The Proper Tools
A wax pick and brush are completely indispensable for at-home hearing aid cleaning. Earwax can easily accumulate in the opening at the end of a hearing aid, causing a muffled sound or feedback. If left long enough, it can even damage the receiver. Use the wax pick and brush to clear wax away.
Good Habits
Always remember to wash your hands well before cleaning your hearing aids and leave hearing aids out during your hygiene routine. Wash your face and hair without your hearing aids so that water and soap can’t damage them.
Clean At The End Of The Day
Clean your hearing aids before bedtime to give them several hours to air out before you put them in again. Avoid wipes with chemicals or alcohol when cleaning hearing aids.
Extreme Heat Or Cold
If temperatures are below freezing and you need to take your hearing aids out of your ears when going out, leave them inside the house. If you take your hearing aids out on the hottest day of the summer, stash them inside the house
Cleaning ITE(In the Ear) Hearing Aids
- Clean the openings in the hearing device like the microphone ports, using a soft-bristle toothbrush or the brush provided by your hearing professional to clean away built-up wax.
- Use a wax pick or hook to clean anything left in the holes.
- Finish by wiping the device down with a clean, dry cloth or tissue.
Cleaning BTE (Behind the Ear) Hearing Aids
- Examine your device for any debris and clean with a soft brush or a dry cloth.
- Remove the earmold to wipe it clean daily. Soak them in warm, soapy water once each week for easy cleaning. Allow the molds to dry overnight and avoid using alcohol or other chemicals on them.
- A bulb blower is a useful tool to force water out of the tubing. Allow it to then dry completely overnight.
See A Professional
Hearing aids must be professionally cleaned regularly since specialists have vacuums with specialized attachments that suck wax from hard to reach areas and can safely clean vents, microphone screens, windscreens and receivers.
If you’re not sure how to properly clean your hearing aids or feel like your devices need some special attention, you can ask your hearing care professional for help.
