Hearing aids are essential devices that help your hearing and boost your quality of life. However, like any technological device, they require routine maintenance and cleaning to ensure optimal performance. Regular maintenance can considerably extend their lifespan and ensure you’re hearing clearly. Let’s explore some steps you can take to maintain your hearing aids.
Keeping your hearing aids clean and getting professional tune-ups
You should clean your hearing aids at least once every week. A quick cleaning routine doesn’t take much time but is really helpful in preserving sound quality and device lifespan.
In addition to your regular at-home care, periodic professional maintenance by a hearing specialist is recommended. It’s similar to a dental visit where professional cleanings are essential alongside your normal at-home cleaning and maintenance routine. A deep clean by a specialist is advised every six months or so. This not only keeps them in prime condition but also helps identify any potential issues early.
Basic everyday care tips
Taking a few basic precautions can greatly enhance the longevity and performance of your hearing aids. Avoid common hurdles by implementing these tips:
- Wash Hands Before Handling: Skin oils and debris can interfere with the function of your hearing aids so make sure you wash and dry your hands before handling them.
- Keep Them Dry and Chemical-Free: Moisture and chemicals can be damaging to your hearing aids. Be sure to take them out before taking a shower, going for a swim, or applying products like hairspray or perfume.
- Use a Dehumidifier: If it’s really humid, a dehumidifier can be used to keep the moisture away from your hearing aids.
- Clean Before Bed: When you clean your hearing aids at night they will be totally dry by the time you wake up and put them back in.
- Protect From Temperature Extremes: Avoid exposing your hearing aids to harsh weather conditions. If it’s particularly cold or hot, leave your devices indoors instead of bringing them outside.
- 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.
Hearing aid care tools
You will need the right tools to effectively maintain your hearing aids. Think about investing in a hearing aid care kit, which could include the following:
- Slim tube cleaner: To eliminate any debris stuck in the hearing aid tubes.
- Microfiber cloth: An ideal tool for cleansing the outer surface of the hearing aid.
- Wax pick or loop: To delicately clear out earwax and debris from tight spaces
- Hearing aid dryer: Dries any moisture accumulated after using the device all day.
- Cleaning brush: For cleaning excessive wax and dust.
Your hearing specialist can direct you to 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 slight differences in how you clean different models of hearing aids. 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.
Cleaning In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids
- 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, removing any residue.
- Brush Debris Away: Holding your hearing aid face down, gently brush away any debris or wax that has accumulated on the surface.
- Clear the Ventilation Tube: Be certain that the vent tube is clear by pushing a thin cleaning tool through it.
How to clean Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Detach the Tubing: The first thing to do is remove the tube from the device.
- Use a Wax Pick: Use a loop pick to remove any stubborn wax that may remain.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Loosen any buildup on the ear molds by removing them and soaking them in warm soapy water. Utilize a tubing blower to remove excess moisture and dry with a clean cloth.
- Reassemble and Test: After everything is dry, reassemble your hearing aids and check to make sure they’re functioning correctly.
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Brush the opening of the microphone to ensure they’re free of debris.
- Clean the Aid: Carefully wipe off any dirt or wax while holding the device face down, paying specific attention to the portion around the receiver and microphone.
- Clear the Tubing: Run a pipe cleaner through the tubing to remove wax or moisture, then wipe the outside with a cloth.
Preventing ear infections with proper hygiene
Keeping your ears clean is just as important as keeping your hearing aid clean. Excessive accumulation of earwax can negatively affect the function of your hearing aid and cause your ears discomfort and potentially infection. Regularly cleaning your ears and hearing aids will help decrease the risk of these problems.
Schedule a professional hearing aid cleaning
Contact us today if you would like to set up a consultation to go over any concerns you may have about hearing aids.
Your hearing aids will serve you well for many years with proper maintenance.