How to Correctly Maintain and Clean Your Hearing Aids

Man cleaning his hearing aid.

Hearing aids are crucial devices that improve your hearing and enhance your quality of life. However, like any technological investment, they require routine care and cleaning to ensure optimum performance. Regular maintenance can significantly extend their lifespan and ensure you’re hearing clearly. In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps to effectively clean and care for your hearing aids.

Routine cleaning and professional tuning

You should clean your hearing aids once a week or more. A quick cleaning routine doesn’t take very long but is really helpful in maintaining sound quality and device longevity.

We suggest you periodically bring your hearing aids in for a professional tune-up in addition to your regular cleaning schedule. Think of it like visiting the dentist, while brushing and flossing are helpful, professional cleanings ensure the best results. A deep clean by a professional is recommended every six months or so. This not only keeps them in top condition but also helps identify any potential issues early.

Basic everyday care tips

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

Clean Before Bed: Cleaning your hearing aids before bed gives them a chance to dry completely before you wear them again in the morning.
Use a Dehumidifier: Keeping your hearing aids in a dehumidifier while you sleep can help keep them dry and free of moisture that might cause malfunction.
Keep Them Dry and Chemical-Free: Your hearing aids can be damaged by excessive moisture. Be sure to remove them before taking a shower, swimming, or applying products like hairspray or perfume.
Safe Storage: Prevent physical damage and exposure to dirt and debris by keeping your hearing aids in their charger or their protective case when not in use.
Wash Hands Before Handling: Always wash your hands before touching your hearing aids to avoid transferring oils or debris that could interfere with their function.
Protect From Extreme Temperatures: Harsh weather conditions can damage your hearing aids. If it’s particularly cold or hot, leave your devices indoors instead of bringing them outside.

Tools for proper hearing aid care

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

Wax pick or loop: For gently removing earwax from small crevices.
Hearing aid dryer: Helps eliminate moisture, especially after a long day of use.
Microfiber cloth: An ideal tool for cleansing the outer surface of the hearing aid.
Slim tube cleaner: For getting rid of debris stuck in the tubes.
Cleaning brush: For clearing away excessive wax and dust.

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

Step-by-step cleaning based on hearing aid type

There are some minor differences in how you clean different types of hearing aids. Here are tailored cleaning instructions for two prevalent types of hearing aids: In-The-Ear (ITE) and Behind-The-Ear (BTE).

How to clean In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids

Wipe the Exterior: Use a soft microfiber cloth to clean the entire outer surface, getting rid of any residue.
Clear the Ventilation Tube: Make sure the vent tube is clear by pushing a thin cleaning tool through it.
Brush Debris Away: Gently wipe away any debris or earwax from the surface of your hearing aid while holding it face down.
Remove Wax with a Loop: Use a wax loop or pick to carefully extract any remaining earwax.

How to clean Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids

Clean the Aid: Gently wipe away any wax or dirt while holding the device face down, paying particular attention to the area around the receiver and microphone.
Reassemble and Test: Once everything is dry, reassemble your hearing aids and test to make sure they’re functioning properly.
Clean the Microphone Openings: Clear the microphone of debris by brushing its opening.
Use a Wax Pick: Use a loop pick to eliminate any stubborn wax that may remain.
Detach the Tubing: Begin by detaching the tubing from the hearing aid itself.
Soak the Ear Mold: Remove and soak the ear mold in warm, soapy water to release any buildup. Get rid of any excess moisture with a tubing blower and finish with a dry cloth.
Clear the Tubing: Run a pipe cleaner through the tubing to eliminate wax or moisture, then clean the outside with a cloth.

Preventing ear infections with effective hygiene

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

Set up a professional hearing aid cleaning

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

Call Today to Set Up an Appointment