Welcome to our expert guide on how to clean hearing aids! If you wear hearing aids, you know firsthand the incredible impact they can have on your quality of life. These tiny devices work tirelessly to enhance your ability to hear and communicate with others. However, like any valuable piece of technology, regular maintenance is essential for optimal performance and longevity.
In this blog post, we will delve into the importance of cleaning your hearing aids regularly and provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to effectively clean different types of hearing aids. Whether you own in-the-ear (ITE), behind-the-ear (BTE), or custom hearing aids, we’ve got you covered!
But before we get started, let’s take a moment to understand why keeping your hearing aids clean is so important. So grab your cleaning tools, and let’s dive right in!
Importance of Cleaning Hearing Aids
Properly cleaning your hearing aids is essential for maintaining their performance and longevity. Regular cleaning helps prevent the buildup of earwax, debris, and moisture that can affect the functionality of your devices.
When earwax accumulates on your hearing aids, it can block sound from reaching your ears effectively. This not only diminishes the quality of sound but also causes discomfort or irritation when wearing them. By keeping your devices clean, you ensure optimal sound transmission and a more comfortable listening experience.
Moreover, regular cleaning helps to prevent damage caused by moisture buildup. Moisture can corrode sensitive components inside the device, leading to malfunctions or even complete failure. By properly drying and cleaning your hearing aids after exposure to water or sweat, you safeguard them against potential damage.
Additionally, a clean hearing aid reduces the risk of infections in the ear canal. Bacteria thrive in warm and moist environments which can be created by unclean devices. Regularly disinfecting your hearing aids eliminates harmful bacteria that could potentially cause infections or other health issues.
Tools for Cleaning Hearing Aids
When it comes to cleaning your hearing aids, having the right tools on hand is essential. These tools can help you maintain the longevity and performance of your devices. Here are some must-have tools for keeping your hearing aids clean and in top condition.
- Cleaning brush: A small, soft-bristled brush is perfect for removing debris or wax from hard-to-reach areas of your hearing aids. Gently brush away any buildup around the microphone ports or other crevices.
- Wax pick or loop: This handy tool helps you remove stubborn earwax that may accumulate in the sound outlet or receiver tubing of your hearing aids. Use it carefully and avoid pushing too hard to prevent damage.
- Drying pouch or kit: Moisture is a common enemy of hearing aids, so using a drying pouch or kit can help keep them dry overnight. Simply place your devices inside and let them sit overnight to absorb any moisture.
- Soft cloth: Use a lint-free cloth to wipe down the surface of your hearing aids regularly, removing fingerprints and smudges that may affect their appearance.
Remember, always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines when choosing cleaning tools for your specific type of hearing aid model.
How to Clean Hearing Aids?
How to Clean In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids?
In-the-Ear (ITE) hearing aids are a popular choice for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. They sit comfortably in the ear canal, making them less visible than other types of hearing aids. However, like any electronic device, ITE hearing aids require regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure optimal performance.
To clean your ITE hearing aid, start by removing the earmold or dome from the main body of the device. Gently wipe down both pieces with a soft, dry cloth to remove any debris or moisture. Be careful not to use water or cleaning solutions as they can damage the delicate components.
Next, use a small brush provided by your audiologist or hearing aid manufacturer to clean away any wax or dirt that may have accumulated in the sound outlet and microphone ports. Take extra care when brushing around these areas to avoid dislodging any important parts.
After brushing, use a wax pick or loop tool (also supplied by your audiologist) to carefully remove any stubborn wax buildup from the earmold or dome. Again, be gentle during this process so as not to cause any damage.
Once you have completed these steps, reassemble your ITE hearing aid and perform a quick check for functionality before placing it back into your ear canal.
Remember that proper cleaning techniques will vary depending on the specific make and model of your ITE hearing aid. It’s always best to consult with your audiologist for detailed instructions tailored specifically to your device.
How to Clean Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids?
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids are a popular choice due to their comfort and effectiveness in improving hearing. To ensure optimal performance, it is important to keep them clean. Here’s how you can clean your BTE hearing aids:
Start by removing the earmold from the hook or tube of the device. Gently wipe the surface of both the earmold and the hook with a soft, dry cloth to remove any debris or earwax buildup.
Next, use a small brush provided with your hearing aid cleaning kit to gently clean any hard-to-reach areas such as vents or microphone openings. Be careful not to apply too much pressure that could damage delicate components.
