If you’re new to wearing hearing aids, you’ll quickly learn that proper care and cleaning are essential for optimal performance and longevity. Just like any other device, hearing aids require regular maintenance to function at their best and prevent potential issues.
This guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how to clean your hearing aids effectively and what to use to clean them, ensuring they remain in excellent condition for years to come.
Why is Hearing Aid Cleaning Important?
Regular cleaning of your hearing aids is not merely an aesthetic concern; it plays a crucial role in maintaining both your ear health and the functionality of the devices. Earwax, moisture, and debris can accumulate on your hearing aids, affecting sound quality and potentially causing discomfort or even infections.
Hearing aids that aren’t cleaned regularly may experience muffled sound, feedback, or even malfunction. Moreover, a buildup of earwax and moisture can create a breeding ground for bacteria, increasing the risk of ear infections. By cleaning your hearing aids diligently, you can ensure optimal performance, reduce the risk of repairs, and promote ear health.
Proper cleaning helps prevent these issues, ensuring that your hearing aids continue to provide clear sound and comfortable wear.
What Tools to Use to Clean Hearing Aids
Keeping your hearing aids clean involves using the right tools. Depending on what type of hearing aid you use, specific tools and cleaning methods may be required. Let’s delve into the details of how to clean different types of hearing aids effectively.
Here are some common tools you might find helpful:
- Hearing aid brush
- Slim tube cleaning tool
- Wax loops and picks
- Earmould tubing blower
- Disinfectant spray or wipes
- Microfibre cloth
- Dryer or dehumidifier
Hearing aid dryers and dehumidifiers are pocket-sized compared to room dehumidifiers but similarly help remove moisture from hearing aids, preventing damage and prolonging their lifespan.
It’s important to avoid using alcohol or harsh cleaning agents, as these can damage the delicate components of your hearing aids. Many hearing aid brands, such as Widex, Oticon, and Signia, offer cleaning kits that include some or all of these tools. These kits are often provided with your hearing aid purchase and can be a convenient way to ensure you have the necessary cleaning supplies.
Tips for Cleaning Different Types of Hearing Aids
How to Clean In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids:
- Use the hearing aid brush to gently remove earwax and debris from the shell, receiver, and microphone openings.
- Wipe down the entire hearing aid with a disinfectant wipe or spray.
- Use a wax loop or pick to carefully remove any stubborn earwax from the openings.
- Dry the hearing aid thoroughly with a microfibre cloth.
How to Clean Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids:
- Detach the earmould from the hearing aid.
- Clean the earmould with warm, soapy water and a soft brush.
- Use the slim tube cleaning tool to remove any earwax or debris from the tubing.
- Wipe down the hearing aid and earmould with a disinfectant wipe or spray.
- Dry both components thoroughly before reattaching.
How to Clean Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids:
- Remove the receiver (speaker) from the hearing aid.
- Clean the receiver with a soft brush and disinfectant wipe.
- Wipe down the hearing aid with a disinfectant wipe or spray.
- Dry both components thoroughly before reattaching.
How to Clean Completely-in-Canal (CIC) and In-the-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids:
- Use a wax loop or pick to carefully remove any earwax from the faceplate and microphone opening.
- Wipe down the hearing aid with a disinfectant wipe or spray.
- Dry the hearing aid thoroughly with a microfibre cloth.
General Tips for Cleaning Any Type of Hearing Aid:
Always avoid exposing your hearing aid to moisture or extreme temperatures to avoid malfunction. You can control that by storing your hearing aids in a clean, dry case when not in use.
For the batteries, your hearing aids will be able to last anywhere between three to ten days on a single charge. Depending on your brand and model, you may hear a few short beeps indicating that your hearing aids are running low on battery. Make sure to charge them or replace the batteries so that you won’t get caught without working hearing aids when you need them.
Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean for Optimal Performance
By following these cleaning tips and incorporating them into your daily routine, you can ensure that your hearing aids remain in optimal condition, providing you with clear sound and comfortable wear for years to come. While daily cleaning at home is essential, it’s also recommended to have your hearing aids professionally cleaned every six to twelve months.
If you’re considering hearing aids for the first time, The Listening Lab has a broad selection for you to compare hearing aid types and costs. Our experienced audiologists can help you find the right hearing aids for your needs and provide guidance on proper maintenance.
Don’t hesitate to book an appointment today for hearing aid fine-tuning or hearing aid maintenance. Invest in your hearing health and experience the difference that well-maintained hearing aids can make in your daily life.
