You worked hard to get your hearing aids, going through an audiological evaluation and working with your audiologist to figure out the best device for your type and degree of hearing loss. Now is the easy part, maintaining your hearing aids so they continue to work well and provide you the amplification you need to stay connected.
Below is a breakdown of how you should properly clean your hearing aids.
Cleaning Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids
Behind-the-ear (BTE) models are one of the most common styles of hearing aids. In order to properly clean this type of device you will need a:
- Soft brush
- Dry cloth
- Bulb blower
Use the soft brush to remove any dried earwax that has collected on the casing of your hearing aid. Then detach the removable earmold from the rest of the device. Since this earmold sits within your ear, it needs a good cleaning. Wipe the earmold down with a mild soap solution or a cleaner specifically designed for hearing aids. Before reattaching, make sure the earmold is completely dry.
The tubing that connects the earmold with the rest of the device can be cleaned with a bulb blower. Forcing air through the tube helps to remove any water, dirt and debris that has become lodged inside.
Cleaning In-the-Ear Hearing Aids
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids require additional cleaning, as the entire device sits within the ear. Similar to the BTE model, you will need the following cleaning supplies:
- Hearing aid brush
- Hook or wax pick
- Dry cloth
The soft brush is used to remove any earwax or debris that is stuck to the casing. Make sure to do this with the opening of your hearing aid facing down, as you’ll want the dirt to fall to the floor rather than into the device.
A small hook or wax pick should then be used to clear the holes of any earwax.
The final step in the cleaning process is to wipe the entire hearing aid down with a clean, dry cloth.
Keeping Your Ears Clean
Cleaning your hearing aids every day is crucial to extending the life of your devices. Properly cleaning your ears is just as important, as it can help avoid buildup and blockages.
The good news is that unlike taking care of your car, which requires routine maintenance and trips to Greg’s Garage, your ears can usually take care of themselves. Earwax naturally falls out of your ears when showering or bathing. Always wipe your ears with your towel to help get rid of any excess earwax that doesn’t fall down the drain.
You never have to stick a cotton swab in your ear to remove earwax. Numerous studies have looked at the dangers of this practice and found that not only does this compromise the integrity of your ears’ self-cleaning mechanism, but it puts you at risk for possible injury.
To learn more about how to properly clean your hearing aids or to schedule an appointment with a hearing aid expert, contact LeMay Hearing & Balance today.