How to Clean Hearing Aids and Why It Matters

How to Clean Hearing Aids and Why It Matters

by | Jan 16, 2020 | Hearing Aids, Patient Resources

Are your hearing aids acting up? Are you experiencing poor sound quality or feedback? They’re probably due for a good cleaning. Hearing aids encounter earwax and moisture daily, so they need to be cleaned often.

Even if they’re working perfectly, regular maintenance protects hearing and prevents repairs.

Gentle cleaning can be done at home and supplemented with support by your audiologist. Just like you brush your teeth at home but see a dentist for deeper cleans, your hearing aids benefit from home care, as well as professional cleaning.

How to Take Care of Hearing Aids

Hearing aids tuck sophisticated technology into a tiny package. While we only carry the most durable products at Clarity Hearing, you should still handle them with care.

Cleaning hearing aids prolongs their life and also sustains hearing ability. When you strain to hear through clogged components, you diminish auditory processing.

  • Start With Good Tools- A brush and pick are essential tools since earwax muffles sound. When earwax accumulates, it can damage the receiver or get compacted in your ear, leading to tinnitus. Use a brush to clean the surface and a wax pick or wire loop to remove wax from small holes. Some brushes even have battery removal tools or come in the multi-tool form.
  • Keep Away from Beauty Products- Remove hearing aids before washing your face or hair to avoid getting suds inside. Use hair spray or hair gel before putting your hearing aids in, and make sure your hands are free of products before you handle them.
  • Avoid Extreme Temperatures- If you’re spending a day in the snow or on the beach, leave your hearing aids inside or store them under shade or in an insulated container. If you need to wear them, periodically go inside and return to moderate temperature.
  • Clean Hearing Aids Before Bed- Clean hearing aids at the end of the day, so they have time to dry out and dehumidify before you put them in again. Don’t use any chemicals or cleaning products on your device without checking with your doctor.

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Cleaning Tips for ITE and BTE Hearing Aids

In the Ear (ITE) hearing aids require frequent removal of wax build-up. Hold the device facing downward, so debris falls out of it and not deeper inside. Then use a brush approved by your audiologist to clear away wax. Follow up with a wax pick or wire loop to clean holes and crevices, and then wipe it clean with a dry cloth.

Behind the Ear (BTE) aids need the surface cleaned with a brush or cloth. Earmolds can be removed from the hook and washed with warm, soapy water. Avoid alcohol or household cleaners.

Clearwater from the tubing with a bulb blower and allow it to dry overnight. Daily care is essential, but remember to schedule professional maintenance.

Specialized vacuums will remove wax from hard-to-reach areas and clean delicate components like screens, vents, and receivers. Call us today for support with your hearing aids. We love hearing from you!

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Dr. Scott Marquardt - Doctor of Audiology & CEO of Clarity Hearing

Scott Marquardt is the owner of Clarity Hearing and a highly skilled audiologist who has been in practice for over 20 years. Dr. Marquardt earned a master’s degree in audiology from Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas, and a doctorate from A.T. Still University. He is a member of the American Speech Language Hearing Association and a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology. He and the team offer comprehensive hearing healthcare services and specialize in the care of tinnitus, imbalance, and auditory processing disorders.

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