Guide for Maintaining and Cleaning Your Hearing Aids

Man cleaning his hearing aid.

Hearing aids are essential devices that improve your hearing and enhance your quality of life. They do, however, need to be routinely cleaned and properly maintained just like any technology does. The lifespan of your device can be substantially extended by routine cleaning which will also allow you to hear more clearly. Let’s take a look at some measures you can take to maintain your hearing aids.

Routine cleaning and professional tuning

To keep your hearing aids functioning at their best, it’s essential to clean them on a daily or weekly schedule. A quick cleaning routine doesn’t take very long but is really helpful in preserving sound quality and device longevity.

Together with your regular at-home care, periodic professional maintenance by a hearing professional is advised. It’s comparable to a dental visit where professional cleanings are important alongside your regular at-home cleaning and maintenance routine. A deep clean by a professional 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.

Simple care guidelines for daily use

Taking a few basic precautions can significantly increase the longevity and performance of your hearing aids. Avoid common pitfalls by utilizing these tips:

Clean Before Bed: When you clean your hearing aids before bed they will be completely dry by the time you wake up and put them back in.
Protect From Extreme Temperatures: Avoid exposing your hearing aids to extreme weather conditions. If it’s particularly cold or hot, leave your devices indoors rather than bringing them outside.
Keep Them Dry and Chemical-Free: Moisture and chemicals can be damaging to your hearing aids. Before going for a swim, taking a shower, or using products like hair spray, make sure you remove them.
Wash Hands Before Handling: Skin oils and debris can interfere with the function of your hearing aids so make sure you wash and dry your hands before handling them.
Safe Storage: When not in use, keep your hearing aids stored in a protective case or in their charger to avoid exposure to dirt or physical damage.
Use a Dehumidifier: If it’s really humid, a dehumidifier can be used to keep the moisture away from your hearing aids.

Tools for proper hearing aid care

You will need the right tools to properly maintain your hearing aids. Here are a few of the things you can expect to find in a hearing aid care kit:

Hearing aid dryer: Helps eliminate moisture, particularly after a long day of use.
Cleaning brush: For eliminating dust and wax buildup.
Slim tube cleaner: For getting rid of debris stuck in the tubes.
Microfiber cloth: Ideal for wiping down the surface of your hearing aids.
Wax pick or loop: For gently removing earwax from small crevices.

Our hearing specialists can help you keep your hearing aids in tip-top working order by guiding you to the best tools and maintenance techniques.

Cleaning differs depending on the type of hearing aid

There are some minor differences in how you clean different models of hearing aids. Here are customized cleaning guidelines 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

Clear the Ventilation Tube: Push a slim cleaning tool through the vent tube to ensure there’s no blockage.
Remove Wax with a Loop: Use a wax loop or pick to carefully remove any remaining earwax.
Wipe the Exterior: Wipe down the whole outer surface with a microfiber cloth to eliminate any debris.
Brush Debris Away: Holding your hearing aid face down, carefully brush away any wax or debris that has collected on the surface.

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

Clear the Tubing: Push a pipe cleaner through the tubing to remove wax or moisture, then wipe the outside with a cloth.
Detach the Tubing: The first thing to do is remove the tube from the device.
Reassemble and Test: Reassemble and test your hearing aids once everything dries.
Clean the Microphone Openings: Brush the microphone openings to ensure they’re clear of debris.
Use a Wax Pick: Eliminate any stubborn wax with a loop or pick.
Clean the Aid: Carefully wipe away any wax or dirt while holding the device face down, paying particular attention to the portion around the receiver and microphone.
Soak the Ear Mold: Remove and soak the ear mold in warm, soapy water to release any accumulation. Eliminate any excess moisture with a tubing blower and finish with a dry cloth.

Preventing ear infections with effective hygiene

Outside of the upkeep of your devices, it’s just as important to clean your ears. Excessive buildup of earwax can negatively impact the functionality of your hearing aid and cause your ears discomfort and potentially infection. Regularly cleaning your ears and hearing aids will help reduce the chance of these problems.