Hearing aids are essential devices that improve your hearing and boost your quality of life. However, like any technological device, they require routine care and cleaning to ensure optimal performance. Regular maintenance can considerably increase their lifespan and ensure you’re hearing clearly. Let’s take a look at 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 improved by doing a quick, easy cleaning routine.
Along 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 essential alongside your regular at-home cleaning and maintenance routine. Usually, 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 issues early.
Simple care guidelines for daily use
Taking a few basic precautions can greatly enhance the longevity and performance of your hearing aids. Consider the following guidelines to avoid common hurdles:
- Keep Them Dry and Chemical-Free: Moisture and chemicals can be damaging to your hearing aids. Before going for a swim, taking a shower, or using products like hair spray, make sure you remove them.
- Use a Dehumidifier: Storing your hearing aids in a dehumidifier while you sleep can help keep them dry and free of moisture that might cause malfunction.
- Before Handling, Clean Your Hands: Skin oils and debris can interfere with the function of your hearing aids so be certain you wash and dry your hands before handling them.
- 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 not in use.
- Protect From Temperature Extremes: Avoid exposing your hearing aids to severe weather conditions. If it’s especially cold or hot, leave your devices indoors instead of bringing them outside.
- Clean Before Bed: When you clean your hearing aids at night they will be totally dry by the time you get up and put them back in.
Tools for proper hearing aid care
Maintaining your hearing aids requires the right tools. Consider picking up a hearing aid care kit, which could include the following:
- Slim tube cleaner: For getting rid of debris stuck in the tubes.
- Hearing aid dryer: Dries any moisture accumulated after using the device all day.
- Microfiber cloth: An ideal tool for cleaning the outer surface of the hearing aid.
- Cleaning brush: For clearing away excessive wax and dust.
- Wax pick or loop: To delicately clear out earwax and debris from tight spaces
Your hearing specialist can direct you to the best tools and techniques to keep your hearing aids in superb condition.
Step-by-step cleaning based on hearing aid type
There are some slight differences in how you clean different models of hearing aids. Here are customized cleaning instructions for two common 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 debris or wax that has built up on the surface.
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Use a wax loop or pick to carefully remove any remaining earwax.
- Wipe the Exterior: Wipe down the entire outer surface with a microfiber cloth to clear away any debris.
- Clear the Ventilation Tube: Push a thin cleaning tool through the vent tube to ensure there’s no blockage.
How to clean Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Soak the Ear Mold: Release any buildup on the ear molds by detaching them and soaking them in warm soapy water. Eliminate any excess moisture with a tubing blower and finish with a dry cloth.
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Brush the opening of the microphone to ensure they’re clear of debris.
- Reassemble and Test: Reassemble and test your hearing aids after everything dries.
- Clear the Tubing: Clean the outside of the tube with a cloth after running a pipe cleaner through it.
- Clean the Aid: Hold the hearing aid face down and carefully brush away any dirt or wax, especially around the receiver and microphone.
- Use a Wax Pick: Use a loop pick to remove any stubborn wax that may remain.
- Detach the Tubing: The first thing you need to do is remove the tube from the device.
Proper hygiene can help you avoid infections
Keeping your ears clean is just as important as keeping your hearing aid clean. Earwax accumulation not only inhibits your hearing aids but can also cause discomfort and infection. Routinely cleaning your ears and hearing aids will help lessen the risk of these issues.
Set up a professional hearing aid cleaning
Contact us today if you would like to set up a consultation to talk about any concerns you may have about hearing aids.
Your hearing aids will serve you well for many years with proper maintenance.
