Hearing aids are essential devices that help your hearing and enhance your quality of life. However, like any technological device, they require regular 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.
Keeping your hearing aids clean and getting professional tunings
To keep your hearing aids functioning 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 performing a quick, easy cleaning routine.
We suggest you periodically bring your hearing aids in for a professional tune-up along with your regular cleaning schedule. It’s similar to a dental visit where professional cleanings are important alongside your regular at-home cleaning and maintenance routine. A deep clean by a specialist is advised every six months or so. This helps to detect any problems your device may have and helps keep it in excellent working order.
Simple care tips for daily use
The performance and lifespan of your hearing aids can be substantially enhanced by using these few basic tips. Avoid common obstacles by utilizing these tips:
- Before Handling, Clean Your Hands: Always wash your hands before handling your hearing aids to avoid transferring oils or debris that could hinder their function.
- Clean Before Bed: Cleaning your hearing aids before bed gives them a chance to dry completely before you use them again in the morning.
- 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 remove them.
- Protect From Temperature Extremes: Avoid exposing your hearing aids to harsh weather conditions. Leave your hearing aids inside your home if the weather is particularly hot and humid or cold and wet outside.
- Use a Dehumidifier: If it’s really humid, a dehumidifier can be utilized to keep the moisture away from your hearing aids.
Hearing aid care tools
You will need the right tools to effectively maintain your hearing aids. Think about picking up a hearing aid care kit, which may include the following:
- Hearing aid dryer: Dries any moisture accumulated after using the device all day.
- Microfiber cloth: Ideal for wiping down the surface of your hearing aids.
- Slim tube cleaner: For removing debris stuck in the tubes.
- Cleaning brush: For removing dust and wax accumulation.
- Wax pick or loop: To gently clear out earwax and debris from tight spaces
Your hearing specialist can guide you on the best tools and techniques to keep your hearing aids in superb condition.
Step-by-step cleaning determined by hearing aid type
There are some minor differences in how you clean different models of hearing aids. Here are tailored cleaning guidelines for two common types of hearing aids: In-The-Ear (ITE) and Behind-The-Ear (BTE).
How to clean In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids
- Clear the Ventilation Tube: Push a thin cleaning tool through the vent tube to ensure there’s no obstruction.
- Brush Debris Away: Gently brush away any debris or earwax from the surface of your hearing aid while holding it face down.
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Use a wax loop or pick to thoroughly remove any remaining earwax.
- Wipe the Exterior: Use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe down the whole outer surface, removing any residue.
How to clean Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Clean the Aid: Hold the hearing aid face down and gently brush away any dirt or wax, particularly around the receiver and microphone.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Loosen any accumulation 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.
- Clear the Tubing: Clean the exterior of the tube with a cloth after pushing a pipe cleaner through it.
- Detach the Tubing: The first thing to do is detach the tube from the device.
- Reassemble and Test: After everything is dry, reassemble your hearing aids and check to make sure they’re functioning correctly.
- Use a Wax Pick: Use a loop pick to clear away any stubborn wax that may remain.
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Free the microphone of debris by brushing its opening.
Proper hygiene can help you avoid infections
Cleaning your ears is just as important as cleaning your hearing aid. Earwax buildup not only interferes with your hearing aids but can also result in discomfort and infection. These issues can usually be avoided by regularly cleaning your ears and hearing aids.
Schedule an appointment to get your hearing aids cleaned by a professional
If you have any questions about your hearing aids or would like to set up a professional cleaning, reach out to us today.
Your hearing aids will benefit you for many years with proper maintenance.