For individuals who have hearing loss, hearing aids are essential for better hearing and overall quality of life. However, like any technological investment, they require regular care and cleaning to ensure optimal performance. Regular maintenance can substantially 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 tune-ups
You should clean your hearing aids once a week or more. A quick cleaning routine doesn’t take very long but is really helpful in maintaining sound quality and device longevity.
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 important alongside your regular at-home cleaning and maintenance routine. A deep clean by a specialist is recommended every six months or so. This not only keeps them in top condition but also helps diagnose any potential issues early.
Simple care guidelines for daily use
The performance and longevity of your hearing aids can be substantially enhanced by using these few basic tips. Consider the following tips to avoid common obstacles:
- Keep Them Dry and Chemical-Free: Your hearing aids can be compromised by too much moisture. Before swimming, taking a shower, or using products like hair spray, make sure you remove them.
- Protect From Extreme Temperatures: Avoid exposing your hearing aids to severe weather conditions. If it’s especially cold or hot, leave your devices indoors instead of bringing them outside.
- Before Bed, Clean Them: When you clean your hearing aids at night 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.
- Use a Dehumidifier: If it’s very humid, a dehumidifier can be utilized to keep the moisture away from your hearing aids.
- 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.
Tools for proper hearing aid care
You will require the right tools to effectively maintain your hearing aids. Consider investing in a hearing aid care kit, which may include the following:
- Hearing aid dryer: Dries any moisture accumulated after using the device all day.
- Cleaning brush: For cleaning excessive wax and dust.
- Microfiber cloth: Ideal for wiping down the surface of your hearing aids.
- Slim tube cleaner: For removing debris trapped in the tubes.
- Wax pick or loop: For delicately removing earwax from small crevices.
Our hearing specialists can help you keep your hearing aids in tip-top working order by guiding you to the best tools and maintenance practices.
Step-by-step cleaning based on hearing aid type
Different models of hearing aids require somewhat different cleaning practices. 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
- 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 clear away any residue.
- 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: Make sure the vent tube is clear by pushing a slim cleaning tool through it.
Cleaning Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Clean the Aid: Position the hearing aid face down and carefully brush away any wax or dirt, especially around the receiver and microphone.
- Reassemble and Test: Once everything is dry, reassemble your hearing aids and test to make sure they’re functioning correctly.
- Detach the Tubing: Begin by detaching the tubing from the hearing aid itself.
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Brush the microphone openings to ensure they’re free of debris.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Take off and soak the ear mold in warm, soapy water to release any buildup. Get rid of any excess moisture with a tubing blower and finish with a dry cloth.
- Clear the Tubing: Clean the exterior of the tube with a cloth after pushing a pipe cleaner through it.
- Use a Wax Pick: Use a loop pick to remove any stubborn wax that may remain.
Proper hygiene can help you avoid infections
Outside of the upkeep of your devices, it’s equally important to clean your ears. Earwax buildup not only interferes with your hearing aids but can also cause discomfort and infection. Routinely cleaning your ears and hearing aids will help reduce the chance of these issues.
Set up a professional hearing aid cleaning
Contact us right away if you would like to set up a consultation to discuss any concerns you may have about hearing aids.
Your hearing aids will serve you well for many years with proper maintenance.