Tips for Maintaining and Cleaning Your Hearing Aids

Man cleaning his hearing aid.

For individuals who have hearing loss, hearing aids are essential for better hearing and general quality of life. They do, however, need to be routinely cleaned and properly maintained just like any technology does. Routine maintenance can significantly increase their lifespan and ensure you’re hearing clearly. In this guide, we’ll go through the steps to effectively clean and care for 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. The lifespan of your hearing aid will be increased, and the sound quality will be improved by doing a quick, easy cleaning routine.

Together with 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 important alongside your normal at-home cleaning and maintenance routine. Typically, you are advised to bring your hearing aids in every six months for a deep clean by a specialist. This helps to identify any problems your device may have and helps keep it in prime working order.

Basic everyday care tips

Taking a few simple precautions can greatly increase the longevity and performance of your hearing aids. Avoid common hurdles by utilizing these tips:

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.
Before Bed, Clean Them: Cleaning your hearing aids before bed gives them an opportunity to dry completely before you use them again in the morning.
Before Handling, Clean Your Hands: Always wash your hands before handling your hearing aids to avoid transferring oils or debris that could interfere with their function.
Keep Them Dry and Chemical-Free: Moisture and chemicals can be detrimental to your hearing aids. Be certain to remove them before showering, going for a swim, or using 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.
Protect From Extreme Temperatures: Harsh weather conditions can damage your hearing aids. Leave your hearing aids in the house if the weather is especially hot and humid or cold and wet outside.

Hearing aid care tools

You will need the right tools to effectively maintain your hearing aids. Think about picking up a hearing aid care kit, which might include the following:

Hearing aid dryer: Helps get rid of moisture, especially after a long day of use.
Slim tube cleaner: For the removal of debris stuck in the tubes.
Cleaning brush: For clearing away excessive wax and dust.
Wax pick or loop: To delicately clear away earwax and debris from tight spaces
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 best tools and maintenance practices.

Detailed cleaning based on hearing aid type

There are some slight differences in how you clean different types of hearing aids. Here are customized cleaning guidelines for two common types of hearing aids: In-The-Ear (ITE) and Behind-The-Ear (BTE).

Cleaning In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids

Brush Debris Away: Holding your hearing aid face down, carefully brush away any debris or wax that has collected on the surface.
Clear the Ventilation Tube: Make sure the vent tube is clear by pushing a slim cleaning tool through it.
Wipe the Exterior: Use a soft microfiber cloth to clean the entire outer surface, getting rid of any residue.
Remove Wax with a Loop: Any remaining earwax can be gently extracted using the loop or pick.

Cleaning Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids

Soak the Ear Mold: Take off and soak the ear mold in warm, soapy water to loosen any buildup. Use 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 properly.
Detach the Tubing: The first thing to do is detach the tube from the device.
Clean the Aid: Position the hearing aid face down and gently brush away any dirt or wax, especially around the receiver and microphone.
Use a Wax Pick: Use a loop pick to remove any stubborn wax that may remain.
Clear the Tubing: Clean the exterior of the tube with a cloth after pushing a pipe cleaner through it.
Clean the Microphone Openings: Clear the microphone of debris by brushing its opening.

Preventing ear infections through proper hygiene

Beyond the upkeep of your devices, it’s equally important to keep your ears clean. Excessive accumulation of earwax can negatively affect the functionality of your hearing aid and cause your ears discomfort and potentially infection. These issues can usually be avoided by routinely cleaning your ears and hearing aids.

Make an appointment to get your hearing aids cleaned by a professional

Professional maintenance is key to ensuring your hearing aids continue to work well for years to come.

Call Today to Set Up an Appointment