For individuals who have hearing loss, hearing aids are crucial for improved hearing and general quality of life. However, like any technological investment, they require routine maintenance and cleaning to ensure best possible performance. Routine maintenance can considerably extend their lifespan and ensure you’re hearing clearly. Let’s explore some measures 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 much time but is really helpful in preserving sound quality and device lifespan.
We suggest you periodically bring your hearing aids in for a professional tune-up in conjunction with your regular cleaning schedule. It’s comparable to a dental visit where professional cleanings are important alongside your normal at-home cleaning and maintenance routine. 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 everyday care tips
Taking a few basic precautions can greatly enhance the lifespan and performance of your hearing aids. Consider the following guidelines to avoid common obstacles:
- Wash Hands Before Handling: Skin oils and debris can impact the function of your hearing aids so make sure you wash and dry your hands before handling them.
- Protect From Temperature Extremes: Avoid subjecting your hearing aids to severe weather conditions. If it’s especially cold or hot, leave your devices indoors instead of bringing them outside.
- 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, be sure you take them out.
- Before Bed, Clean Them: Cleaning your hearing aids at night gives them an opportunity to dry completely before you use them again in the morning.
- Use a Dehumidifier: If it’s really humid, a dehumidifier can be utilized to keep the moisture away from your hearing aids.
- Safe Storage: When not in use, keep your hearing aids stored in a protective case or in their charging unit to prevent exposure to dirt or physical damage.
Hearing aid care tools
Maintaining your hearing aids requires the right tools. Consider investing in a hearing aid care kit, which might include the following:
- Microfiber cloth: An ideal tool for cleansing the outer surface of the hearing aid.
- Slim tube cleaner: For removing debris stuck in the tubes.
- Hearing aid dryer: Helps get rid of 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.
Step-by-step cleaning based on hearing aid type
There are some minor differences in how you clean different models of hearing aids. Here are customized cleaning instructions for two prevalent types of hearing aids: In-The-Ear (ITE) and Behind-The-Ear (BTE).
Cleaning 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.
- Wipe the Exterior: Wipe down the entire outer surface with a microfiber cloth to clear away any residue.
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Use a wax loop or pick to thoroughly extract any remaining earwax.
- Clear the Ventilation Tube: Push a slim cleaning tool through the vent tube to ensure there’s no obstruction.
How to clean Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Soak the Ear Mold: Take off and soak the ear mold in warm, soapy water to loosen any buildup. Eliminate any excess moisture with a tubing blower and finish with a dry cloth.
- Clear the Tubing: Clean the outside of the tube with a cloth after pushing a pipe cleaner through it.
- Clean the Aid: Carefully wipe off any dirt or wax while holding the device face down, paying particular attention to the area around the receiver and microphone.
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Brush the opening of the microphone to ensure they’re free of debris.
- Reassemble and Test: Reassemble and test your hearing aids after everything dries out.
- Detach the Tubing: Begin by detaching the tubing from the hearing aid itself.
- Use a Wax Pick: Remove any stubborn wax with a loop or pick.
Effective hygiene can help prevent infections
Beyond the upkeep of your devices, it’s just as important to clean your ears. Earwax accumulation not only interferes with your hearing aids but can also lead to discomfort and infection. Routinely cleaning your ears and hearing aids will help decrease the chance of these problems.
Schedule a professional hearing aid cleaning
If you have any concerns about your hearing aids or would like to set up a professional cleaning, contact us today.
Your hearing aids will serve you well for many years with proper maintenance.
