Like any other item that is used on a daily basis, hearing aids require proper care and maintenance. As they operate in the ear canal, they are constantly exposed to hazardous conditions such as ear wax and moisture which are not ideal for any piece of technology, and this is why they need to be cleaned regularly. The better care you take of your aids, the better they will serve you and the longer their life will be.
The first step to proper hearing aid maintenance is to ensure that you are aware of any cleaning/care tips that are specific to your device. Consult your hearing care professional and carefully read through your manual before attempting to clean the device(s).
What Tools Do You Need?
In order to clean your hearing aids correctly, you must first ensure that you have the proper tools. Listed below are the main products you will need to keep your aids free from debris and moisture:
- Wax Removal Brush
- Wax Removal Pick/Wire
- Tube & Vent Cleaner
- Disinfectant Wipes for Hearing Aids
- Cleansing Spray
- Microfiber Cloth
- Air Puffer
How Often Should You Clean Your Hearing Aids?
There are parts of the cleaning routine that should be performed daily, and ones that need to be done on a weekly basis.
Perform Daily:
- Wipe down the outer part of your hearing aids using a microfiber cloth
- Use a wax removal brush to brush over the microphone
- Leave the battery compartment open overnight so that the generated moisture can dry out
- In case there is any moisture within the tube, use the air puffer so that the air blows it out
Perform Weekly:
- Using your Wax Wire, pick away any dirt or wax
- Remove accumulated wax from the hearing aid tube using your Tube Cleaner
Cleaning Your Hearing Aids According to Their Type
Whilst the basic elements of hearing aid hygiene are similar across all kinds of hearing equipment, the cleaning method you should follow depends on the specific type of your hearing aid(s):
ITE (In-The-Ear) Devices
- Use your brush to brush over the microphone, receiver, and vent openings
- Clean any debris out of the air vent using your wax wire
- For larger vents, use a vent cleaner across the opening, carefully running it across in each direction
- Use your microfiber cloth to wipe the entire outside part of your hearing aid gently and carefully
BTE (Behind-The-Ear) Devices
- Using your brush, gently clean the outside of your hearing aid
- After removing the earmold from its nook, carefully brush it
- Use the wax wire to clean off any leftover debris from the earmold
- Wipe your hearing aid(s) and earmold using your microfibre cloth
What You Should Avoid
There are some common cleaning and maintenance mistakes that you could make as an individual who requires hearing aids that shorten the life of your hearing devices and should be avoided as they might result in damage:
- Using scissors/needles instead of the tools required
- Handling the devices without having washed your hands
- Cleaning the aids using harsh solutions/cleaning agents (e.g., alcohol)
- Getting your hearing equipment wet (unless it is waterproof)
Consulting a Hearing Care Professional
An important point that should be made here is that hearing aids need regular professional maintenance. Your hearing care professional will be able to provide a deeper clean as they possess the skills and tools needed for one. It is a good idea to have your devices professionally cleaned every few months as an addition to your regular cleaning routine.
This Is Where You Can Purchase Quality Hearing Aid Cleaning Tools
Keeping in mind the importance of cleaning your hearing aids properly, it is evident that investing in quality cleaning products is key to extending your device’s life as much as possible. On our Hearing Aid Accessories website, you can find all the tools you will need to clean your aids safely and effectively. Not only are they of top-range quality, but they also come at amazing prices! Browse our shop and discover the products most suitable for your hearing aids here.
