How to Clean Hearing Aids at Home Without Damaging Them

Hearing aids make it possible for users to have clear communication, be part of conversations, and stay connected to loved ones. Nevertheless, the hearing aid is subjected to earwax, moisture, dust, and skin oils due to frequent use. Hearing aid cleaning will assist in maintaining the hearing aid and preventing it from being blocked.

Knowledge about how to clean the device will help the patient to take care of his hearing aid in a safe way without making any errors which might damage the device. Proper maintenance of hearing aids is an essential part of taking care of your hearing aids at Timko Audiology. Cleaning the hearing aid at home doesn’t require any special or costly materials. Usually, a clean cloth and some recommended accessories for cleaning by the manufacturer would be enough.

Why Regular Hearing Aid Cleaning Matters

A hearing aid is a small electronic instrument placed near the ear. Such a device can become susceptible to daily deposits. As the hearing aid is used regularly, it might get covered with earwax, moisture, skin oils, and dust on the outside, inside the sound outlets, and the microphones’ openings, for instance. In time, this might influence the operation of a hearing aid. It means that, if there is an obstruction in the form of earwax, for instance, in a sound outlet or wax guard, it might make the hearing aid work more quietly or provide distorted sound. The same applies to dust or earwax in microphone openings.

Through proper maintenance, you will be able to prevent build-up of earwax, dust, and moisture, and you will also be in a position to identify any faults or issues that you may have. You will also be able to check whether the hearing aid is damaged and whether there are other components that might affect the functionality of the device. However, not all these problems can be fixed using cleaning only. If the issue of poor sound quality persists, you should look for professional help.

Essential Tools You Need for Cleaning Hearing Aids Safely

Prior to beginning, collect the right cleaning materials. The use of proper equipment will ensure that there is no damage done to sensitive surfaces or further embedding of dirt.

• Soft, dry cloth: It is necessary to use a soft and lint-free cloth in order to clean the dust, fingerprints, and other residue off the exterior part of the hearing aid without any damage to its surface.
• Cleaning brush: It is important to use a brush designed for cleaning the hearing aid in order to clean the dust off the hearing aid that may get stuck in the openings.
• Wax removal tool: If you have such a tool supplied along with the hearing aids, you should use it in order to clean visible earwax that may be around the sound outlet.
• Wax guards/filters: They protect the receiver from earwax getting into it.
• Drying accessories: Drying containers and devices can be used in order to control moisture level in the hearing aids.

Avoid using common chemicals like alcohol, solvents, pointed objects, etc., which have not been designed to be used on the hearing aid. These materials can damage the outer body as well as the interior components of the hearing aid. Before using any cleaning material or accessory, it is advisable to refer to the instruction manual of the hearing aid manufacturer.

Step-by-Step Guide to Hearing Aid Cleaning at Home

It is easy to do the cleaning when there is a routine. Prior to doing so, it would be advisable to turn off the hearing aid as per advice from its maker. In case of those who use disposable batteries, ensure you remove them before proceeding to clean the device.

1. Wash and Dry Your Hands Always begin with clean and dry hands. This way, your hearing aid will not be contaminated with any dirt and moisture during the process of putting and taking off the hearing aid. Besides, pick a clean, dry, and well-lit place to prevent the loss of small parts.

2. Wipe the Outer Surface Clean the surface of the hearing aid using a soft and dry piece of cloth. Make sure to clean the portions that come into contact with the skin, such as the outer cover and other parts surrounding the ears. It should be done without exerting pressure and without using a wet cloth. It is crucial that the residues be removed from the equipment properly without putting anything into the holes. The hearing aid is not meant to come in contact with water even though it is regarded as water-resistant.

3. Clean the Microphone Openings Microphones capture noise in the surrounding environment, which makes it necessary to keep the mic holes clean. This can be done using the designated cleaning brush following the manufacturer’s instructions on brush positioning and direction.

Apply gentle pressure when brushing and do not brush deep into the holes. Compressed air must not be used, as the force of air might be very harsh on the sensitive equipment. If there is dirt stuck in one of the holes, consult professionals for help and don’t try to remove it by piercing the holes with a sharp instrument.

