require routine care and cleaning to ensure optimum performance. Routine maintenance can considerably 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.
Regular cleaning and professional tuning
To keep your hearing aids functioning at their best, daily or weekly cleaning is essential. A quick cleaning routine doesn’t take much time but is really helpful in maintaining sound quality and device longevity.
We recommend 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 encouraged to bring your hearing aids in every six months for a deep clean by a specialist. This helps to detect any problems your device might have and helps keep it in prime working condition.
Basic everyday care tips
The performance and longevity of your hearing aids can be considerably enhanced by utilizing these few basic tips. Avoid common obstacles by utilizing these tips:
- Protect From Temperature Extremes: Avoid exposing your hearing aids to harsh weather conditions. If it’s especially cold or hot, leave your devices inside rather than bringing them outside.
- Use a Dehumidifier: If it’s really humid, a dehumidifier can be used to keep the moisture away from your hearing aids.
- Keep Them Dry and Chemical-Free: Moisture and chemicals can be detrimental to your hearing aids. Before going for a swim, showering, or using products like hair spray, be sure you remove them.
- Clean Before Bed: When you clean your hearing aids before bed they will be completely dry by the time you get up and put them back in.
- Before Handling, Clean Your Hands: Skin oils and debris can impact the function of your hearing aids so make sure you clean and dry your hands before handling them.
- Safe Storage: Prevent physical damage and exposure to dirt and debris by storing your hearing aids in the charging unit or their protective case when they aren’t in use.
Tools for proper hearing aid care
Maintaining your hearing aids requires the right tools. Think about investing in a hearing aid care kit, which might include the following:
- Microfiber cloth: The best tool for cleansing the outer surface of the hearing aid.
- Wax pick or loop: To delicately clear away earwax and debris from tight spaces
- Slim tube cleaner: To remove any debris lodged in the hearing aid tubes.
- Hearing aid dryer: Helps eliminate moisture, especially after a long day of use.
- Cleaning brush: For cleaning excessive wax and dust.
Our hearing specialists can help you keep your hearing aids in great working order by guiding you to the best tools and maintenance techniques.
Step-by-step cleaning based on hearing aid type
Different models of hearing aids require slightly different cleaning methods. Two of the main types of hearing aids are Behind-the-ear (BTE) and In-The-Ear (ITE): Here are specific cleaning instructions for each type.
How to clean In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids
- Clear the Ventilation Tube: Make sure the vent tube is clear by pushing a slim cleaning tool through it.
- Brush Debris Away: Holding your hearing aid face down, gently brush away any wax or debris that has collected on the surface.
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Any remaining earwax can be gently extracted using the loop or pick.
- Wipe the Exterior: Use a soft microfiber cloth to clean the entire outer surface, getting rid of any residue.
Cleaning Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Detach the Tubing: The first thing you need to do is remove the tube from the device.
- 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.
- Clear the Tubing: Clean the exterior of the tube with a cloth after pushing a pipe cleaner through it.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Loosen any accumulation on the ear molds by removing them and soaking them in warm soapy water. Eliminate any excess moisture with a tubing blower and finish with a dry cloth.
- Clean the Aid: Position the hearing aid face down and carefully brush away any wax or dirt, particularly around the receiver and microphone.
Preventing ear infections through proper hygiene
Outside of the upkeep of your devices, it’s equally important to clean your ears. Earwax buildup not only interferes with your hearing aids but can also result in discomfort and infection. These issues can typically 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 set up 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.
