If you wear hearing aids, you know how crucial they are to your daily life, helping you stay connected with the world around you. Just like any other electronic device, hearing aids require regular maintenance to function at their best. One of the most important aspects of this maintenance is keeping your hearing aids clean.
Proper cleaning not only extends the life of your hearing aids but also ensures optimal performance and prevents ear infections. Read on for the step-by-step process of cleaning your hearing aids. Whether you’re a new user or have been using hearing aids for years, this guide will provide you with the essential tips and tools you need to keep your devices in top condition. Let’s dive in!
In This Article:
Why Cleaning Your Hearing Aids Is Important
Hearing aids are intricate devices that require regular care and maintenance to function effectively. Here’s why keeping your hearing aids clean is essential:
1) The Impact of Dirt, Earwax, and Moisture
Over time, your hearing aids can accumulate dirt, earwax, and moisture. These substances can clog the tiny microphones and speakers within the device, leading to:
- Reduced Sound Quality: Accumulated debris can muffle sounds, making it harder to hear clearly.
- Device Malfunction: Moisture and wax can interfere with the electronic components, potentially causing your hearing aids to stop working altogether.
- Increased Repairs: Frequent exposure to dirt and moisture may result in more frequent need for professional repairs, which can be costly and inconvenient.
2) The Benefits of Regular Cleaning
Regularly cleaning your hearing aids ensures they remain in optimal working condition, which brings several benefits:
- Enhanced Performance: Clean hearing aids deliver clearer, crisper sound, allowing you to hear and understand conversations better.
- Extended Durability: By preventing the buildup of damaging substances, regular cleaning helps prolong the lifespan of your hearing aids, providing better value for your investment.
- Cost Savings: Well-maintained hearing aids require fewer repairs and replacements, saving you money in the long run.
3) Health Benefits
Maintaining clean hearing aids is not only about device performance but also about your health:
- Preventing Ear Infections: Dirty hearing aids can harbour bacteria and fungi, which may lead to ear infections. Regular cleaning reduces the risk of such infections, ensuring your ears stay healthy.
- Comfort and Hygiene: Clean hearing aids are more comfortable to wear and help maintain good ear hygiene, contributing to overall ear health.
Tools You Will Need
To clean your hearing aids effectively, having the right tools is essential. These tools ensure thorough cleaning and maintenance, keeping your devices in top condition. You can easily find all the necessary supplies at our online shop, Hearing Aid Accessories, which you can find here. Here’s what you’ll need:
1) Brush
Small brush designed specifically for cleaning hearing aids. They help remove earwax, dirt, and other debris from the tiny nooks and crannies of your hearing aids.
2) Cleaning Cup
For soaking and cleaning ear moulds. These cups are designed to hold the cleaning solution and ear moulds, making the deep cleaning process straightforward and effective.
3) Cleaning Tablets
Used for deep cleaning ear moulds and hearing aid components. Designed to be used with a cleaning cup, they dissolve in water and provide a thorough cleaning solution that helps remove stubborn debris and bacteria.
4) Drying Cup
Keeps your hearing aids dry and free from moisture. These cups often work with drying capsules to ensure that your hearing aids stay dry, especially overnight.
5) Drying Capsules
Designed for use with a drying cup, they help to remove moisture from your hearing aids. Moisture can significantly affect the performance of your devices, and these capsules ensure they can stay dry and functional.
6) Cleaning Spray
Specially formulated sprays to sanitise and clean your hearing aids. These sprays help in disinfecting the surfaces and removing any potential bacteria or germs.
7) Air Puffer
Used to blow away debris and moisture from the hearing aids. This tool is particularly useful for small, hard-to-reach areas without causing damage.
8) Cleaning Wipes
Convenient for quick cleaning on-the-go. These wipes are pre-moistened with a gentle cleaning solution, perfect for wiping down your aids quickly and easily.
