If you have to wear hearing aids, you’ll know just how invaluable they are for making everyday living easier. Looking after your hearing aids will ensure they work as efficiently as possible, for a long time. Regular cleaning is key to looking after your hearing aids properly, so here’s how to keep hearing aids clean.
The importance of cleaning hearing aids
Hearing aids are prone to getting dirty. They can suffer from exposure to earwax, moisture and dirt, which can build up over time, potentially affecting their ability to function effectively. That’s why regular cleaning of hearing aids is vitally important and should be carried out on a daily basis. If you’re not sure how to keep hearing aids clean, fortunately, it’s a relatively simple task.
Equipment needed
In order to make sure that your hearing aids receive the most appropriate cleaning treatments possible, it’s crucial to have the right cleaning tools to hand. If you’re not sure what you need, or what steps you need to take to keep your hearing aids in tip-top condition, consult a specialist for advice.
Typically, you’ll need a wax pick or hook, and a soft-bristle toothbrush or brush, as well as clean, dry tissues or cloths, all of which can be easily purchased.
Cleaning hearing aids
How you clean your hearing aids depends on which type of hearing aid you have.
If you have a model that is placed inside the ear, it is especially important that you remove any wax that may have accumulated on the device. Using your brush, gently clean the openings of the hearing aid, including the microphone port. Place the openings of the hearing aids downwards, so that loose particles can be easily removed from the device.
Any debris left inside the openings can then be removed using a wax pick or hook.
Give the hearing aids a final wipe down with a clean, dry cloth.
If you have hearing aids that are positioned behind the ear, take a look at the device first and use a clean cloth or soft brush to remove any visible debris.
Next, clean the earmold by removing it from the hook. If the earmold appears to be stained or discoloured, wipe it daily and give it a soak in warm, soapy water about once per week. Never use alcohol or chemicals when cleaning the aids as this could damage them.
If there is any water left in the tubing of the hearing aids, using a bulb blower can help to remove this excess moisture.
The parts of the hearing aids should be left to dry completely before they are used again.
Whatever type of hearing aids you use, it’s also important to take good care of the batteries. The battery compartment should be cleaned regularly with a soft brush, and when the batteries are removed at night to store in the compartment, this should be kept open to keep them dry.
How to keep hearing aids clean
It’s important to establish regular cleaning routines to keep your hearing aids as clean as possible. For instance, cleaning them before going to bed each night is a good idea, as it allows them to dry properly before morning.
Make sure your hands are always clean before you touch or clean the hearing aids, to prevent the transmission of dirt. You can also prevent any oils or liquids from dirtying aids or creating a build-up of grease by removing them before you take a shower or wash your hair, or when doing any activity where you might get hot and sweaty.
If you need further advice on how to keep hearing aids clean or information about hearing tests in Livingston , don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Almond Hearing today.
Find out more about hearing aids with these useful articles: