Your hearing aids are vital pieces of technology that keep you connected to the world around you and benefit your overall health and well-being. Keeping them in good working condition is essential. Being proactive with cleaning and maintenance is the best way to ensure they continue working at optimum levels, so weāve compiled a comprehensive guide on hearing aid cleaning and maintenance.
Cleaning Your Hearing Aids
A good hygiene routine for your hearing aids can prevent a lot of issues down the line and extend the life of your hearing aids. Many common hearing aid issues are caused by earwax and dust buildup, so regularly removing all debris will greatly benefit your hearing aids.
How Often Should You Clean Your Hearing Aids?
We recommend cleaning your hearing aids with a gentle spot clean every day. Itās good practice to clean them when you take them out at night before going to bed. You should also do a thorough deep cleaning every week to every month.
Basic Cleaning Regimen
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Wipe down the body of the hearing aid with a microfiber washcloth. This will remove oil from your fingers, sweat and dust.
- Use a hearing aid brush to brush away earwax and dirt. Focus on the receiver, microphone and ventilation areas. Be gentle; these areas are delicate.
- If this is a more thorough cleaning, use a wax removal tool, such as a wax loop or wax pick, to remove stubborn earwax buildup from the nooks and crannies that the cloth and brush miss.
- Check the filter for earwax buildup and replace it if necessary. Do not skip this step; earwax buildup on the filter can cause major issues if left unaddressed.
- Inspect the battery compartment for earwax buildup or moisture. If you have replaceable batteries, remove them from the hearing aids to allow the battery compartment to air out. If you have rechargeable hearing aids, dock them on your charger.
When to Get Your Hearing Aids Professionally Cleaned
Even with daily cleaning, it is still recommended to have your hearing aids professionally cleaned. We recommend visiting every six months, but this timeframe may vary depending on your lifestyle and the type of hearing aid you use.
Maintaining Your Hearing Aids
There are further habits to adopt to keep your hearing aids working for as long as possible. Here are some below.
Proper Storage
Whenever you take your hearing aids out, make sure to store them in a safe place, out of reach of pets or children, and somewhere where they canāt be knocked to the ground, squished, or stepped on. Use a durable, hard-shell case and store it in a safe location, such as a drawer or shelf. Donāt store them in humid environments, such as the bathroom.
Drying Your Hearing Aids
Water and hearing aids donāt mix. If you accidentally submerge your hearing aids in water, such as wearing them in the pool or shower, use an electric dryer to warm them and remove the moisture gently.
Additionally, moisture can occur in the form of sweat, rain and humidity. Consider leaving your hearing aids in a hearing aid dry box every week or so to combat moisture accumulation.
Basic Troubleshooting
If you experience sound issues with your hearing aids, such as distorted or muffled sound or feedback, there are several steps you can take at home to troubleshoot the problem. First, clean your hearing aids as described above. As discussed, earwax buildup can be a significant cause of hearing aid issues; removing it often goes a long way in correcting these problems. If that doesnāt work, check your hearing aid’s program settings. You may have accidentally switched the program to a T-coil program or another program intended for use with wireless assistive listening devices.
If that doesnāt solve the issue, or if youāre experiencing other problems with your hearing aids, make an appointment with your audiologist for service and repairs. We have specialized tools and knowledge that can help get ahead of bigger malfunctions. We know your hearing aids are a significant investment, and we are happy to help you maintain them.