Guide for Maintaining and Cleaning Your Hearing Aids

Man cleaning his hearing aid.

Hearing aids are crucial devices that help your hearing and boost your quality of life. However, like any technological device, they require regular care and cleaning to ensure optimum performance. Regular maintenance can significantly extend their lifespan and ensure you’re hearing clearly. Let’s take a look at some steps you can take to maintain your hearing aids.

Regular cleaning and professional tune-ups

You should clean your hearing aids once a week or more. A quick cleaning routine doesn’t take very long but goes a long way in preserving sound quality and device longevity.

We suggest you periodically bring your hearing aids in for a professional tune-up along with your regular cleaning schedule. Think of it like visiting the dentist, while brushing and flossing help, professional cleanings ensure the best results. A deep clean by a professional is advised every six months or so. This not only keeps them in top condition but also helps diagnose any potential issues early.

Simple care tips for everyday use

The performance and longevity of your hearing aids can be considerably increased by utilizing these few basic tips. Consider the following tips to avoid common hurdles:

Before Handling, Clean Your Hands: Always clean your hands before touching your hearing aids to avoid transferring oils or debris that could interfere with their function.
Clean Before Bed: When you clean your hearing aids before bed they will be completely dry by the time you get up and put them back in.
Protect From Temperature Extremes: Severe weather conditions can damage your hearing aids. If it’s especially cold or hot, leave your devices indoors rather than bringing them outside.
Use a Dehumidifier: Keeping your hearing aids in a dehumidifier at night can help keep them dry and free of moisture that could cause malfunction.
Safe Storage: Prevent physical damage and exposure to dirt and debris by keeping your hearing aids in their charger or their protective case when they aren’t in use.
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.

Hearing aid care tools

Taking care of your hearing aids requires the right tools. Here are some of the things you can expect to find in a hearing aid care kit:

Wax pick or loop: For gently removing earwax from small crevices.
Hearing aid dryer: Helps get rid of moisture, particularly after a long day of use.
Cleaning brush: For getting rid of dust and wax buildup.
Slim tube cleaner: For removing debris trapped in the tubes.
Microfiber cloth: An ideal tool for cleaning the outer surface of the hearing aid.

Our hearing specialists can help you keep your hearing aids in tip-top working order by guiding you to the appropriate tools and maintenance techniques.

Cleaning varies depending on the type of hearing aid

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.

Cleaning In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids

Wipe the Exterior: Wipe down the whole outer surface with a microfiber cloth to clear away any debris.
Brush Debris Away: Carefully wipe away any earwax or debris from the surface of your hearing aid while holding it face down.
Clear the Ventilation Tube: Push a thin cleaning tool through the vent tube to ensure there’s no blockage.
Remove Wax with a Loop: Any remaining earwax can be carefully extracted using the loop or pick.

How to clean Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids

Soak the Ear Mold: Loosen any buildup on the ear molds by detaching them and soaking them in warm soapy water. Get rid of any excess moisture with a tubing blower and finish with a dry cloth.
Reassemble and Test: Once everything is dry, reassemble your hearing aids and test to make sure they’re working properly.
Detach the Tubing: The first thing you need to do is detach the tube from the device.
Clean the Microphone Openings: Brush the microphone openings to ensure they’re free of debris.
Clear the Tubing: Run a pipe cleaner through the tubing to remove wax or moisture, then clean the outside with a cloth.
Use a Wax Pick: Use a loop pick to remove any stubborn wax that may remain.
Clean the Aid: Gently wipe off any dirt or wax while holding the device face down, paying particular attention to the area around the receiver and microphone.

Preventing ear infections through effective hygiene

Beyond the upkeep of your devices, it’s equally important to keep your ears clean. Excessive buildup of earwax can negatively impact the function of your hearing aid and cause your ears discomfort and possibly infection. Regularly cleaning your ears and hearing aids will help decrease the chance of these issues.

Schedule a professional hearing aid cleaning

Your hearing aids will benefit you for many years with proper maintenance.

Call Today to Set Up an Appointment