Hearing aids are crucial devices that help your hearing and boost your quality of life. However, like any technological investment, they require regular care and cleaning to ensure optimal performance. The lifespan of your device can be considerably lengthened by routine cleaning which will also allow you to hear more clearly. In this guide, we’ll go through the steps to effectively clean and care for your hearing aids.
Regular cleaning and professional tune-ups
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.
Together with your regular at-home care, periodic professional maintenance by a hearing professional is suggested. Think of it like visiting the dentist, while brushing and flossing are helpful, professional cleanings ensure the best results. Typically, you are advised to bring your hearing aids in twice a year for a deep clean by a specialist. This not only keeps them in top condition but also helps identify any potential issues early.
Basic care tips for everyday use
Taking a few simple precautions can greatly enhance the longevity and performance of your hearing aids. Consider the following tips to avoid common hurdles:
- Wash Hands Before Handling: Always clean your hands before handling your hearing aids to avoid transferring oils or debris that could interfere with their function.
- Use a Dehumidifier: Keeping your hearing aids in a dehumidifier while you sleep can help keep them dry and free of moisture that might cause malfunction.
- Keep Them Free of Moisture and Chemicals: Moisture and chemicals can be damaging to your hearing aids. Be sure to remove them before taking a shower, swimming, or applying products like hairspray or perfume.
- Safe Storage: When not in use, keep your hearing aids stored in a protective case or in their charging unit to avoid exposure to dirt or physical damage.
- Before Bed, Clean Them: When you clean your hearing aids at night they will be totally dry by the time you wake up and put them back in.
- Protect From Extreme Temperatures: Avoid subjecting your hearing aids to harsh weather conditions. Leave your hearing aids inside your home if the weather is particularly hot and humid or cold and wet outside.
Tools for proper hearing aid care
You will need the right tools to properly maintain your hearing aids. Think about picking up a hearing aid care kit, which might include the following:
- Slim tube cleaner: For getting rid of debris stuck in the tubes.
- Wax pick or loop: For gently cleaning out earwax from small crevices.
- Hearing aid dryer: Helps get rid of moisture, especially after a long day of use.
- Cleaning brush: For getting rid of dust and wax buildup.
- Microfiber cloth: Ideal for wiping down the surface of your hearing aids.
Your hearing specialist can direct you to the right tools and practices to keep your hearing aids in superb condition.
Cleaning differs depending on the type of hearing aid
There are some slight differences in how you clean different models of hearing aids. 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
- Brush Debris Away: Holding your hearing aid face down, carefully brush away any wax or debris that has accumulated on the surface.
- 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 carefully extract any remaining earwax.
- Wipe the Exterior: Wipe down the entire outer surface with a microfiber cloth to eliminate any debris.
Cleaning Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Brush the opening of the microphone to ensure they’re clear of debris.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Loosen any accumulation on the ear molds by detaching them and soaking them in warm soapy water. Utilize a tubing blower to remove excess moisture and dry with a clean cloth.
- Clean the Aid: Carefully wipe off any dirt or wax while holding the device face down, paying specific attention to the portion around the receiver and microphone.
- Clear the Tubing: Clean the outside of the tube with a cloth after running a pipe cleaner through it.
- Reassemble and Test: After everything is dry, reassemble your hearing aids and check to make sure they’re working properly.
- Detach the Tubing: The first thing to do is remove the tube from the device.
- Use a Wax Pick: Remove any stubborn wax with a loop or pick.
Protecting against ear infections through effective hygiene
Beyond maintaining your devices, it’s just as important to keep your ears clean. Earwax buildup not only interferes with your hearing aids but can also lead to discomfort and infection. Routinely cleaning your ears and hearing aids will help decrease the chance of these issues.
Schedule a professional hearing aid cleaning
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.