Your hearing aids are vital pieces of technology, and they’re a significant investment. Routine cleaning and maintenance are critical to keeping them in good working order for as long as possible. It’s recommended that you give your hearing aids a light spot clean every day. A recent survey reported that hearing aid users are staying on top of cleaning regimens: almost 60% of hearing aid users report cleaning their hearing aids a few times a week or daily.
What Tools Do I Need for Cleaning My Hearing Aids?
At the most basic level, you need:
- A soft cloth, like a microfiber towel
- A cleaning brush
- A wax pick
- A multitool
We also recommend getting a hearing aid dehumidifier to ensure the hearing aid dries properly after cleaning. Mitigate exposure to excess moisture whenever possible.
How Do I Clean My Hearing Aids?
Here’s a quick cleaning routine for you to do daily. It should take less than ten minutes, and can easily be done at night when you take your hearing aids out before bed. Do not use water on your hearing aids, and do not submerge them in water when cleaning.
- Wash your hands! Don’t handle your hearing aids with dirty hands; you could transfer dirt or grime onto the very surface you’re trying to clean, and oils left by your fingerprints can catch dust.
- Wipe down the body of the hearing aid with a dry, soft cloth.
- Clean earwax from the exterior with the cleaning brush.
- Remove stubborn earwax using the wax pick. Check all joints and seams where wax can hide that the brush might have missed.
- Replace the filter if there’s excessive buildup.
- Care for the battery. If you have hearing aids with replaceable batteries, open the battery compartment and let it sit open to air out the compartment. Change the batteries if necessary. If you have rechargeables, check the charge port for wax or dust and gently use the pick to remove any buildup. Then you can plug your hearing aids in for the night.
Note: Talk to your audiologist and consult your hearing aid manual before cleaning, as well. Never do anything with your hearing aids that your provider or manual tells you not to do. Always handle the delicate parts of your hearing aids, like the microphone, with care.
How Often Should I Have My Hearing Aids Professionally Cleaned?
We recommend visiting an audiologist for a professional cleaning every six months, even with diligent daily cleanings. Your audiologist has specialized tools for reaching those delicate, hard-to-reach places. You may have already paid for your service visit, so call Southwestern Hearing & Balance today.