Hearing aids are essential devices that improve your hearing and enhance your quality of life. However, like any technological investment, they require routine maintenance and cleaning to ensure optimal performance. The lifespan of your device can be significantly extended by routine cleaning which will also allow you to hear more clearly. Let’s explore some steps you can take to maintain your hearing aids.
Regular cleaning and professional tune-ups
To keep your hearing aids working at their best, it’s essential to clean them on a daily or weekly schedule. The longevity of your hearing aid will be increased, and the sound quality will be enhanced by doing a quick, simple cleaning routine.
Together with your regular at-home care, periodic professional maintenance by a hearing specialist is advised. Think of it like going to 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 not only keeps them in top condition but also helps identify any potential problems early.
Basic daily care tips
The performance and lifespan of your hearing aids can be considerably enhanced by using these few basic tips. Avoid common hurdles by employing these tips:
- Safe Storage: When not in use, keep your hearing aids stored in a protective case or in their charger to avoid exposure to dirt or physical damage.
- 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.
- Keep Them Dry and Chemical-Free: Your hearing aids can be compromised by too much moisture. Be sure to take them out before showering, swimming, or applying products like hairspray or perfume.
- Before Bed, Clean Them: When you clean your hearing aids at night they will be completely dry by the time you wake up and put them back in.
- 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.
- Wash Hands Before Handling: Always clean your hands before handling your hearing aids to avoid transferring oils or debris that could hinder their function.
Hearing aid care tools
You will need the appropriate tools to effectively maintain your hearing aids. Here are some of the things you can expect to find in a hearing aid care kit:
- Wax pick or loop: To gently clear away earwax and debris from tight spaces
- Cleaning brush: For eliminating dust and wax accumulation.
- Microfiber cloth: An ideal tool for cleaning the outer surface of the hearing aid.
- Hearing aid dryer: Dries any moisture accumulated after using the device all day.
- Slim tube cleaner: To eliminate any debris lodged in the hearing aid tubes.
Our hearing specialists can help you keep your hearing aids in great working order by guiding you to the best tools and maintenance practices.
Detailed cleaning determined by hearing aid type
Different models of hearing aids require somewhat different cleaning practices. 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
- Brush Debris Away: Holding your hearing aid face down, gently brush away any wax or debris that has collected on the surface.
- Clear the Ventilation Tube: Push a thin cleaning tool through the vent tube to ensure there’s no obstruction.
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Use a wax loop or pick to carefully remove any remaining earwax.
- Wipe the Exterior: Use a soft microfiber cloth to clean the whole outer surface, getting rid of any residue.
How to clean Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Clear the Tubing: Push a pipe cleaner through the tubing to remove wax or moisture, then wipe the outside with a cloth.
- Detach the Tubing: Begin by separating the tubing from the hearing aid itself.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Loosen any buildup on the ear molds by detaching them and soaking them in warm soapy water. Use a tubing blower to remove excess moisture and dry with a clean cloth.
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Free the microphone of debris by brushing its opening.
- Clean the Aid: Carefully wipe off any dirt or wax while holding the device face down, paying specific attention to the area around the receiver and microphone.
- Reassemble and Test: Once everything is dry, reassemble your hearing aids and check to make sure they’re working properly.
- Use a Wax Pick: Use a loop pick to remove any stubborn wax that may remain.
Effective hygiene can help prevent infections
Beyond the upkeep of your devices, it’s equally 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 potentially infection. Routinely cleaning your ears and hearing aids will help lessen the risk of these issues.
Make an appointment to have your hearing aids cleaned by a professional
Contact us today if you would like to set up a consultation to discuss any concerns you might have about hearing aids.
Your hearing aids will benefit you for many years with correct maintenance.