Hearing aids are more than a tool you use daily. They play a huge part in your quality of life. As a result, learning how to clean hearing aids thoroughly is a wise decision.
Cleaning hearing aids is a crucial aspect of owning hearing aids. With appropriate maintenance, your hearing aids can last for a long time without needing to be cleaned or repaired by a specialist. While accidents and emergencies may happen, learning the best way to clean hearing aids can help you avoid problems.
This guide will cover the basic do’s and don’ts to maintain clean hearing aids as well as how to clean hearing aids at home.
Your hearing aids will be a constant companion in your daily life, so taking these preventative measures can go a long way toward keeping your hearing aid clean.
Establish cleaning habits: Before using any hearing aid cleaner, wash your hands thoroughly, and to ensure that water and soap don’t damage your hearing aids, shower and wash your face and hair without them.
Clean your hearing aids before sleep: Cleaning your hearing aids before bedtime allows them to air out throughout the evening before you put them back in the following day. When cleaning hearing aids, avoid wipes that include chemicals or alcohol since they can harm the devices.
Avoid severe heat or cold: If it's below freezing outside and you need to shovel the driveway, keep your hearing aids inside your home instead of placing them in your pocket. Similarly, if you're going out on an expedition near the ocean during the summer, leave your hearing aids inside instead of putting them on a beachside table.
Before we explain how to clean hearing aids, it’s best to familiarize yourself with the tools for your specific type of hearing aids. Hearing aids come with a variety of cleaning equipment, including:
BTE tool: On one end of the cleaning tool for BTE hearing aids is a brush, and on the other is a long wire. The wire is used to clean the flexible tubing, and the brush is used to clean the exterior of the hearing aid.
RIC and ITE tools: These tools have a little brush on one end and a short wire loop on the other end of the cleaning tool for RIC and ITE hearing aids. The loop is referred to as a "wax loop." It's used to get earwax out of hard-to-reach areas.
Multi-tool: Designed to be adaptable for different types of hearing aids, a multi-tool will have both a brush and a wax loop for a thorough cleaning, making these all-in-one tools extremely versatile.
Cleaning cloth: You'll also need a tissue or microfiber cloth to clean the various components of your hearing device.
Hearing aids are fragile devices that you need to keep a vigilant watch over. While you’re undoubtedly aware that you should ensure they avoid contact with water, here are some things to consider when tending to your hearing aids.
Avoid leaving them in the bathroom or the kitchen: Because these are high-traffic areas with liquids, it's better not to keep them there, even for a short time. It just takes a fraction of a second for them to be washed into the sink or drowned.
Take them out when applying hair products: When wearing hearing aids, avoid applying hairspray or other hair treatments. If you use hairspray or gel daily, look for a substitute. The spray might clog up your hearing aids and cause issues.
So, how do you clean hearing aids? The techniques and methods you use to clean your hearing aids will be determined by the style you own.
ITE models can frequently accumulate wax in the tiny openings, so when you’re learning how to clean your hearing aids from ear wax, use a soft-bristle toothbrush or a brush given by your hearing healthcare expert to clean the apertures in the device, including the microphone ports. Hold the hearing aid with the hole you're cleaning, pointing down so that any loose particles fall out instead of being trapped within.
After that, clean anything remaining with the brush, wax pick, or hook.
Wipe off the entire unit with a clean, dry towel or tissue to clear any remaining debris from the hearing aid's casing.
To clean the earmold, remove it from the hook. Over time, some earmolds, particularly those made of soft materials, can discolor and stain. Cleaning them regularly and soaking them once a week in warm, soapy water will assist in their longevity.
Force water out of the tube using a bulb blower, then let it dry thoroughly overnight.
Allow the molds to dry thoroughly before using them and avoid using any alcohol or other chemicals. Your earmolds may acquire a minor odor over time, but a strong smell might suggest an ear infection. If you notice one, see your hearing healthcare specialist.
Remove any remaining debris from the device with a gentle brush or a dry towel.
Finally, how to clean hearing aid domes.
To remove any debris or dried wax, wipe off the surface of your dome and thin wire with cleaning wipes or a cloth.
Using the hearing aid brush, clean all dirt from the sound exit at the end of your dome. You should thoroughly clean the whole surface of your hearing aid. Pay special attention to the hearing aid microphones, two holes on the rear of your hearing aid, generally above the program button.
Using a brush, gently clean these apertures to eliminate any debris or dust.
If the wax filter is discolored, filthy, or there is wax within that cannot be brushed out, replace it.
A tool to modify the filter will be included in the package of new filters you get. Remove the old filter from the sound outlet with one end, then gently replace it with a clean filter with the other.
Remove any wax off the dome using a brush.
Keep in mind that RIC hearing aid maintenance should be performed monthly.
Do the following at night for all types of hearing aids:
While learning how to clean hearing aids at home can prolong their lifespan, they should be cleaned by a professional regularly, as directed by your hearing care provider. Audiologists have vacuums with specific attachments that gently suck wax from hard-to-reach places, and they know how to clean vents, microphone screens, windscreens, and receivers safely.
By following these basic tips on how to clean hearing aids, you can enjoy the sounds in your life for years to come. However, if you are still unsure how to maintain your hearing aids correctly, contact EarPros. With our network of licensed hearing care professionals, we make it easy to sign up for a free consultation so you can continue your journey to better hearing.
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