Modern hearing aids are true technological wonders, but like all good things, they must be maintained to function at their best.
In addition to being expensive, repairs can be pretty annoying if you have to go without one or both of your hearing aids. Because of this, you’ll have to clean them and protect them from damage.
Surprisingly, ear wax, which is acidic and corrosive, is the leading cause of damage to hearing aids. Wax intrusion into the sound outlets or microphone ports accounts for most hearing aid repairs.
After determining which hearing aids are best for you, it’s crucial to maintain them properly to retain their ideal performance and lower the likelihood of costly repairs.
To avoid damage, you should read our recommendations on how to take care of your hearing aids.
How Often Should You Get Them Cleaned?
No matter the kind, model, or form factor, hearing aids should at the very least be cleaned or brushed every day before going to bed. The device will last longer if you develop this good habit.
We advise performing a thorough clean at least once a week, but if you are aware that you produce a lot of earwax, you should increase this to once every few days.
It’s also best to get them cleaned by a hearing specialist to ensure they function correctly.
Preparations for Cleaning
Always read the instructions before using a new or different pair of hearing aids. This is crucial since the manufacturer could have included all the tools you need in the primary box your hearing aids came in, and there might be another method to safeguard them.
Once you are sure of your ability to clean them, choose a secure, spotless workplace, such as a table or countertop, and take a seat. The hearing aid is less likely to fall and sustain harm in this way.
Tools You Will Need
You will need the following to clean your hearing aid:
- A dry cloth that is devoid of lint
- Have two brushes, if possible. One for the sound outlet section that goes into the ear and one for the microphone ports. The separate brushes are necessary to prevent wax from entering the microphone ports, which you could have picked up when cleaning the sound outlet.
- A thin plastic wire for vent cleaning
- An alcohol solution is an optional tool for sterilizing your earpiece
Things to Avoid
Avoid cleaning the hearing aid itself with water or detergents or with chemical cleaners or bleaches that are not intended for use on hearing aids. However, if removed from the hearing aid, ear molds can be cleaned with soapy water and allowed to dry completely before reattaching.
Cleaning Different Types of Hearing Aids
There are different ways to clean hearing aids depending on the type you have:
- Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Aids: The ear mold should be taken from the hook. Every day, clean the ear molds and take out any dirt.
- In-the-Ear (ITE) Aids: The device’s openings should receive most of the cleaning attention. This includes the microphone, which must be cleaned with a very soft toothbrush or a brush given by your audiologist.
- To prevent the debris you are removing from potentially obstructing the tubing, make sure the area you are cleaning is pointing downwards.
- Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE) Aids: A very thin wire with a speaker that fits into the ear canal is used in place of the tube. This area must be brushed because it is covered in a wax filter.
Conclusion
It can be costly to get your hearing aids repaired or replaced. Preventive maintenance is the best way to preserve your hearing aids and prevent the need for significant repairs and replacements.
Are you looking for the best hearing aids in Rhode Island? Hear More Associates have the most trusted hearing care specialists to match you with the hearing aids you need. Check out our collection today!
