Hearing aids are a large investment, and it’s a good practice to learn how to clean and maintain them at home to save money. These tiny marvels of technology operate in conditions far from ideal – the inside of your ear canals, where they are subjected to earwax and a lot of moisture. Regular cleaning combined with routine maintenance that is provided by your hearing care professional will give you many years of reliable hearing.
Here’s How You Can Clean out Your Hearing Aids
The proper tools: A wax pick and brush are important tools for at-home cleaning as earwax can collect in the opening of a hearing aid where the sound comes out, causing a muffled sound or feedback. If left long enough, it can even damage the receiver. You can then use your pick and brush to gently clear the wax away.
Good habits: Always wash your hands before starting to clean your hearing aids and leave them out during your hygiene routine. Soap and water can damage your hearing aids – so make sure to remove them before washing your face and showering.
Cleaning out your device at the end of the day: Cleaning your hearing aids before you sleep gives them several hours to air out before you have to put them in again. Avoid any wipes with chemicals or alcohol when cleaning out hearing aids as they could damage the devices.
Extreme temperatures: If the temperature is below freezing and you decide to take your hearing aids to shovel the driveway, remember to leave them inside the house instead of storing them in your coat pocket. Likewise, if you take your hearing aids out to take a dip in the pool on the hottest day of the summer, leave them inside the house instead of keeping them on a poolside table.
When to Visit a Professional
Hearing aids should regularly be professionally cleaned as recommended by your hearing care provider. They have specialized vacuums with custom attachments that gently suck wax from hard-to-reach areas, they also know how to safely clean the vents, microphone screens, windscreens as well as receivers.
If you aren’t sure how to properly clean your hearing aids or feel your devices need special care, reach out to your hearing care professional for help.
