Hearing aids don’t require much upkeep, but since they are vital to your quality of life, it’s essential to clean them regularly and keep up with any maintenance. Taking care of your hearing aids keeps them in good working condition and prevents the need for repairs. You should do a spot clean of your hearing aids daily and a more thorough cleaning weekly or every other week.
How Do I Clean My Hearing Aids?
Below, we’re going to provide a simple daily cleaning routine that will work for just about anyone. However, before consulting this routine, you should read the manual for your hearing aids and have a conversation with your hearing health care provider. Never do anything to clean your hearing aids that the manual or your provider tells you not to do.
That being said, here’s a quick and easy daily cleaning routine. This can easily be done in the evening when you take your hearing aids out to go to bed.
- Wash your hands. Do not skip this step; you should not handle the delicate parts of your hearing aid with dirty hands.
- Wipe down the body of the hearing aid using a soft cloth. Hold the hearing aid upside down when cleaning ports and openings so any debris you dislodge will fall out.
- Remove earwax using a brush or wax removal tool.
- Replace the filter (if necessary).
- Tend to the battery. If you have rechargeable hearing aids, make sure the charging port is free of wax or dust and plug your hearing aids in. If you have hearing aids with replaceable batteries, open the battery compartment at night to air out the compartment.
Remember to handle the delicate components with care and be gentle as you clean them. Do not use water to clean your hearing aids, as internal technology can become damaged when it comes in contact with water.
What Components of My Hearing Aid Need Cleaning?
There are three main places of every model of hearing aid that need regular care:
The Shell
Wax or debris on the outer surface of the hearing aid can cause discomfort to the ear and affect the fit of the hearing aid. The shell can accumulate dirt and oil in grooves, creases or seams, so pay special attention to those places. Use a soft cloth or tissue to wipe it down, and use a brush for more stubborn wax buildup.
The Receiver
Wax buildup on the receiver can cause hearing aid failure, so clean this area often. Your hearing aids should have come with a wax pick; use this pick to scoop wax out of the opening. Don’t use too much force, or you may damage the receiver.
Some hearing aids have wax guards or wax filters for the receiver. Consult your hearing health care provider on how to clean your specific wax prevention system.
The Microphone
Never poke anything into the microphone port. The microphone is one of the most delicate components of your hearing aids, and probing it, even gently, can cause damage. Use a hearing aid brush to sweep across the microphone port.
Should I Get My Hearing Aids Professionally Cleaned?
Yes! Even if you diligently clean your hearing aids every day, it is still recommended that you get them professionally cleaned every six months. An audiologist will have specialized tools to reach places your cloth and brush cannot. Call Beneficial Hearing Aid Center today if you have any questions or to schedule a cleaning.