Hearing aids are crucial devices that help your hearing and boost your quality of life. They do, however, need to be routinely cleaned and properly maintained just like any technology does. Routine maintenance can considerably increase their lifespan and ensure you’re hearing clearly. Let’s take a look at some steps you can take to maintain your hearing aids.
Routine cleaning and professional tuning
To keep your hearing aids working at their best, it’s essential to clean them on a daily or weekly schedule. A quick cleaning routine doesn’t take much time but is really helpful 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 comparable to a dental visit where professional cleanings are essential 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 issues your device may have and helps keep it in prime working order.
Basic everyday care tips
Taking a few simple precautions can greatly increase the lifespan and performance of your hearing aids. Consider the following guidelines to avoid common hurdles:
- Protect From Extreme Temperatures: Avoid subjecting your hearing aids to extreme weather conditions. If it’s particularly cold or hot, leave your devices inside instead of bringing them outside.
- 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.
- Before Bed, Clean Them: Cleaning your hearing aids before bed gives them a chance to dry completely before you use them again in the morning.
- 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.
- Use a Dehumidifier: If it’s very humid, a dehumidifier can be used to keep the moisture away from your hearing aids.
- Keep Them Free of Moisture and Chemicals: Your hearing aids can be compromised by too much moisture. Before swimming, taking a shower, or using products like hair spray, be sure you take them out.
Hearing aid care tools
Taking care of your hearing aids requires the correct tools. Here are some of the things you can expect to find in a hearing aid care kit:
- Slim tube cleaner: For the removal of debris trapped in the tubes.
- Hearing aid dryer: Helps get rid of moisture, especially after a long day of use.
- Cleaning brush: For clearing away excessive wax and dust.
- Microfiber cloth: The best tool for cleansing the outer surface of the hearing aid.
- Wax pick or loop: For gently cleaning out earwax from small crevices.
Our hearing specialists can help you keep your hearing aids in tip-top working order by guiding you to the appropriate tools and maintenance practices.
Cleaning varies depending on the type of hearing aid
Different models of hearing aids require slightly different cleaning techniques. Here are customized cleaning guidelines for two prevalent types of hearing aids: In-The-Ear (ITE) and Behind-The-Ear (BTE).
How to clean 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.
- Wipe the Exterior: Wipe down the entire outer surface with a microfiber cloth to eliminate any debris.
- Brush Debris Away: Holding your hearing aid face down, carefully brush away any wax or debris that has accumulated on the surface.
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Use a wax loop or pick to carefully extract any remaining earwax.
Cleaning Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Detach the Tubing: The first thing you need to do is remove the tube from the device.
- Reassemble and Test: After everything is dry, reassemble your hearing aids and check to make sure they’re working properly.
- Clean the Aid: Hold the hearing aid face down and gently brush away any dirt or wax, especially around the receiver and microphone.
- Use a Wax Pick: Use a loop pick to remove any stubborn wax that may remain.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Release 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.
- Clear the Tubing: Push a pipe cleaner through the tubing to eliminate wax or moisture, then wipe the outside with a cloth.
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Brush the opening of the microphone to ensure they’re clear of debris.
Proper hygiene can help prevent infections
Beyond the upkeep of your devices, it’s just as important to clean your ears. Excessive buildup of earwax can negatively impact the functionality of your hearing aid and cause your ears discomfort and possibly 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 concerns about your hearing aids or would like to schedule a professional cleaning, contact us today.
Your hearing aids will serve you well for many years with correct maintenance.