If there is excessive wax buildup on the earmold, you can soak it in warm soapy water for a few minutes before rinsing it thoroughly under running water. Ensure that all soap residue is removed before allowing it to air dry completely.
Once everything is dry, reassemble your BTE hearing aid carefully. Check for any visible signs of dirt or debris that may have been missed during cleaning.
How to Clean Custom Hearing Aids?
Custom hearing aids are designed to fit perfectly in your ear, providing you with optimal comfort and sound quality. However, just like any other type of hearing aid, they need regular cleaning and maintenance to ensure their longevity and performance.
To clean custom hearing aids, start by removing the earmold from the device. Gently wipe down the surface of the earmold with a soft cloth or tissue to remove any dirt or debris. Be careful not to use any harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the earmold.
Next, use a small brush or toothbrush specifically designed for cleaning hearing aids to remove wax buildup from the sound outlet and microphone ports. Make sure to brush gently and avoid applying too much pressure.
If there is excessive wax buildup on the earmold or tubing of your custom hearing aid, you can soak it in warm soapy water for a few minutes before gently rinsing it off with clean water. Allow it to air dry completely before reattaching it to your device.
It’s important to note that custom hearing aids may have different cleaning requirements depending on their specific design and manufacturer recommendations. Always refer to the user manual provided by your audiologist for detailed instructions on how best to clean your particular custom hearing aid model.
Regularly cleaning your custom hearing aids will not only help maintain their performance but also reduce the risk of infections caused by bacteria buildup. So make sure you establish a routine cleaning schedule and follow these steps diligently!
Additional Hearing Aid Cleaning Tips
Keeping your hearing aids clean is crucial for maintaining their performance and longevity. Here are some additional tips to help you keep your devices in tip-top shape:
- Remove earwax regularly: Earwax buildup can block the sound output of your hearing aids, so it’s important to clean them regularly using a soft, dry cloth or a specialised cleaning tool provided by your audiologist.
- Avoid moisture: Excessive moisture can damage the delicate electronic components of your hearing aids. When not in use, store them in a dry and cool place, preferably in a dehumidifier or an air-tight container.
- Protect from dirt and debris: If you’re spending time outdoors or engaging in activities that expose your hearing aids to dust or dirt particles, consider using protective covers or sleeves to prevent debris from entering the device.
- Clean hands before handling: Always wash your hands before touching your hearing aids to avoid transferring oils, dirt, or bacteria onto them.
- Regularly check tubing and filters: For behind-the-ear (BTE) style hearing aids with tubing and filters, inspect them regularly for any signs of blockage or damage. Replace worn-out parts as needed.
Remember that proper cleaning techniques may vary depending on the type of hearing aid you have – consult with your audiologist for specific instructions tailored to your device model.
When to See a Professional for Cleaning?
When it comes to cleaning your hearing aids, sometimes it’s best to leave it in the hands of a professional. While regular maintenance and cleaning at home can help keep your devices in good working order, there are certain situations where seeking professional assistance is necessary.
One instance when you should consider seeing a professional for cleaning is if you notice any physical damage to your hearing aids. This could include cracks, broken parts, or water damage. Attempting to clean them yourself could potentially worsen the damage or cause further issues with their functionality.
Another reason to seek professional help is if you’re experiencing problems with sound quality or volume. Sometimes these issues can be related to buildup of wax or debris within the device that requires specialised tools and expertise to properly remove.
Additionally, if you’ve followed proper cleaning techniques at home but still notice persistent feedback or distortion in your hearing aids, it may be time for a professional evaluation. They can inspect the devices thoroughly and determine if there are any underlying issues causing these problems.
Conclusion
Keeping your hearing aids clean is essential for maintaining their performance and longevity. Regular cleaning not only helps to prevent buildup of dirt, debris, and earwax but also ensures optimal sound quality and comfort.
By following the proper cleaning techniques discussed in this how to clean hearing aids article, you can effectively clean different types of hearing aids. Remember to always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning your specific type of hearing aid and consult with your audiologist if you have any concerns or questions.
Investing time and effort into maintaining the cleanliness of your hearing aids will not only prolong their lifespan but also promote better overall ear health. So make sure to incorporate regular cleaning into your routine and enjoy clear sound quality day after day!
