The Dos And Don’ts of Hearing Aid Care

You wouldn’t buy a Chevy Corvette and drive it through mud puddles or toss your trash in the back seat. It’s an investment, something that exudes personality and should be maintained with care. Well, just like a Corvette, your hearing aids are an investment that needs to be protected from harmful practices.

Why Cleaning Is Important

Your hearing aids can trap ear wax and debris that cause malfunctions or permanent damage and increase your hearing loss. Wash your hands before you care for your hearing aids. Get in the habit of cleaning your devices nightly as it gives them time to air out before you put them in again.

Try some of these tools to boost your hygiene routine:

• Toothbrush: A soft-bristled toothbrush will make quick work of cleaning the body and sound port of your device.
• Wax pick: You may need this pick to get in the tighter spaces of your hearing aids.

Cleaning Practices To Avoid

Cleaning solutions and household items can create costly wear and tear to your devices. Some cleaners will actually deteriorate the surface of the earmold.

Things to avoid:

• Alcohol wipes
• Household cleaners
• Chemicals of any kind
• Moisture or full submersion
• Safety pins, bobby pins, paper clips

Using pointy objects to dislodge wax or debris can puncture the components of your hearing device. Turn your device to the side while cleaning as lose debris can fall back into the compartments.

Cleaning Different Devices

In-the-ear devices:

• Use a soft brush or toothbrush to clean the openings like the microphone.
• Avoid cleaning upward, so debris doesn’t fall into the device.
• Use a wax pick or wire loop to clear out crevices the brush couldn’t reach.
• Wipe your hearing aids down with a clean, dry cloth to clean the surface.

Behind-the-ear devices:

• Check the hearing aid for debris and remove it as necessary.
• Check from the hearing aid and wipe them clean or soak in soapy water to avoid discoloring.
• Let the ear molds dry completely.
• Clear the water out of the tubing and let them dry overnight.

Consult Audiology & Hearing Aid Solutions for hearing aid cleaning tools or if you suspect damage to your hearing aids. Call 888.473.8702 or contact us online to learn more about our hearing aid styles, accessories, and pricing.