Hearing aids are crucial devices that improve your hearing and enhance your quality of life. However, like any technological investment, they require routine care and cleaning to ensure optimum performance. The lifespan of your device can be substantially lengthened by routine cleaning which will also allow you to hear more clearly. Let’s explore some measures you can take to maintain your hearing aids.
Keeping your hearing aids clean and getting professional tune-ups
To keep your hearing aids functioning at their best, it’s essential to clean them on a daily or weekly schedule. A quick cleaning routine doesn’t take very long 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. It’s comparable to a dental visit where professional cleanings are important alongside your regular at-home cleaning and maintenance routine. Typically, you are encouraged to bring your hearing aids in every six months for a deep clean by a specialist. This helps to identify any issues your device might have and helps keep it in prime working order.
Basic everyday care tips
The performance and longevity of your hearing aids can be substantially enhanced by using these few basic tips. Consider the following guidelines to avoid common pitfalls:
- Keep Them Free of Moisture and Chemicals: Your hearing aids can be damaged by too much moisture. Be sure to take them out before taking a shower, swimming, or applying products like hairspray or perfume.
- Protect From Temperature Extremes: Avoid exposing your hearing aids to severe weather conditions. Leave your hearing aids inside your home if the weather is particularly hot and humid or cold and wet outside.
- Safe Storage: Prevent physical damage and exposure to dirt and debris by keeping your hearing aids in their charger or their protective case when not in use.
- Before Bed, Clean Them: When you clean your hearing aids before bed they will be totally dry by the time you get up and put them back in.
- Use a Dehumidifier: Keeping your hearing aids in a dehumidifier at night can help keep them dry and free of moisture that could cause malfunction.
- Wash Hands Before Handling: Skin oils and debris can impact the function of your hearing aids so be certain you wash and dry your hands before handling them.
Hearing aid care tools
You will require the right tools to effectively maintain your hearing aids. Here are some of the things you can expect to find in a hearing aid care kit:
- Microfiber cloth: Ideal for wiping down the surface of your hearing aids.
- Slim tube cleaner: To remove any debris stuck in the hearing aid tubes.
- Hearing aid dryer: Helps eliminate moisture, particularly after a long day of use.
- Cleaning brush: For cleaning excessive wax and dust.
- Wax pick or loop: To delicately clear away earwax and debris from tight spaces
Our hearing specialists can help you keep your hearing aids in great working order by guiding you to the appropriate tools and maintenance practices.
Detailed cleaning based on hearing aid type
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 precise cleaning instructions for each type.
How to clean In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Any remaining earwax can be gently extracted using the loop or pick.
- Clear the Ventilation Tube: Make sure the vent tube is clear by pushing a slim cleaning tool through it.
- Wipe the Exterior: Wipe down the entire outer surface with a microfiber cloth to clear away any debris.
- Brush Debris Away: Carefully wipe away any debris or earwax from the surface of your hearing aid while holding it face down.
How to clean Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Detach the Tubing: Begin by separating the tubing from the hearing aid itself.
- Use a Wax Pick: Use a loop pick to clear away any stubborn wax that may remain.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Release any buildup 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.
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Clear the microphone of debris by brushing its opening.
- Clear the Tubing: Run a pipe cleaner through the tubing to eliminate wax or moisture, then clean the outside with a cloth.
- Clean the Aid: Gently wipe off any dirt or wax while holding the device face down, paying specific attention to the portion 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.
Effective hygiene can help you avoid 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 potentially infection. These problems can typically be avoided by regularly cleaning your ears and hearing aids.
Schedule an appointment to get your hearing aids cleaned by a professional
If you have any concerns about your hearing aids or would like to schedule a professional cleaning, reach out to us today.
Professional maintenance is key to ensuring your hearing aids continue to work well for years to come.