How to Clean Hearing Aids: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Hearing aid cleaning demands equal importance to daily usage because these devices accumulate earwax, dust and moisture within your ears. Every day, small devices that rest inside or behind your ears accumulate earwax along with dust and moisture. The improper cleaning of hearing aids leads to blockages and damage, which reduces your ability to hear properly. Cleaning hearing aids requires just a few minutes of your daily routine while proving to be an uncomplicated process.

This guide teaches you straightforward methods for at-home cleaning of your hearing aids. No matter which hearing aid model you use, BTE, ITE, or CIC, they require proper maintenance and handling.

Why Cleaning Your Hearing Aids Matters

Cleaning your hearing aids is beneficial for several reasons:

• Enhanced Sound Quality: Ensuring earwax and debris don’t block the microphone and receiver areas improves clarity and uninterrupted sound.
• Extended Lifespan: Maintaining clean hearing aids prevents moisture and wax from damaging them, possibly helping them last longer and function as intended.
• Fewer Repairs: Cleaning your hearing aids regularly is a preventive approach for cleaning and fixing, fewer technical issues and service appointments mean less expense.
• Healthier Ears: Regular hearing aid cleaning minimises bacteria and wax accumulation, reducing the risk of itching, discomfort or an ear infection.

Basic Hearing Aid Hygiene Tips

Before we delve into the details of cleaning, here are some simple things to consider:

• Wash your hands before touching your hearing aids.
• After you wear your hearing aids, wipe them down each day with a dry, soft cloth.
• Keep hearing aids away from water, steam, or hair sprays of any kind.
• When you are not using your hearing aids, we recommend that you store them in a dry box or case. 

Tools You Will Use to Clean Your Hearing Aids

To clean your hearing aids correctly, you will want to have the following materials:

• Soft Brush: Used to remove dirt and wax without scratching.
• Wax pick/Loop: For stubborn wax.
• Dry cloth or tissue; Used to wipe off surfaces. 
• Drying box/dehumidifier: For moisture. 
• Air blower (optional): You may use the air blower to help dry out tubing.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Different Types of Hearing Aids

BTE hearing aid cleanings

• Take the earmold off the hook.
• Wipe the outer shell with a dry cloth.
• Soak the earmold in warm, soapy water (never the electrical component).
• Blow off any moisture with an air blower.
• Let it dry completely overnight before putting it back on in the morning.

ITE hearing aid cleanings

• Use a small brush surface to remove earwax.
• Use the wax loop to remove from the holes gently.
• Gently wipe it off with a dry cloth.
• No water because it can damage the components.

CIC hearing aid cleaning

• Be careful brushing the minimal parts.
• Change the wax guard regularly.
• Put the hearing aids in the drying kit every night.
• Check the microphone and vents with a drill bit for blockage.

How to Change Wax Guards

What is a wax guard?

• A small filter that protects the hearing aid from wax. 
• When to change it?
• When the sound is low or muffled.
• When it looks clogged. 

How to change it:

Follow these steps:

• Remove the old wax guard using the tool provided.
• Insert the new one gently into place.
• Always test the sound after you have changed the wax guard.

How Often Should You Clean Your Hearing Aids?

Tips for Long-Term Care and Storage

• Use a dehumidifier every night: Moisture is the enemy of electronics. A dehumidifier box will remove sweat and humidity that keep your hearing aids wet and operating outside their designated conditions.
• Keep hearing aids away from children and pets: Pets may chew on hearing aids, and children may accidentally handle them or lose them. Store your hearing aids in a safe case out of their reach.
• Avoid wearing when applying sprays or lotions: Hair sprays, body sprays, perfumes, and facial creams can clog microphones and destroy internal components. It is wise to use these products before you put on hearing aids.
• Turn off when not in use. Without a power source, you can conserve battery life, reduce unnecessary wear; without a power source, can last and steal the show during sleep or long periods of non-use.

When to Seek Professional Cleaning or Repairs

Even a clean home might not be enough. Consider seeking help if:

• Sound is distorted or gone.
• Hearing aids are physically damaged.
• Your hearing devices create an unpleasant fit or cause physical discomfort.
• Household cleaning methods sometimes prove insufficient.

Recommendations: Products For Caring For Hearing Aids.

• Signia Dry & Clean Box
• Widex DRY-GO UV Sanitiser
• Multi-tool Cleaning Kits include brushes and loops together with cloths.
• Air Blowers and Desiccant Capsules

Conclusion

Maintaining your hearing aids is simple and vital. Regular care only takes a few minutes per day to keep you hearing well, save you repair costs, and keep your ears healthy. Make cleaning a habit, and enjoy the benefits of your hearing aids! 

If you have found this guide useful, please share it with every other hearing aid user that you know. Also, make sure you see your audiologist regularly!