For people who have hearing loss, hearing aids are crucial for improved hearing and total quality of life. However, like any technological investment, they require regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure best possible performance. The lifespan of your device can be significantly lengthened by routine cleaning which will also allow you to hear more clearly. Let’s explore some measures you can take to maintain your hearing aids.
Keeping your hearing aids clean and getting professional tunings
To keep your hearing aids working at their best, daily or weekly cleaning is essential. A quick cleaning routine doesn’t take much time but goes a long way in maintaining sound quality and device longevity.
We recommend you periodically bring your hearing aids in for a professional tune-up in conjunction with your regular cleaning schedule. Think of it like going to the dentist, while brushing and flossing are helpful, professional cleanings ensure the best results. 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 daily care tips
The performance and lifespan of your hearing aids can be substantially increased by using these few basic tips. Consider the following guidelines to avoid common obstacles:
- Use a Dehumidifier: Storing your hearing aids in a dehumidifier while you sleep can help keep them dry and free of moisture that could cause malfunction.
- Protect From Extreme Temperatures: Avoid subjecting your hearing aids to severe weather conditions. Leave your hearing aids in the house if the weather is especially hot and humid or cold and wet outside.
- 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, swimming, or applying products like hairspray or perfume.
- Safe Storage: When they’re not being used, keep your hearing aids stored in a protective case or in their charger to prevent exposure to dirt or physical damage.
- 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.
- Wash Hands Before Handling: Always clean your hands before handling your hearing aids to avoid transferring oils or debris that could interfere with their function.
Tools for proper hearing aid care
Maintaining your hearing aids requires the right tools. Think about investing in a hearing aid care kit, which may include the following:
- Microfiber cloth: An ideal tool for cleansing the outer surface of the hearing aid.
- Wax pick or loop: To gently clear out earwax and debris from tight spaces
- Slim tube cleaner: For getting rid of debris stuck in the tubes.
- Hearing aid dryer: Helps eliminate moisture, especially after a long day of use.
- Cleaning brush: For clearing away excessive wax and dust.
Our hearing specialists can help you keep your hearing aids in tip-top working order by guiding you to the best tools and maintenance practices.
Cleaning varies depending on the type of hearing aid
Different models of hearing aids require somewhat different cleaning practices. 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.
How to clean In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids
- Clear the Ventilation Tube: Be certain that the vent tube is clear by pushing a thin cleaning tool through it.
- 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 built up on the surface.
- Wipe the Exterior: Wipe down the whole outer surface with a microfiber cloth to clear away any debris.
Cleaning Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Use a Wax Pick: Use a loop pick to eliminate any stubborn wax that may remain.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Take off and soak the ear mold in warm, soapy water to loosen any buildup. Eliminate any excess moisture with a tubing blower and finish with a dry cloth.
- Clean the Aid: Gently wipe off any dirt or wax while holding the device face down, paying specific attention to the area around the receiver and microphone.
- Detach the Tubing: The first thing you need to do is detach the tube from the device.
- Clear the Tubing: Clean the exterior of the tube with a cloth after pushing a pipe cleaner through it.
- Reassemble and Test: Reassemble and test your hearing aids after everything dries.
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Brush the opening of the microphone to ensure they’re free of debris.
Effective hygiene can help you avoid infections
Outside of maintaining your devices, it’s just as important to keep your ears clean. Earwax buildup not only inhibits your hearing aids but can also cause discomfort and infection. Regularly cleaning your ears and hearing aids will help reduce the risk of these problems.
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 schedule a professional cleaning, contact us today.
Professional maintenance is key to ensuring your hearing aids continue to work well for years to come.