Hearing aids are essential devices that help your hearing and boost your quality of life. They do, however, need to be regularly cleaned and properly maintained just like any technology does. Routine maintenance can substantially extend their lifespan and ensure you’re hearing clearly. Let’s explore some measures you can take to maintain 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 goes a long way in maintaining sound quality and device longevity.
Along with your regular at-home care, periodic professional maintenance by a hearing professional is recommended. It’s similar to a dental visit where professional cleanings are important alongside your regular at-home cleaning and maintenance routine. A deep clean by a specialist is advised every six months or so. This not only keeps them in top condition but also helps identify any potential problems early.
Basic daily care tips
Taking a few simple precautions can greatly increase the longevity and performance of your hearing aids. Consider the following guidelines to avoid common pitfalls:
- Wash Hands Before Handling: Always wash your hands before touching your hearing aids to avoid transferring oils or debris that could interfere with their function.
- Keep Them Dry and Chemical-Free: Moisture and chemicals can be detrimental to your hearing aids. Be sure to take them out before taking a shower, going for a swim, or applying products like hairspray or perfume.
- Use a Dehumidifier: If it’s really humid, a dehumidifier can be utilized to keep the moisture away from your hearing aids.
- Protect From Temperature Extremes: Avoid exposing your hearing aids to harsh weather conditions. If it’s particularly cold or hot, leave your devices inside instead of bringing them outside.
- Clean Before Bed: When you clean your hearing aids before bed they will be totally dry by the time you get up and put them back in.
- Safe Storage: When not in use, keep your hearing aids stored in a protective case or in their charger to prevent exposure to dirt or physical damage.
Hearing aid care tools
You will need the right tools to effectively maintain your hearing aids. Here are some of the things you can expect to find in a hearing aid care kit:
- Hearing aid dryer: Dries any moisture accumulated after using the device all day.
- Wax pick or loop: For gently cleaning out earwax from small crevices.
- Microfiber cloth: The best tool for cleaning the outer surface of the hearing aid.
- Slim tube cleaner: To clear out any debris lodged in the hearing aid tubes.
- Cleaning brush: For getting rid of dust and wax buildup.
Our hearing specialists can help you keep your hearing aids in great working order by guiding you to the appropriate tools and maintenance practices.
Cleaning varies depending on the type of hearing aid
There are some slight differences in how you clean different models of hearing aids. Here are customized cleaning guidelines for two common types of hearing aids: In-The-Ear (ITE) and Behind-The-Ear (BTE).
Cleaning In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids
- Clear the Ventilation Tube: Push a thin cleaning tool through the vent tube to ensure there’s no blockage.
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Use a wax loop or pick to thoroughly remove any remaining earwax.
- Brush Debris Away: Holding your hearing aid face down, gently brush away any debris or wax that has collected on the surface.
- Wipe the Exterior: Use a soft microfiber cloth to clean the whole outer surface, getting rid of any residue.
Cleaning Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Brush the opening of the microphone to ensure they’re free of debris.
- Reassemble and Test: After everything is dry, reassemble your hearing aids and test to make sure they’re working properly.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Remove and soak the ear mold in warm, soapy water to loosen any accumulation. Eliminate any excess moisture with a tubing blower and finish with a dry cloth.
- Clean the Aid: Gently wipe off any wax or dirt while holding the device face down, paying specific attention to the area around the receiver and microphone.
- Detach the Tubing: Begin by detaching the tubing from the hearing aid itself.
- Clear the Tubing: Push a pipe cleaner through the tubing to eliminate wax or moisture, then clean the outside with a cloth.
- Use a Wax Pick: Use a loop pick to eliminate any stubborn wax that may remain.
Preventing ear infections through effective hygiene
Keeping your ears clean is just as important as cleaning your hearing aid. Excessive buildup of earwax can negatively impact the function of your hearing aid and cause your ears discomfort and potentially infection. Routinely cleaning your ears and hearing aids will help decrease the risk of these problems.
Set up a professional hearing aid cleaning
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.
