How to clean your hearing aids: Tips and tricks

Hearing aids are valuable devices that can improve your quality of life and communication. However, they also require regular maintenance and cleaning to keep them functioning properly and prevent infections or damage. In this blog post, we will share some best practices and tips on how to clean your hearing aids, depending on the type and model you have.

Why is it important to clean your hearing aids?

Cleaning your hearing aids is important for several reasons:

• It prevents wax buildup, which can block the sound quality and cause feedback or whistling noises.
• It removes dirt, dust, and moisture, which can damage the electronic components and cause corrosion or malfunction.
• It reduces the risk of ear infections, irritation, or inflammation, which can affect your hearing health and comfort.
• It prolongs the lifespan and performance of your hearing aids, saving you money and hassle in the long run.

How often should you clean your hearing aids?

The frequency of cleaning your hearing aids depends on how much wax you produce, how often you wear them, and the environment you are in. However, as a general rule, you should clean your hearing aids at least once a day, preferably at night before storing them. You should also check them regularly for any signs of wax or debris buildup and clean them as needed.

How to clean different types of hearing aids?

There are different types of hearing aids, such as behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-canal (RIC), in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), or completely-in-canal (CIC). Each type has different parts and features that require different cleaning methods. Here are some common steps and tips for cleaning different types of hearing aids:

Cleaning BTE hearing aids with ear moulds

BTE hearing aids with ear moulds consist of a main device that sits behind the ear and a plastic ear mould that fits inside the ear canal. To clean them, follow these steps:

• First, wipe the hearing aid using a clean dry cloth or tissue to remove any dirt or moisture from the surface.
• Using the brush provided with your hearing aid, gently remove any wax or debris from the ear mould and main device.
• If there is any wax in the tubing of the ear mould, detach the tube from the body of the hearing aid. Carefully clean it out by gently blowing through the tubing or using a thin wire or vent cleaner to push out the wax.
• Reattach the ear mould to the device. Make sure it is securely connected and aligned.
• Once a month, you can also remove the ear mould from the device and wash it with warm soapy water. Rinse it well and let it dry completely before reattaching it to the device. Never use alcohol or other solvents to clean the ear mould as they can damage the plastic material.

Cleaning BTE hearing aids with thin tubes

BTE hearing aids with thin tubes consist of a main device that sits behind the ear and a thin tube that connects to a dome or tip that fits inside the ear canal. To clean them, follow these steps:

• First, wipe the hearing aid using a clean dry cloth or tissue to remove any dirt or moisture from the surface.
• Using the brush provided with your hearing aid, gently remove any wax or debris from the dome and main device.
• If there is any wax in the thin tube, remove the dome and detach the tube from the body of the hearing aid. Use a special cleaning wire that is provided with your hearing aid to clean the tube. Insert the wire into the tube from one end and push it through until it comes out of the other end. This should remove any wax buildup in the tube.
• Reattach the dome to the tube and the tube to the body of the hearing aid. Make sure they are securely connected and aligned.
• If the dome looks worn or damaged, replace it with a new one.

Cleaning RIC hearing aids

RIC hearing aids consist of a main device that sits behind the ear and a thin wire that connects to a speaker or receiver that fits inside the ear canal. To clean them, follow these steps:

• First, wipe the hearing aid using a clean dry cloth or tissue to remove any dirt or moisture from the surface.
• Using the brush provided with your hearing aid, gently remove any wax or debris from the speaker and main device.
• If there is any wax on the speaker, use the pick or tool provided with your hearing aid to remove it. Be careful not to damage the speaker or wire.
• Once a week, you will need to clean the wax filter on the speaker by removing it with the tool provided and replacing it with a new one. The wax filter prevents wax from entering the speaker and affecting the sound quality.
• If the speaker looks worn or damaged, replace it with a new one.

Cleaning ITE, ITC, and CIC hearing aids

ITE, ITC, and CIC hearing aids are custom-made devices that fit entirely inside the ear or ear canal. To clean them, follow these steps:

• First, wipe the hearing aid using a clean dry cloth or tissue to remove any dirt or moisture from the surface.
• Using the brush provided with your hearing aid, gently remove any wax or debris from the device. Pay special attention to the microphone and speaker ports, as well as the battery compartment.
• Your hearing aid may have a vent, which is a small hole that goes through the entire device. This allows air to circulate in your ear canal and prevents occlusion or a plugged feeling. Using the pick or tool provided with your hearing aid, remove any wax from the vent. Be careful not to push the wax deeper into the device or damage the vent.
• Once a week, you will need to clean or replace the wax filter on the speaker port. The wax filter prevents wax from entering the speaker and affecting the sound quality. Use the tool provided with your hearing aid to remove the old filter and insert a new one.
• If your hearing aid has a volume control or program switch, make sure they are free from dirt and work properly.

What are some dos and don’ts of cleaning your hearing aids?

Here are some dos and don’ts of cleaning your hearing aids:

• Do clean your hearing aids daily and check them for any signs of damage or malfunction.
• Do use the tools and accessories provided with your hearing aids or recommended by your audiologist.
• Do store your hearing aids in a dry and cool place when not in use. You can also use a dehumidifier or drying container to remove any moisture from your hearing aids.
• Do open the battery door when storing your hearing aids to ventilate them and preserve battery life.
• Do change your batteries regularly and dispose of them safely.
• Don’t use water, alcohol, or other solvents to clean your hearing aids as they can damage the electronic components and cause corrosion or malfunction.
• Don’t use sharp or metal objects to clean your hearing aids as they can scratch or puncture them.
• Don’t expose your hearing aids to extreme heat, cold, humidity, or direct sunlight as they can affect their performance and lifespan.
• Don’t drop your hearing aids or handle them roughly as they can break or crack.
• Don’t wear your hearing aids when showering, swimming, bathing, or exercising as they can get wet or damaged.

When should you visit your specialist for professional cleaning?

While you can clean your hearing aids at home using the methods described above, you may also need to visit your specialist for professional cleaning from time to time. This is especially true if you notice any of the following:

• Your hearing aids are not working properly or producing distorted or weak sounds.
• Your hearing aids are making feedback or whistling noises that are not resolved by cleaning or adjusting them.
• Your hearing aids have visible damage such as cracks, dents, loose wires, or broken parts.
• Your hearing aids have excessive wax buildup that you cannot remove by yourself.
• Your ears feel irritated, itchy, sore, or infected after wearing your hearing aids.

A hearing specialist can inspect your hearing aids and perform a thorough cleaning using specialized tools and equipment. They can also repair any damage or replace any parts that are worn out or faulty. They can also check your ears for any wax buildup or infections and treat them accordingly. Furthermore, they can adjust your hearing aids to ensure they fit comfortably and suit your hearing needs.

Conclusion

Cleaning your hearing aids is an essential part of caring for them and ensuring they work optimally for you. By following the best practices and tips outlined in this blog post, you can keep your hearing aids clean and prevent any problems that may affect their performance or lifespan. However, if you have any questions or concerns about cleaning your hearing aids, you should always consult a hearing specialist for professional advice and assistance.

We hope you found this blog post helpful and informative. Thank you for reading!