Tips for Hearing Aid Cleaning
Hearing aid maintenance at Tri-County Hearing locations in Florida is recommended about every six months to keep your devices working reliably and make adjustments to meet changes in your hearing. However, cleaning your hearing aids at home in between visits is essential to extending their lifespan and minimizing issues. Clean, well-maintained hearing aids provide clearer sound and reduce the likelihood of repairs, and with a few simple tools and tips, you can clean your hearing aids right at home.
Tools Used for Cleaning Hearing Aids
When you start wearing hearing aids, a tool cleaning kit is an essential accessory to purchase with them. Most kits provide the same general tools, but our team of hearing care professionals will assist in making sure you have the right tools for your specific style. The basic tools include a brush, wax loop, and microfiber cloth, but here’s a thorough list to consider:
- Hearing Aid Brush – Use this to gently remove any debris on the exterior.
- Slim Tube Cleaning Tool – You can use this to remove any blockages in the slim tube.
- Wax Loops – Earwax buildup is one of the number one problems for hearing aids, and you can use this to remove it.
- Earmold Tubing Blower – This tool clears moisture from the tubing.
- Disinfectant Spray – Kills germs on the surface of your device to keep your ears healthy.
- Microfiber Cloth – Even a gentle wipe-down with a cloth at the end of every day is effective.
- Hearing Aid Dehumidifiers – These are fantastic for storing your hearing aids at night and removing moisture when not wearing them; especially useful for water-resistant models.
In-the-Ear Hearing Aid Tips for Cleaning
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids fit snugly in your ear canal. Here’s how to keep them in good condition:
- Clean Your Hands – Always clean and dry your hands before handling your hearing aids to prevent oil and dirt transfer.
- Wipe Down the Device – Remove the hearing aid from your ear and gently wipe away any debris from its surface with a soft, dry cloth or a special hearing aid brush.
- Inspect for Earwax – Check the device’s openings for earwax buildup. Use a wax loop to carefully remove any obstructions that didn’t come out after wiping it down.
- Clean the Microphone Port – Use the hearing aid brush to clear the microphone port of earwax or debris.
- Check the Battery Compartment – Look for any signs of corrosion or dirt, and if necessary, clean it with a dry cotton swab.
- Store Properly – When not in use, store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place and keep them in their case to protect them from damage and moisture.
Cleaning Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids have a small device that sits behind the ear and a tube that connects to an earmold in the ear canal. Here’s how to keep them clean:
- Wash Your Hands – Start with clean hands.
- Remove the Earmold – Most BTE hearing aids allow you to remove the earmold for easier cleaning.
- Use a Wire Loop – If your earmold has a speaker, use the wire loop tool to clean the opening.
- Clean With Warm Water – If your earmold doesn’t have a speaker, use a gentle soap and warm water to clean it, then rinse and dry thoroughly before reattaching it to your device.
- Clean the Tubing – Use an earmold tubing blower or air puffer to remove moisture from inside the tubing.
- Clean the Exterior – Use a hearing aid brush or microfiber cloth to gently clean the device’s surface.
- Inspect for Debris – Look for any debris in the microphone port and remove it with a wax loop or brush.
- Store Properly – When not in use, store your BTE hearing aids in their case and keep them away from heat and moisture.
Daily Maintenance Tips
Whether you use devices to improve your hearing or manage tinnitus, these daily cleaning and maintenance tips will help extend the lifespan of your hearing aids:
- Keep Batteries Charged – Most aids today have rechargeable batteries. Charge them at night while you’re sleeping so they’re ready for the next day. If you have disposable batteries, keep them fresh.
- Avoid Moisture – Remove your hearing aids before taking a shower, swimming, or engaging in any activity that may expose them to moisture.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures – Don’t leave your hearing aids in a hot car or near heat sources, as high temperatures can damage them.
- Schedule Regular Checkups – It’s important to have your hearing aids checked and serviced regularly by a professional to ensure they continue to work correctly.
How to Make Hearing Aids Last Longer
By following these simple steps when maintaining and cleaning your hearing aids, you can keep them in excellent condition between visits to your local Tri-County Hearing center in Florida for professional assistance. Proper care goes a long way in preserving their function and getting as many years as possible from them before they need to be replaced. Have questions about your hearing aids? Find one of our locations near you to schedule an appointment for hearing aid assistance or an exam.
