How to Correctly Maintain and Clean Your Hearing Aids

Man cleaning his hearing aid.

For individuals with hearing loss, hearing aids are crucial for improved hearing and total quality of life. They do, however, need to be routinely cleaned and correctly maintained just like any technology does. The lifespan of your device can be substantially lengthened by regular cleaning which will also allow you to hear more clearly. In this guide, we’ll go through the steps to effectively clean and care for your hearing aids.

Keeping your hearing aids clean and getting professional tune-ups

You should clean your hearing aids at least once every week. A quick cleaning routine doesn’t take very long but is really helpful in preserving sound quality and device longevity.

We recommend you periodically bring your hearing aids in for a professional tune-up along with your regular cleaning schedule. It’s similar to a dental visit where professional cleanings are important alongside your normal at-home cleaning and maintenance routine. Usually, you are encouraged to bring your hearing aids in every six months for a deep clean by a specialist. This not only keeps them in top condition but also helps diagnose any potential problems early.

Simple care guidelines for everyday use

The performance and longevity of your hearing aids can be substantially increased by using these few basic tips. Avoid common obstacles by implementing these tips:

Keep Them Free of Moisture and Chemicals: Moisture and chemicals can be detrimental to your hearing aids. Before going for a swim, showering, or using products like hair spray, make sure you take them out.
Clean Before Bed: Cleaning your hearing aids before bed gives them an opportunity to dry completely before you use them again in the morning.
Protect From Extreme Temperatures: Extreme weather conditions can damage your hearing aids. If it’s especially cold or hot, leave your devices indoors instead of bringing them outside.
Use a Dehumidifier: Keeping your hearing aids in a dehumidifier while you sleep can help keep them dry and free of moisture that could cause malfunction.
Safe Storage: Prevent physical damage and exposure to dirt and debris by keeping your hearing aids in their charger or their protective case when they aren’t in use.
Wash Hands Before Handling: Always clean your hands before touching your hearing aids to avoid transferring oils or debris that could hinder their function.

Hearing aid care tools

Taking care of your hearing aids requires the right tools. Here are some of the things you can expect to find in a hearing aid care kit:

Slim tube cleaner: To clear out any debris stuck in the hearing aid tubes.
Wax pick or loop: For gently cleaning out earwax from small crevices.
Hearing aid dryer: Dries any moisture accumulated after using the device all day.
Cleaning brush: For cleaning excessive wax and dust.
Microfiber cloth: The best tool for cleansing the outer surface of the hearing aid.

Your hearing specialist can guide you on the best tools and practices to keep your hearing aids in excellent condition.

Step-by-step cleaning based on hearing aid type

Different types of hearing aids require somewhat different cleaning practices. Here are tailored cleaning guidelines for two prevalent types of hearing aids: In-The-Ear (ITE) and Behind-The-Ear (BTE).

Cleaning In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aids

Brush Debris Away: Holding your hearing aid face down, carefully brush away any wax or debris that has collected on the surface.
Remove Wax with a Loop: Any remaining earwax can be gently removed using the loop or pick.
Clear the Ventilation Tube: Push a thin cleaning tool through the vent tube to ensure there’s no blockage.
Wipe the Exterior: Wipe down the entire outer surface with a microfiber cloth to eliminate any debris.

How to clean Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aids

Clean the Aid: Carefully wipe away any wax or dirt while holding the device face down, paying specific attention to the area around the receiver and microphone.
Detach the Tubing: The first thing to do is remove the tube from the device.
Clear the Tubing: Clean the exterior of the tube with a cloth after running a pipe cleaner through it.
Soak the Ear Mold: Remove and soak the ear mold in warm, soapy water to release any accumulation. Eliminate any excess moisture with a tubing blower and finish with a dry cloth.
Use a Wax Pick: Use a loop pick to clear away any stubborn wax that may remain.
Clean the Microphone Openings: Brush the microphone openings to ensure they’re clear of debris.
Reassemble and Test: Once everything is dry, reassemble your hearing aids and test to make sure they’re working correctly.

Effective hygiene can help prevent infections

Outside of the upkeep of your devices, it’s just as important to clean your ears. Earwax buildup not only inhibits your hearing aids but can also lead to discomfort and infection. Regularly cleaning your ears and hearing aids will help decrease the risk of these issues.

Set up a professional hearing aid cleaning

Your hearing aids will serve you well for many years with correct maintenance.

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