Hearing aids are essential devices that improve your hearing and enhance your quality of life. However, like any technological device, they require routine maintenance and cleaning to ensure best possible performance. Routine maintenance can considerably extend their lifespan and ensure you’re hearing clearly. Let’s take a look at some measures you can take to maintain your hearing aids.
Routine cleaning and professional tune-ups
To keep your hearing aids functioning 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 enhanced by performing a quick, simple cleaning routine.
Together with your regular at-home care, periodic professional maintenance by a hearing specialist is advised. It’s similar to a dental visit where professional cleanings are important alongside your regular at-home cleaning and maintenance routine. Usually, you are encouraged to bring your hearing aids in every six months for a deep clean by a specialist. This helps to detect any problems 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 tips to avoid common hurdles:
- Keep Them Dry and Chemical-Free: Moisture and chemicals can be detrimental to your hearing aids. Before swimming, showering, or using products like hair spray, be sure you take them out.
- Use a Dehumidifier: If it’s really humid, a dehumidifier can be utilized to keep the moisture away from your hearing aids.
- 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.
- Wash Hands Before Handling: Skin oils and debris can impact the function of your hearing aids so make sure you wash and dry your hands before handling them.
- Before Bed, Clean Them: Cleaning your hearing aids at night gives them an opportunity to dry completely before you wear them again in the morning.
- Protect From Extreme Temperatures: Avoid exposing 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.
Hearing aid care tools
Taking care of your hearing aids requires the correct tools. Think about picking up a hearing aid care kit, which might include the following:
- Slim tube cleaner: To remove any debris lodged in the hearing aid tubes.
- Cleaning brush: For cleaning excessive wax and dust.
- Microfiber cloth: Great for wiping down the surface of your hearing aids.
- Hearing aid dryer: Dries any moisture built up after using the device all day.
- Wax pick or loop: For delicately cleaning out earwax from small crevices.
Your hearing specialist can guide you on the right tools and practices to keep your hearing aids in excellent condition.
Detailed cleaning determined by hearing aid type
There are some slight differences in how you clean different types of hearing aids. 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.
How to clean In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids
- Clear the Ventilation Tube: Push a thin cleaning tool through the vent tube to ensure there’s no blockage.
- Brush Debris Away: Holding your hearing aid face down, gently brush away any wax or debris that has accumulated on the surface.
- Remove Wax with a Loop: Use a wax loop or pick to thoroughly extract any remaining earwax.
- Wipe the Exterior: Wipe down the entire outer surface with a microfiber cloth to eliminate any debris.
How to clean Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Use a Wax Pick: Remove any stubborn wax with a loop or pick.
- Clear the Tubing: Clean the exterior of the tube with a cloth after running a pipe cleaner through it.
- Clean the Microphone Openings: Brush the opening of the microphone to ensure they’re free of debris.
- Clean the Aid: Gently wipe away any wax or dirt while holding the device face down, paying specific attention to the portion around the receiver and microphone.
- Soak the Ear Mold: Remove and soak the ear mold in warm, soapy water to release any accumulation. Eliminate any excess moisture with a tubing blower and finish with a dry cloth.
- Detach the Tubing: The first thing to do is remove the tube from the device.
- Reassemble and Test: After everything is dry, reassemble your hearing aids and test to make sure they’re functioning properly.
Effective hygiene can help prevent infections
Cleaning your ears is just as important as keeping your hearing aid clean. Excessive buildup 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 issues.
Make an appointment to get your hearing aids cleaned by a professional
Contact us right away if you would like to set up a consultation to discuss any concerns you may have about hearing aids.
Professional maintenance is key to ensuring your hearing aids continue to serve you well for years to come.
