How To Clean Your Hearing Aids
Hearing devices are a significant investment. Consistent care and cleaning is necessary to keep them in good working condition! Here are a few tips on how to maximize the life of your hearing aids.
Consult the Hearing Aid Manual
Read your hearing aid manual! During our initial hearing aid consultation, our team will demonstrate the appropriate cleaning technique to take care of your hearing aids on your own. While this process is discussed during the appointment, it can easily be forgotten with the amount covered at the initial visit. Don’t be afraid to pull out your manual and review these steps regularly when you get home!
Visit Your Audiologist
Schedule a visit with your audiologist every 6 months for a thorough cleaning and check of your hearing aids. Performance will gradually decline in the absence of consistent follow-up. This is no different from an oil change or tire rotation on your vehicle! We recommend 6 month follow-ups to verify the function of your hearing devices. If you produce an excessive amount of wax, you may need to schedule professional cleanings more often.
Cleaning Tools
To ensure appropriate cleaning, you need the right equipment. We recommend the following tools to clean your hearing aids:
- Wax removal brush
- Soft, clean, dry cloth
- Vent cleaner (in-the-ear hearing aids)
A cleaning kit is provided to you at your hearing aid fitting appointment. If you need any replacement cleaning tools, we have everything in stock at our office. Alternative tools you can use to clean your hearing aids are:
- A soft-bristle toothbrush instead of a wax removal brush
- Disinfectant wipes instead of a cloth.
Take Extra Care!
While hearing aids are quite durable, the microphone and receiver are the most vulnerable to deterioration. Careful handling of your hearing aids while cleaning helps decrease accidental damage.
General Tips
- Avoid water!
- Never use chemical solutions not made for use with hearing aids.
- Don’t insert anything into the microphone or receiver.
- Turn the hearing aid upside down while cleaning so debris falls out instead of in.
- Open the battery compartment at night to extend the life of the battery and allow the compartment to dry out.
- When changing the battery, brush the battery compartment to keep battery contacts clean.
Daily Tips
- Cleaning procedures should be done every morning. Wax, dust, dirt and debris dry overnight, making it easier to remove.
- Wipe the entire hearing aid down with a soft cloth.
- Brush the microphone cover.
- Brush the receiver and dome.
- Check and replace the wax guard as needed.
Regular cleaning is necessary to extend the life of your hearing aids and help keep them in excellent working condition. If you need a reminder on proper cleaning technique, please give our office a call at (303) 988-7299 or schedule online at modernaudiology.com/appointment for additional training!