How to Easily Clean Your Hearing Aids
10-25-2022
Hearing aids should be kept clean to ensure they serve you efficiently and for a lengthy period. Hearing aids are expensive, and keeping them clean saves you on replacement and repair costs. That is why we put together this article with simple steps to guide you on easily cleaning your hearing aids.
Hearing Aid Cleaning Tools
The following are the most commonly used hearing aids cleaning tools:
- Alcohol-free hearing aids cleaner
- A soft, clean, and dry cloth
- Disinfectant wipes
- A wax removal brush
- A gentle child’s toothbrush for wax removal
- Wire loop/wax pick
- Vents cleaner
You can purchase hearing aid cleaning kits containing all the tools mentioned above from your regular supplier, online, or various retailers. You can also go for multi-tools, which combine several tools into a set.
Use Caution When Cleaning Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are delicate, especially the microphone and receiver parts. Therefore, you should clean your aid carefully to avoid breaking or damaging sensitive components. Consult your professional provider if you are uncertain how to clean your hearing aid model.
Here are some safe cleaning tips to remember:
- Never use non-hearing aid wipes or chemical solutions when cleaning hearing aids.
- Never allow water on your hearing aid, as it can destroy the delicate device.
- Never put anything into the microphone or receiver ports, and avoid getting wax or dirt into the hole.
How Often Should You Clean Your Hearing Aids?
Some cleaning practices should be performed daily, while other cleanings should be done once a week.
Daily Routine
- Every morning, remove wax and buildup. Wax and buildup dry overnight, making it easy to remove the following morning.
- Brush the microphone cover gently to remove any wax or debris.
- Gently clean the whole hearing aid using a soft cloth or proper wipe.
Weekly Routine
- Spend a little more time carefully cleaning additional debris and buildup once a week.
- Remove any persistent deposits or wax buildup using a wax pick/wire loop. However, NEVER use the pick near the receiver ports or microphone.
- Check and replace the wax guard appropriately on models with wax guards.
Steps For Cleaning ITE (In the Ear) Hearing Aids
Remove built-up wax using a gentle toothbrush or wax removal brush offered by your healthcare provider. You can also use these tools to clean the device openings, such as the microphone port. In this procedure, place the device with an opening pointing down for any loose dirt particles to fall off and not stick inside the hearing aid.
The next step is to use a wax pick or hook to remove any dirt left in the brush. Lastly, use a clean, dry tissue or towel to wipe the entire hearing aid. This clears the debris from the hearing aid’s case.
Steps For Cleaning BTE (Behind the Ear) Hearing Aids
Remove any dirt from the device using a dry towel or a gentle brush. Before you start cleaning the ear mold, remove it from the hook. Various ear molds may stain or discolor over time, particularly those made of soft fabrics. You should therefore wipe them daily and soak them in warm, anti-bacterial, soapy water for about 15 minutes once a week.
Leave the molds to dry fully overnight before using them. Additionally, never use alcohol or any chemicals to clean the molds. Ear molds might acquire a slight odor over time; if the odor becomes strong, you may have an ear infection. If this is the case, visit your hearing healthcare specialist for a checkup. Lastly, force water out of the tube using a bulb blower and let it dry overnight.
Hearing Aid & Ear Cleaning in Laredo, TX
Hearing aids should be maintained through regular professional cleaning as directed by a hearing care practitioner. Consult a hearing care professional for guidance on cleaning your hearing aid and doing it right. Oliveira Audiology & Hearing Center is your ideal destination for all your hearing checkups and treatment, hearing aids, and hearing aid repair in Laredo. Reach us for expert help with hearing aid and ear cleaning in Laredo, TX.
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