For people who have hearing loss, hearing aids are crucial for better hearing and general quality of life. They do, however, need to be routinely cleaned and properly maintained just like any technology does. Regular maintenance can significantly extend their lifespan and ensure you’re hearing clearly. Let’s explore some steps you can take to maintain your hearing aids.
Keeping your hearing aids clean and getting professional tune-ups
You should clean your hearing aids once a week or more. 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 in addition to your regular cleaning schedule. Think of it like visiting the dentist, while brushing and flossing help, professional cleanings ensure the best results. A deep clean by a professional is recommended every six months or so. This helps to detect any problems your device may have and helps keep it in excellent working condition.
Basic daily care tips
Taking a few simple precautions can significantly enhance the lifespan and performance of your hearing aids. Consider the following guidelines to avoid common obstacles:
- Before Handling, Clean Your Hands: Always wash your hands before handling your hearing aids to avoid transferring oils or debris that could hinder their function.
- Clean Before Bed: Cleaning your hearing aids at night gives them a chance to dry completely before you wear them again in the morning.
- Protect From Extreme Temperatures: Severe weather conditions can damage your hearing aids. Leave your hearing aids in the house if the weather is especially hot and humid or cold and wet outside.
- Safe Storage: When they’re not being used, keep your hearing aids stored in a protective case or in their charging unit to prevent exposure to dirt or physical damage.
- Keep Them Free of Moisture and Chemicals: Your hearing aids can be damaged by too much moisture. Be sure to remove them before taking a shower, swimming, or using products like hairspray or perfume.
- Use a Dehumidifier: Keeping your hearing aids in a dehumidifier at night can help keep them dry and free of moisture that might cause malfunction.
Hearing aid care tools
You will need the right tools to properly maintain your hearing aids. 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.
- Microfiber cloth: An ideal tool for cleansing the outer surface of the hearing aid.
- Wax pick or loop: To gently clear away earwax and debris from tight spaces
- Hearing aid dryer: Dries any moisture accumulated after using the device all day.
- Slim tube cleaner: For removing debris trapped in the tubes.
Your hearing specialist can direct you to the best tools and techniques to keep your hearing aids in excellent condition.
Cleaning varies depending on the type of hearing aid
There are some slight 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
- Brush Debris Away: Holding your hearing aid face down, carefully brush away any wax or debris that has collected on the surface.
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Use a wax loop or pick to thoroughly extract any remaining earwax.
- Wipe the Exterior: Use a soft microfiber cloth to clean the entire outer surface, removing any residue.
- Clear the Ventilation Tube: Push a slim cleaning tool through the vent tube to ensure there’s no blockage.
How to clean Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Reassemble and Test: Once everything is dry, reassemble your hearing aids and check to make sure they’re working correctly.
- Use a Wax Pick: Use a loop pick to eliminate any stubborn wax that may remain.
- Clean the Aid: Gently wipe away any dirt or wax while holding the device face down, paying specific attention to the portion around the receiver and microphone.
- Detach the Tubing: The first thing to do is detach the tube from the device.
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Brush the opening of the microphone to ensure they’re clear of debris.
- Clear the Tubing: Run a pipe cleaner through the tubing to eliminate wax or moisture, then clean the outside with a cloth.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Release any accumulation on the ear molds by removing them and soaking them in warm soapy water. Get rid of any excess moisture with a tubing blower and finish with a dry cloth.
Proper hygiene can help you avoid infections
Outside of maintaining your devices, it’s just as important to keep your ears clean. Excessive accumulation of earwax can negatively affect the function of your hearing aid and cause your ears discomfort and possibly infection. These problems can usually be avoided by routinely cleaning your ears and hearing aids.
Schedule a professional hearing aid cleaning
Contact us right away if you would like to schedule a consultation to go over any concerns you might have about hearing aids.
Professional maintenance is key to ensuring your hearing aids continue to work well for years to come.
