How to Properly Clean and Care for Your Hearing Aids

Posted by Casandra Lee in Hearing Aid Lifestyle

Were you recently fitted with new hearing aids? These devices will provide years of improved hearing if you take proper care of them. Here’s how to keep your hearing aids clean and well-maintained.

Hearing Aid Cleaning Tools

You need the right equipment to clean hearing aids at home. Ask your provider for these tools:

• Wax removal brush (may substitute a soft-bristled child’s toothbrush)
• Wax pick/wire loop
• Multi-tool (combined brush and wire loop)
• Soft cloth (may substitute disinfectant wipes designed for use with hearing aids)
• Vent cleaner (may substitute alcohol-free cleaner designed for use with hearing aids)
• Bulb blower

Daily Hearing Aid Care

Every night before bed, wipe off your hearing aid, being careful not to wipe debris onto the microphone ports. Store the device in a safe place to prevent accidental damage. Leave the battery compartment open overnight to allow it to dry.

Every morning, gently brush the microphone cover to remove dried-on debris. If you typically shower or bathe in the morning, wait to put on your hearing aid until you’re finished in the bathroom to avoid getting it wet.

Weekly Hearing Aid Cleaning

Deep-clean your hearing aid once a week. The proper cleaning technique depends on what type you have.

Cleaning In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids

• Hold the device with the opening facing downward and gently brush the microphone cover, receiver, and vent openings.
• Remove stubborn debris from the air vent with a wax pick/wire loop.
• For larger vents, run a vent cleaner through the opening in both directions.
• Wipe the hearing aid with a soft cloth.

Cleaning Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids

• Gently brush the hearing aid.
• Take the earmold off the hook, brush it clean, and remove stubborn debris with a wax pick/wire loop.
• Force moisture from the tubing with a bulb blower.
• Wipe the hearing aid with a soft cloth.

Cleaning Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids

Gently brush the hearing aid.
Massage the dome tip with your thumbs to push out any stuck material.
Wipe the hearing aid with a soft cloth.
Professional Hearing Aid Maintenance
At least once every four to six months, bring your hearing aid to an audiologist for cleaning and inspection. If you are unable to perform daily and weekly cleaning at home, you should bring in your hearing aid for professional maintenance more often.
Your hearing care professional will thoroughly clean your hearing aid and replace worn-out parts. Testing will reveal weak output, background static, and other misbehavior. If your hearing aid is acting up, it may need to be sent to the manufacturer for repair.
Come to Elite Hearing Centers of America for hearing aid maintenance. Our professional staff is pleased to maintain your hearing device absolutely free of charge, whether you purchased it from us or not. We can also provide tips and tricks for cleaning your hearing aid at home. Call 855-432-7354 or schedule your appointment online today. You’ll be glad you did!