For your convenience, there are also ready kits available that include all these tools in one package. These kits provide a comprehensive solution for maintaining your hearing aids, making it easy to keep them clean and in optimal condition. You can find one here.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Guide
1) Preparation
Before you start cleaning your hearing aids, make sure you have all the tools mentioned above. Wash your hands thoroughly and dry them completely before handling your hearing aids to prevent contamination.
2) Daily Cleaning Routine
At the end of the day, use a small brush to gently remove any visible dirt or earwax from the surface of the hearing aids. Pay special attention to the microphone and speaker areas.
After that, use a cleaning wipe to sanitise the exterior of the hearing aids. This helps remove any bacteria and keeps the devices clean and safe to use.
Overnight, make sure to place your aids in a drying cup with a drying capsule. Drying boxes are available as an alternative, and they also act as a protective case.
3) Weekly Deep Cleaning
In addition to your daily routine, a deeper cleaning once a week will ensure your hearing aids remain in top condition.
To do this, carefully detach the ear moulds from the hearing aids. Place them in a cleaning cup with a cleaning tablet, following the instructions provided with the tablets. Let them soak to remove built-up earwax and other residues.
After soaking, rinse the ear moulds thoroughly with clean water. Allow them to dry completely before reattaching them to the hearing aids. This prevents moisture from entering the electronic components.
4) Monthly Maintenance
Once a month, a more detailed maintenance check is required to ensure your hearing aids are in good working order.
Use an air puffer to blow away any remaining debris from hard-to-reach areas such as the hearing aid tubing.
Additionally, make sure to check your hearing aids for any signs of damage of wear and tear. Look for cracks, loose components, or any other issues that might require professional attention.
Tips for Maintaining Your Hearing Aids
Proper maintenance of your hearing aids goes beyond regular cleaning. Here are some essential tips to ensure your devices remain in top condition:
1) Avoid Extreme Temperatures and Moisture
- Protect from Heat and Cold: Keep your hearing aids away from extreme temperatures, such as direct sunlight, heaters, or cold environments. Extreme temperatures can damage the electronic components of your devices.
- Prevent Moisture Exposure: Moisture is a major enemy of hearing aids. This is why you mustn’t wear them in the shower, while swimming, or in heavy rain. Always dry your ears thoroughly before inserting the aids.
2) Store Your Hearing Aids Safely
- Use a Hearing Aid Case: When not in use, store your hearing aids in a dedicated hearing aid case. This protects them from dust, moisture, and accidental damage.
- Drying Boxes and Chargers: Many drying boxes and chargers double up as storage units. In addition to their main function, these devices keep your hearing aids dry and safe from moisture buildup. Consider investing in such a device for added convenience and protection.
3) Schedule Regular Check-ups
- Professional Maintenance: Regular check-ups with your hearing care provider are crucial. They can professionally clean your hearing aids, check for any issues, and make necessary adjustments to ensure optimal performance.
- Annual Evaluations: Aim for at least one annual visit to your hearing care provider to keep your hearing aids in the best possible shape to monitor any changes in your hearing needs.
Hear4U: Your Partner in Hearing Aid Maintenance
At Hear4U, we understand that maintaining your hearing aids can sometimes be challenging. That’s why we offer a variety of services to help you keep your devices in top condition. Whether you need routine maintenance, component replacements, or repairs, our team of experts is here to assist you.
We offer a wide range of maintenance services, including:
1) Component Replacements
- Wax Guards: Essential for protecting the internal components of your hearing aids from earwax buildup.
- Tubing: Regular replacement of tubing ensures clear sound and comfort.
- Domes: Properly fitted domes are crucial for optimal sound quality and comfort.
We provide high-quality replacements of these components and more, ensuring your hearing aids function as intended.
2) Fittings and Repairs
Our team can handle a wide range of repairs, from minor adjustments to major fixes. Whether your hearing aids need a quick tune-up or more extensive work, we have the expertise to get them back to perfect working order.
We’re Here to Help!
If you’re struggling with any aspect of hearing aid maintenance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re committed to providing exceptional support and service. Simply pop into one of our locations or click the button below to contact us. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is always ready to help you with your hearing aid needs.
