For those who have hearing loss, hearing aids are essential for better hearing and total quality of life. However, like any technological device, they require routine care and cleaning to ensure optimum performance. Routine maintenance can substantially increase their lifespan and ensure you’re hearing clearly. Let’s take a look at some measures you can take to maintain your hearing aids.
Regular cleaning and professional tuning
You should clean your hearing aids at least once every week. The longevity of your hearing aid will be extended, and the sound quality will be enhanced by doing a quick, simple cleaning routine.
We recommend you periodically bring your hearing aids in for a professional tune-up in addition to your regular cleaning schedule. It’s similar to a dental visit where professional cleanings are essential alongside your normal at-home cleaning and maintenance routine. 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 prime condition but also helps diagnose any potential problems early.
Basic care guidelines for everyday use
The performance and longevity of your hearing aids can be substantially enhanced by utilizing these few basic tips. Avoid common pitfalls by employing these tips:
- Wash Hands Before Handling: Always clean your hands before touching your hearing aids to avoid transferring oils or debris that could interfere with their function.
- Use a Dehumidifier: If it’s very humid, a dehumidifier can be utilized to keep the moisture away from your hearing aids.
- Protect From Extreme Temperatures: Severe weather conditions can damage your hearing aids. If it’s particularly cold or hot, leave your devices indoors instead of bringing them outside.
- Clean Before Bed: When you clean your hearing aids before bed they will be completely dry by the time you get up and put them back in.
- Keep Them Dry and Chemical-Free: Your hearing aids can be damaged by excessive moisture. Be sure to take them out before showering, swimming, or applying products like hairspray or perfume.
- Safe Storage: Prevent physical damage and exposure to dirt and debris by keeping your hearing aids in their charger or their protective case when they aren’t in use.
Tools for proper hearing aid care
Maintaining your hearing aids requires the right tools. Think about investing in a hearing aid care kit, which may include the following:
- Hearing aid dryer: Dries any moisture built up after using the device all day.
- Wax pick or loop: For delicately cleaning out earwax from small crevices.
- Slim tube cleaner: To eliminate any debris lodged in the hearing aid tubes.
- Cleaning brush: For cleaning excessive wax and dust.
- Microfiber cloth: An ideal tool for cleansing the outer surface of the hearing aid.
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 minor 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 precise cleaning instructions for each type.
How to clean In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids
- Clear the Ventilation Tube: Make sure the vent tube is clear by pushing a thin cleaning tool through it.
- Wipe the Exterior: Use a soft microfiber cloth to clean the whole outer surface, getting rid of any residue.
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Any remaining earwax can be carefully removed using the loop or pick.
- Brush Debris Away: Holding your hearing aid face down, carefully brush away any debris or wax that has collected on the surface.
How to clean Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Brush the microphone openings to ensure they’re free of debris.
- Clean the Aid: Carefully wipe away any dirt or wax while holding the device face down, paying particular attention to the portion around the receiver and microphone.
- Detach the Tubing: The first thing you need to do is remove the tube from the device.
- Clear the Tubing: Clean the exterior of the tube with a cloth after running a pipe cleaner through it.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Take off and soak the ear mold in warm, soapy water to loosen any accumulation. Get rid of any excess moisture with a tubing blower and finish with a dry cloth.
- Reassemble and Test: Reassemble and test your hearing aids after everything is dry.
- Use a Wax Pick: Remove any stubborn wax with a loop or pick.
Protecting against ear infections with effective hygiene
Keeping your ears clean is just as important as cleaning your hearing aid. Earwax accumulation not only inhibits your hearing aids but can also result in discomfort and infection. These issues can typically be avoided by routinely cleaning your ears and hearing aids.
Schedule an appointment to get your hearing aids cleaned by a professional
Contact us right away if you would like to set up a consultation to discuss any concerns you might have about hearing aids.
Your hearing aids will serve you well for many years with correct maintenance.