4. Remove Visible Earwax From the Sound Outlet Wax may also build up within the sound channeling portion of the hearing aid. In order to solve this problem, you should employ the brush or wax cleaning device provided for removing the wax. Ensure you clean all external areas and never push the earwax into the sound outlet.

Some of the behind-the-ear hearing aid devices will come with the replaceable wax filters near the receiver while others will have their own design. Check your user’s manual to learn the correct way of cleaning your hearing aid device. The replacement of the wax guard can be done only if the hearing aid allows you to do it.

5. Clean the Earmould or Dome This depends on how your hearing aid works and if it is equipped with a detachable ear mold or foam plug. Each part can be cleaned following the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Detachable ear molds may be washed separately, but remember to keep your electronic hearing aid dry at all times.

Soft domes should be cleaned following the instructions for each specific model. Do not try to remove the delicate tubes and other components that were not meant to be removed by yourself. If you have any questions, contact your audiologist.

6. Check the Battery Compartment or Charging Contacts

In the case of hearing aids that take disposable batteries, you will need to clean out the inside by checking for any dirt or moisture inside. This process must be done according to the manufacturer's directions only. Do not use metal pieces to scrape the contacts inside the compartment. For rechargeable hearing aids, always make sure that the charging contact points are clean and dry using the correct procedure. Make sure that the hearing aid is dry before you place it on the charger. If the contact points are corroded or the hearing aid does not charge, have it checked by an expert.

Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Your Hearing Aids

Even when done with good intentions, the wrong technique will result in damage. The following are some of the mistakes to avoid:

1. Application of water to the electronic device: The water might get into the device and affect the components inside.
2. Application of alcohol or household cleaning products: These might harm the coatings, plastics, and other materials used.
3. Usage of sharp objects: Needles, pins, toothpicks, and other sharp objects might cause damage to the openings.
4. Breathing into the microphone holes: It will bring moisture into the device, which might accumulate there.
5. Disregarding instructions of the manufacturer: Each model requires a certain way of cleaning.
6. Force the components apart: This could result in damage when removing the tubing, domes, or other parts.
7. Exposure to extreme heat: This can damage the electronic parts and batteries when using hair dryers and heaters.

It is equally important to avoid these errors as it is to clean visible dirt. If you find a part hard to clean, don’t force it. A hearing aid specialist will advise on the safest way to clean your hearing aid.

How Often Should You Clean Your Hearing Aids?

Cleaning schedule will vary according to the number of times you wear your hearing aids and the amount of earwax your ears produce. It is better to have a cleaning schedule rather than wait until the dirt becomes apparent.

Daily - Wipe the outer surface and check for visible earwax or moisture.

As needed - Clean accessible microphone openings, sound outlets, and earmoulds using approved tools.

According to the manual - Replace wax guards, clean removable components, and maintain charging contacts.

At recommended intervals - Arrange professional cleaning and servicing when advised by your hearing care provider.

Those who use hearing aids for the whole day or who have a lot of wax in their ears will need to be more careful about the sound outlet. But aggressive cleaning does not help. Gentle cleaning is better than frequent brushing.

When to Consult a Professional for Hearing Aid Maintenance

Your home maintenance will help you keep your hearing aid clean, but at some points, you will be required to visit your hearing aid care specialist. This will happen in the event of certain issues like having very low sound, constant noise, and your hearing aids stopping from working despite following simple guidelines. Seek your hearing aid care professional's advice in case you have persistent whistling, a broken hearing aid, loose parts, or have problems charging. Do not attempt to repair anything inside because it can only make things worse for you. Any kind of pain or irritation should not be assumed to be from cleaning.

A professional clean will help remove the dirt and wax that is lodged in areas that cannot be accessed using at-home care equipment. The hearing care professional will examine the device and ensure that all the detachable parts are in good condition while also demonstrating the right way to clean the device. Such help will be most useful to new hearing aid users.

Conclusion

Good maintenance begins with small actions like wiping the hearing aid after use, carefully cleaning visible dirt, making sure that electronic parts are not wet, and adhering to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Hearing aid cleaning is important to avoid unnecessary clogs, ensure performance, and improve user comfort.

At Timko Audiology, those with hearing aids will be able to get information on how to take care of them and what situations warrant professional intervention. In case your hearing aids are quieter than usual, appear damaged, or need more than routine maintenance, it is advisable to talk to a professional hearing health care provider.