Figuring out the best hearing aid for your unique degree of loss is only half the battle; proper hearing aid upkeep is key to keeping you connected. While many recommend having your hearing aids professionally cleaned and serviced a few times a year, there are plenty of steps you can take at home to help keep your hearing aids clean and working well between visits.
Keeping Your Ears Clean
Just like taking your car into Knuckleheads Garage for servicing, the key to hearing aid success is preventative care. Before you put your hearing aid in, it is important to make sure you are keeping your ears clean. Ears contain dead skin and earwax, which can adhere to your hearing aids and cause clogs. You should clean your ears after a shower using a swab or towel to brush around the outer ear to remove any debris. Never place anything inside your ear; studies have shown this can cause injury.
Hearing Aid Cleaning Tools
While different styles of hearing aids require slightly different methods of cleaning, the basics rarely change. In order to clean your hearing aids, you will need:
- A soft, dry cloth
- A brush
- A small hook or wax pick
- A cleaning solution specifically designed for use on hearing aids
- A dehumidifier or drying box
Hearing Aid Cleaning Steps
First, you will need to inspect your hearing aids, paying careful attention to any areas of buildup or blockage. Earwax can be removed from the outer casing of the hearing aid with a soft, dry cloth or brush. Make sure to hold your hearing aid facing downward when cleaning, as this will prevent any debris from falling into the device.
The small hook or wax pick is then used to clear the holes of the hearing aid.
The earmold, which is the part of your hearing aid that sits within the ear canal, must also be cleaned. This part can be cleaned with soapy water or a cleaning solution specifically designed to be used on hearing aids. Make sure the earmold is disconnected from the rest of the hearing aid before cleaning; it is just as important to make sure the earmold is completely dry before reattaching.
The final step in the cleaning process is to use a dehumidifier or drying box to store your hearing aids overnight. This helps to remove any moisture that has built up inside the devices throughout the day.
To learn more about cleaning your hearing aids or to schedule an appointment with a hearing aid expert, contact Tinnitus & Hearing Experts today.