Hearing aids are crucial devices that improve your hearing and boost your quality of life. They do, however, need to be regularly cleaned and correctly maintained just like any technology does. Routine maintenance can significantly increase their lifespan and ensure you’re hearing clearly. Let’s explore some steps you can take to maintain your hearing aids.
Routine cleaning and professional tuning
To keep your hearing aids working at their best, it’s essential to clean them on a daily or weekly schedule. The lifespan of your hearing aid will be increased, and the sound quality will be improved by doing a quick, easy cleaning routine.
Together with your regular at-home care, periodic professional maintenance by a hearing specialist is suggested. It’s similar to a dental visit where professional cleanings are important alongside your normal at-home cleaning and maintenance routine. A deep clean by a specialist is advised every six months or so. This helps to identify any issues your device may have and helps keep it in excellent working condition.
Basic everyday care tips
The performance and longevity of your hearing aids can be substantially increased by utilizing these few basic tips. Consider the following guidelines to avoid common pitfalls:
- Keep Them Dry and Chemical-Free: Your hearing aids can be damaged by excessive moisture. Before going for a swim, showering, or using products like hair spray, make sure you remove them.
- Protect From Temperature Extremes: Severe weather conditions can damage your hearing aids. Leave your hearing aids inside your home if the weather is especially hot and humid or cold and wet outside.
- Before Handling, Clean Your Hands: Always wash your hands before touching your hearing aids to avoid transferring oils or debris that could hinder their function.
- Before Bed, Clean Them: Cleaning your hearing aids before bed 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 used to keep the moisture away from your hearing aids.
- 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.
Tools for proper hearing aid care
Maintaining your hearing aids requires the right tools. Here are some of the things you can expect to find in a hearing aid care kit:
- Slim tube cleaner: For removing debris trapped in the tubes.
- Microfiber cloth: An ideal tool for cleansing the outer surface of the hearing aid.
- Cleaning brush: For cleaning excessive wax and dust.
- Hearing aid dryer: Dries any moisture accumulated after using the device all day.
- Wax pick or loop: To gently clear away earwax and debris from tight spaces
Our hearing specialists can help you keep your hearing aids in tip-top working order by guiding you to the appropriate tools and maintenance practices.
Detailed cleaning based on hearing aid type
Different models of hearing aids require somewhat different cleaning strategies. 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.
Cleaning In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Any remaining earwax can be gently extracted using the loop or pick.
- Brush Debris Away: Holding your hearing aid face down, gently brush away any wax or debris that has accumulated on the surface.
- Wipe the Exterior: Wipe down the entire outer surface with a microfiber cloth to clear away any debris.
- Clear the Ventilation Tube: Push a slim cleaning tool through the vent tube to ensure there’s no obstruction.
Cleaning Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Detach the Tubing: The first thing you need to do is detach the tube from the device.
- Reassemble and Test: Once everything is dry, reassemble your hearing aids and check to make sure they’re functioning correctly.
- Clear the Tubing: Clean the outside of the tube with a cloth after pushing a pipe cleaner through it.
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Brush the opening of the microphone to ensure they’re clear of debris.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Take off and soak the ear mold in warm, soapy water to release any accumulation. Get rid of any excess moisture with a tubing blower and finish with a dry cloth.
- Clean the Aid: Carefully wipe off any wax or dirt while holding the device face down, paying particular attention to the portion around the receiver and microphone.
- Use a Wax Pick: Eliminate any stubborn wax with a loop or pick.
Proper hygiene can help prevent infections
Beyond maintaining your devices, it’s just as important to clean your ears. Excessive accumulation of earwax can negatively affect the functionality of your hearing aid and cause your ears discomfort and possibly infection. These problems can typically be avoided by routinely cleaning your ears and hearing aids.
Make an appointment to have 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.
Professional maintenance is key to ensuring your hearing aids continue to work well for years to come.