For people with hearing loss, hearing aids are crucial for improved hearing and general quality of life. However, like any technological investment, they require routine maintenance and cleaning to ensure optimum performance. Routine maintenance can significantly increase their lifespan and ensure you’re hearing clearly. Let’s take a look at some measures you can take to maintain your hearing aids.
Regular cleaning and professional tune-ups
You should clean your hearing aids once a week or more. The longevity of your hearing aid will be extended, and the sound quality will be enhanced by doing a quick, simple cleaning routine.
Along with your regular at-home care, periodic professional maintenance by a hearing specialist is suggested. It’s similar to a dental visit where professional cleanings are essential alongside your normal at-home cleaning and maintenance routine. A deep clean by a specialist is recommended every six months or so. This helps to detect any problems your device might have and helps keep it in excellent working condition.
Basic everyday care tips
Taking a few basic precautions can greatly enhance the lifespan and performance of your hearing aids. Avoid common pitfalls by employing these tips:
- Protect From Temperature Extremes: Harsh weather conditions can damage your hearing aids. Leave your hearing aids inside your home if the weather is especially hot and humid or cold and wet outside.
- Before Handling, Clean Your Hands: Always clean your hands before touching your hearing aids to avoid transferring oils or debris that could interfere with their function.
- Use a Dehumidifier: If it’s very humid, a dehumidifier can be used to keep the moisture away from your hearing aids.
- Clean Before Bed: When you clean your hearing aids at night they will be totally dry by the time you get up and put them back in.
- Keep Them Free of Moisture and Chemicals: Your hearing aids can be compromised by too much moisture. Before going for a swim, taking a shower, or using products like hair spray, make sure you take them out.
- Safe Storage: When they’re not being used, keep your hearing aids stored in a protective case or in their charging unit to avoid exposure to dirt or physical damage.
Tools for proper hearing aid care
Maintaining your hearing aids requires the correct tools. Here are a few of the things you can expect to find in a hearing aid care kit:
- Cleaning brush: For clearing away excessive wax and dust.
- Wax pick or loop: To delicately clear away earwax and debris from tight spaces
- Slim tube cleaner: For getting rid of debris trapped in the tubes.
- Microfiber cloth: An ideal tool for cleaning the outer surface of the hearing aid.
- Hearing aid dryer: Helps get rid of moisture, especially after a long day of use.
Our hearing specialists can help you keep your hearing aids in great working order by guiding you to the appropriate tools and maintenance techniques.
Step-by-step cleaning based on hearing aid type
There are some minor differences in how you clean different models of hearing aids. Two of the primary types of hearing aids are Behind-the-ear (BTE) and In-The-Ear (ITE): Here are specific cleaning instructions for each type.
Cleaning In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids
- Wipe the Exterior: Use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe down the whole outer surface, removing any residue.
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Any remaining earwax can be carefully removed using the loop or pick.
- Brush Debris Away: Holding your hearing aid face down, carefully brush away any wax or debris that has built up on the surface.
- Clear the Ventilation Tube: Push a slim cleaning tool through the vent tube to ensure there’s no obstruction.
How to clean Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Clear the Tubing: Run a pipe cleaner through the tubing to remove wax or moisture, then wipe the outside with a cloth.
- Clean the Aid: Hold the hearing aid face down and gently brush away any dirt or wax, especially around the receiver and microphone.
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Brush the microphone openings to ensure they’re free of debris.
- Reassemble and Test: Reassemble and test your hearing aids once everything is dry.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Loosen any accumulation on the ear molds by detaching them and soaking them in warm soapy water. Use a tubing blower to get rid of excess moisture and dry with a clean cloth.
- Detach the Tubing: The first thing you need to do is detach the tube from the device.
- Use a Wax Pick: Eliminate any stubborn wax with a loop or pick.
Protecting against ear infections through proper hygiene
Cleaning your ears is just as important as cleaning your hearing aid. Earwax accumulation not only inhibits your hearing aids but can also lead to discomfort and infection. Regularly cleaning your ears and hearing aids will help lessen the chance of these problems.
Schedule an appointment to get your hearing aids cleaned by a professional
Contact us right away if you would like to schedule a consultation to go over any concerns you may have about hearing aids.
Your hearing aids will benefit you for many years with proper maintenance.