Tips for hearing aid cleaning

Practical Tips for Cleaning Your Hearing Aids

Keeping your hearing aids clean might seem like a small task, but it’s a big deal for maintaining clear sound and ensuring your device’s longevity. Just like your favorite pair of sneakers that need cleaning to keep them looking sharp and functioning well, hearing aids require regular care, too. This guide offers simple, expert-approved tips for cleaning your hearing aids. 

Whether you’re new to using hearing aids or looking for ways to keep your current device in top shape, these recommendations will help you get the most out of your hearing aid technology. Read on for hassle-free advice on how to keep your hearing aids clean and fully operational. 

General Hearing Aid Cleaning Practices & Precautions

Proper care is essential for optimal hearing aid performance. Begin by gently wiping your device with a dry, soft cloth daily to eliminate surface dirt and earwax. It’s critical to keep hearing aids dry – exposure to moisture can damage their delicate internal components. Similarly, avoid placing them in direct sunlight as it can degrade the materials. 

Household cleaners, water, or alcohol-based solutions should never come into contact with your hearing aids, as they can cause irreparable harm. Regularly replacing filters is a must to prevent clogging and maintain clear sound quality. Always handle your device with care, especially more fragile parts like the microphones and receivers, to ensure it functions at its best. 

Essential Cleaning Tools & Supplies

Investing in a toolkit equipped with specific items can transform your hearing aid maintenance routine. These specialized accessories are designed to tackle different aspects of cleaning and ensure your hearing aids work efficiently. Here’s a list of essential tools every hearing aid user should consider: 

• Microfiber Cloth –A must-have for daily maintenance. This cloth gently cleans the hearing aid body without leaving scratches or residues. 
• Hearing Aid Cleaning Brush – This tool features soft bristles, which are perfect for gently removing earwax and debris from the hearing aid surface and speaker ports. 
• Tube Cleaning Tool – This tool is especially beneficial for models with tubing; it helps clear obstructions and maintains clear sound pathways. 
• Wax Pick or Wire Loop – Designed to meticulously remove earwax buildup from nooks and crannies, ensuring nothing impedes your device’s performance. 
• Earmold Tubing Blower – Utilize this to push air through the earmold tubing, effectively removing moisture and debris without causing damage. 
• Hearing Aid Multi-Tool – An all-in-one gadget combining several maintenance tools like a brush, wire loop, and more for comprehensive care. 
• Hearing Aid Dryer – Protect your device from moisture damage with a dryer designed to safely and efficiently eliminate internal condensation.

Cleaning Behind the Ear Hearing Aid Models

Cleaning behind the ear (BTE) hearing aid models require careful attention to detail to ensure they remain in optimal condition. Follow these steps weekly to effectively clean your BTE devices:

1. Start With the Earmold – Detach the earmold from the hook to clean it separately. Use warm, soapy water for this task if your earmolds are not electronic. Thoroughly rinse and allow them to dry completely before reattaching them to the hearing aid. 
2. Wipe the Hearing Aid – Using a dry, soft cloth or a specialized microfiber cloth, gently wipe the body of the hearing aid. This will remove any debris or earwax that has settled on the surface. 
3. Clean the Microphone Ports – Utilize a soft-bristled hearing aid brush to carefully clean around the microphone ports. This removes any dust or debris that might be obstructing clear sound transmission. 
4. Check the Tubing – For BTE models with tubing, inspect them for moisture or earwax buildup. A tube cleaning tool or earmold tubing blower can be used to clear any blockages. 
5. Remove Earwax Buildup – Use a wax pick or wire loop to gently scrape away any accumulated earwax from the earmold or tubing. Be cautious not to push wax further into the tubing. 
6. Dry Your Hearing Aid – If you have a hearing aid dryer or dehumidifier, place the hearing aid and earmold overnight to remove any residual moisture. This step is crucial, as moisture can significantly affect the device’s performance. 
7. Inspect and Replace Filters – Regularly check and replace any wax filters or guards if your hearing aid has them. These components help to protect the device from earwax and debris.

Cleaning In the Ear Hearing Aid Models

In the ear (ITE) hearing aid models also require meticulous care to ensure they function seamlessly. A thorough cleaning prevents earwax and debris from affecting sound quality and the device’s lifespan. Follow this step-by-step process every week to maintain your ITE hearing aids effectively:

1. Inspect the Device – Begin by visually inspecting your hearing aid for any visible signs of earwax or debris accumulation. 
2. Brush Off Debris – Using a soft-bristled hearing aid brush, gently brush away any debris from the surface of the hearing aid, paying special attention to the microphone and speaker ports. 
3. Remove Earwax Buildup – Equip yourself with a wax pick or wire loop, carefully removing any earwax that’s built up in the nooks and crannies of the device. It’s crucial to approach this step with care to avoid damaging the hearing aid. 
4. Disinfect Non-Electronic Parts – Clean any non-electronic parts that can be detached, such as the earmold, with a mild soap and warm water solution if approved by your hearing care provider. Ensure they are completely dry before reassembling the hearing aid. 
5. Wipe the Hearing Aid – Using a dry, microfiber cloth, gently wipe the entire hearing aid to remove any leftover particles or moisture. This cloth is specifically designed to clean without leaving scratches or lint. 
6. Utilize a Vent Cleaner – ITE models often have tiny vents that can become clogged; use a vent cleaning tool to clear these pathways, ensuring air and sound can move freely through the device. 
7. Dry the Hearing Aid – Employ a hearing aid dryer or dehumidifier to eliminate any moisture that may have accumulated inside the device. Placing the hearing aid in a dryer overnight is ideal for removing moisture and ensuring the device is ready for use the next day. 
8. Check and Replace Filters – If your ITE hearing aid is equipped with filters or guards, inspect them regularly for wax or debris. Replace these components as needed to prevent obstruction that could impair the hearing aid’s functionality.

Why Hearing Aid Maintenance Matters 

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your hearing aids are instrumental to their operational integrity, ensuring every sound is captured with clarity and precision. By adopting these expert guidelines for hearing aid care, you’ll safeguard the intricate inner workings of your device and bolster its reliability. 

Your commitment to routine care keeps your hearing aid functioning the way it should, allowing you to experience life’s moments in full, vibrant detail. For more guidance or to schedule a hearing aid cleaning and maintenance appointment, contact our team or visit one of our hearing care centers today.