Guide for Maintaining and Cleaning Your Hearing Aids

Man cleaning his hearing aid.

Hearing aids are crucial devices that help your hearing and enhance your quality of life. However, like any technological investment, they require routine care and cleaning to ensure optimum performance. The lifespan of your device can be substantially lengthened by routine cleaning which will also allow you to hear more clearly. In this guide, we’ll go through the steps to properly clean and care for your hearing aids.

Keeping your hearing aids clean and getting professional tune-ups

You should clean your hearing aids at least once every week. 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 along with your regular cleaning schedule. It’s comparable to a dental visit where professional cleanings are essential alongside your normal at-home cleaning and maintenance routine. A deep clean by a specialist is recommended every six months or so. This helps to detect any problems your device may have and helps keep it in prime working condition.

Basic daily care tips

Taking a few simple precautions can greatly enhance the lifespan and performance of your hearing aids. Consider the following guidelines to avoid common obstacles:

Before Bed, Clean Them: Cleaning your hearing aids at night gives them a chance to dry completely before you wear them again in the morning.
Use a Dehumidifier: If it’s really humid, a dehumidifier can be utilized to keep the moisture away from your hearing aids.
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.
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.
Protect From Temperature Extremes: Avoid exposing your hearing aids to extreme weather conditions. Leave your hearing aids in the house if the weather is particularly hot and humid or cold and wet outside.
Before Handling, Clean Your Hands: Skin oils and debris can interfere with the function of your hearing aids so be certain you clean and dry your hands before handling them.

Hearing aid care tools

You will require the right tools to properly maintain your hearing aids. Consider investing in a hearing aid care kit, which could include the following:

Microfiber cloth: Perfect for wiping down the surface of your hearing aids.
Hearing aid dryer: Helps eliminate moisture, especially after a long day of use.
Slim tube cleaner: For removing debris stuck in the tubes.
Wax pick or loop: For delicately cleaning out earwax from small crevices.
Cleaning brush: For cleaning excessive wax and dust.

Your hearing specialist can direct you to the best tools and techniques to keep your hearing aids in excellent condition.

Cleaning differs depending on the type of hearing aid

Different types of hearing aids require somewhat different cleaning strategies. 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.

Cleaning In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids

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

Cleaning Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids

Soak the Ear Mold: Loosen any buildup on the ear molds by removing them and soaking them in warm soapy water. Eliminate any excess moisture with a tubing blower and finish with a dry cloth.
Clean the Microphone Openings: Brush the opening of the microphone to ensure they’re clear of debris.
Use a Wax Pick: Use a loop pick to eliminate any stubborn wax that may remain.
Clear the Tubing: Push a pipe cleaner through the tubing to remove wax or moisture, then clean the outside with a cloth.
Reassemble and Test: Reassemble and test your hearing aids after everything dries.
Clean the Aid: Position the hearing aid face down and carefully brush away any dirt or wax, especially around the receiver and microphone.
Detach the Tubing: Begin by detaching the tubing from the hearing aid itself.

Proper hygiene can help prevent infections

Keeping your ears clean is just as important as keeping your hearing aid clean. Earwax buildup not only interferes with your hearing aids but can also cause discomfort and infection. Regularly cleaning your ears and hearing aids will help lessen the risk of these problems.

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

Your hearing aids will serve you well for many years with correct maintenance.

Call Today to Set Up an Appointment