Hearing aids are crucial devices that help your hearing and enhance your quality of life. They do, however, need to be routinely cleaned and properly maintained just like any technology does. Regular maintenance can substantially extend their lifespan and ensure you’re hearing clearly. Let’s explore 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, daily or weekly cleaning is essential. The lifespan of your hearing aid will be increased, and the sound quality will be improved by performing a quick, easy cleaning routine.
In addition to your regular at-home care, periodic professional maintenance by a hearing professional is suggested. It’s similar to a dental visit where professional cleanings are essential alongside your regular at-home cleaning and maintenance routine. Usually, you are encouraged to bring your hearing aids in twice a year for a deep clean by a specialist. This helps to identify any issues your device may have and helps keep it in excellent working condition.
Basic daily care tips
Taking a few simple precautions can significantly enhance the lifespan and performance of your hearing aids. Consider the following tips to avoid common obstacles:
- Protect From Temperature Extremes: Avoid subjecting your hearing aids to extreme weather conditions. If it’s particularly cold or hot, leave your devices indoors instead of bringing them outside.
- Use a Dehumidifier: If it’s very humid, a dehumidifier can be used to keep the moisture away from your hearing aids.
- 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 Free of Moisture and Chemicals: Your hearing aids can be compromised by excessive moisture. Before going for a swim, showering, or using products like hair spray, make sure you take them out.
- Clean Before Bed: When you clean your hearing aids before bed they will be totally dry by the time you get up and put them back in.
- 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
You will require the appropriate tools to properly maintain your hearing aids. Here are a few of the things you can expect to find in a hearing aid care kit:
- Hearing aid dryer: Dries any moisture built up after using the device all day.
- Cleaning brush: For removing dust and wax buildup.
- Wax pick or loop: To delicately clear out earwax and debris from tight spaces
- Slim tube cleaner: To eliminate any debris lodged in the hearing aid tubes.
- Microfiber cloth: Perfect for wiping down the surface of your hearing aids.
Your hearing specialist can guide you on the best tools and techniques to keep your hearing aids in superb condition.
Detailed cleaning based on hearing aid type
There are some slight differences in how you clean different types of hearing aids. Two of the main types of hearing aids are Behind-the-ear (BTE) and In-The-Ear (ITE): Here are specific cleaning instructions for each type.
How to clean In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Any remaining earwax can be carefully extracted using the loop or pick.
- Brush Debris Away: Carefully brush away any debris or earwax from the surface of your hearing aid while holding it face down.
- Clear the Ventilation Tube: Make sure the vent tube is clear by pushing a slim cleaning tool through it.
- Wipe the Exterior: Wipe down the whole outer surface with a microfiber cloth to clear away any debris.
How to clean Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Clear the Tubing: Clean the outside of the tube with a cloth after pushing a pipe cleaner through it.
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Free the microphone of debris by brushing its opening.
- Clean the Aid: Position the hearing aid face down and carefully brush away any dirt or wax, particularly around the receiver and microphone.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Loosen 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.
- Use a Wax Pick: Use a loop pick to remove any stubborn wax that may remain.
- Detach the Tubing: Begin by separating the tubing from the hearing aid itself.
- Reassemble and Test: After everything is dry, reassemble your hearing aids and check to make sure they’re functioning correctly.
Protecting against ear infections through effective hygiene
Beyond the upkeep of your devices, it’s just as important to clean your ears. Earwax accumulation not only inhibits your hearing aids but can also result in discomfort and infection. Regularly cleaning your ears and hearing aids will help lessen the risk of these problems.
Set up a professional hearing aid cleaning
Contact us today if you would like to schedule a consultation to talk about any concerns you might have about hearing aids.
Professional maintenance is key to ensuring your hearing aids continue to work well for years to come.
