For individuals with hearing loss, hearing aids are crucial for improved hearing and total quality of life. However, like any technological investment, they require routine care and cleaning to ensure optimal performance. Routine maintenance can substantially extend their lifespan and ensure you’re hearing clearly. In this guide, we’ll go through the steps to properly clean and care for your hearing aids.
Keeping your hearing aids clean and getting professional tunings
To keep your hearing aids functioning at their best, daily or weekly cleaning is essential. The longevity of your hearing aid will be increased, and the sound quality will be improved by doing a quick, simple cleaning routine.
We recommend you periodically bring your hearing aids in for a professional tune-up along with 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 specialist is advised every six months or so. This not only keeps them in prime condition but also helps diagnose any potential problems early.
Simple care tips for daily use
Taking a few basic precautions can significantly enhance the longevity and performance of your hearing aids. Consider the following guidelines to avoid common hurdles:
- Protect From Extreme Temperatures: Avoid exposing your hearing aids to extreme weather conditions. Leave your hearing aids inside your home if the weather is especially hot and humid or cold and wet outside.
- Safe Storage: Prevent physical damage and exposure to dirt and debris by storing your hearing aids in the charging unit or their protective case when they aren’t in use.
- Keep Them Free of Moisture and Chemicals: Moisture and chemicals can be damaging to your hearing aids. Before swimming, taking a shower, or using products like hair spray, make sure you take them out.
- Wash Hands Before Handling: Always wash your hands before touching your hearing aids to avoid transferring oils or debris that could hinder their function.
- Use a Dehumidifier: If it’s very humid, a dehumidifier can be utilized to keep the moisture away from your hearing aids.
- Clean Before Bed: Cleaning your hearing aids at night gives them a chance to dry completely before you use them again in the morning.
Hearing aid care tools
Maintaining your hearing aids requires the right tools. Consider picking up a hearing aid care kit, which might include the following:
- Wax pick or loop: To gently clear away earwax and debris from tight spaces
- Hearing aid dryer: Dries any moisture built up after using the device all day.
- Cleaning brush: For getting rid of dust and wax buildup.
- Microfiber cloth: Perfect for wiping down the surface of your hearing aids.
- Slim tube cleaner: To eliminate any debris stuck in the hearing aid tubes.
Your hearing specialist can direct you to the best tools and practices to keep your hearing aids in superb condition.
Cleaning differs depending on the type of hearing aid
Different models of hearing aids require somewhat different cleaning methods. 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.
Cleaning In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids
- Wipe the Exterior: Wipe down the entire outer surface with a microfiber cloth to eliminate any debris.
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Any remaining earwax can be gently removed using the loop or pick.
- Clear the Ventilation Tube: Make sure the vent tube is clear by pushing a thin cleaning tool through it.
- Brush Debris Away: Gently brush away any earwax or debris from the surface of your hearing aid while holding it face down.
How to clean Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Clear the Tubing: Clean the outside of the tube with a cloth after running a pipe cleaner through it.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Release any accumulation on the ear molds by removing them and soaking them in warm soapy water. Utilize a tubing blower to get rid of excess moisture and dry with a clean cloth.
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Brush the microphone openings to ensure they’re free of debris.
- Clean the Aid: Gently wipe off any wax or dirt while holding the device face down, paying specific attention to the portion around the receiver and microphone.
- Reassemble and Test: Reassemble and test your hearing aids once everything dries out.
- Detach the Tubing: The first thing to do is remove the tube from the device.
- Use a Wax Pick: Use a loop pick to clear away 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. Excessive buildup of earwax can negatively affect the functionality of your hearing aid and cause your ears discomfort and possibly infection. Routinely cleaning your ears and hearing aids will help decrease the chance of these problems.
Make an appointment to get your hearing aids cleaned by a professional
If you have any concerns about your hearing aids or would like to set up a professional cleaning, reach out to us today.
Your hearing aids will serve you well for many years with proper maintenance.
