Regular maintenance is an important part of owning any electronic device, and hearing aids are no exception. Hearing aid cleaning is a simple process, but it does require care and knowledge about the process. Below, our team of experts at MetroHearing will explain what you need to know to clean your hearing aid.
Preparing to Clean Your Hearing Aids
Regardless of the type of hearing aid you have, there are a few steps you’ll need to perform in order to prepare the device for cleaning.
The first step is to gather all the necessary tools. You’ll need a soft, dry cloth for wiping it down and a wax pick or wire loop for deeper cleaning. For cleaning hearing aids that go in the ear, you might need a vent cleaner. All of these items should have come with your hearing aids – ask your provider if you don’t have them.
Hearing aid cleaning for behind-the-ear devices may require a tubing cleaner if the hearing aid has earmolds. Never use water, alcohol, or other cleaning solvents on a hearing aid. Doing so can damage the electronics in the device. Similarly, you should avoid using wet wipes for cleaning unless they’re designed and approved specifically for hearing aids.
Before you begin any cleaning, turn off the device and remove the battery from it. Some models are rechargeable and don’t have a battery that can be removed. That’s okay; simply ensure that the device is turned off in those cases.
Cleaning ITE (in the Ear) Hearing Aids
Cleaning hearing aids meant to go in the ear is a straightforward process. As with any electronic device, be careful not to be too rough or probe too deeply with cleaning tools, as doing so may cause damage. To clean the hearing aid, follow the steps below:
Wipe the Surface:
Using a dry, soft cloth, gently wipe the surface of the hearing aid to remove any loose earwax, dirt, or buildup that may be on the surface.
Clean the Microphone and Speaker Ports:
With the soft-bristled brush, gently clean around the microphone ports and speaker. Be careful not to push too deeply into the ports.
Remove Earwax:
Being careful to avoid damaging delicate components, gently remove earwax or buildup from the sound outlet, vent, or anywhere else it may have accumulated.
Clean the Vents:
If your device has vents, it should have come with a vent cleaner. This thin, flexible wire is inserted into the vents and moved back and forth to remove debris.
Reinsert the Battery:
When you’re finished, reinsert the battery. If it’s a rechargeable model, place it on its charging station.
Cleaning BTE (Behind the Ear) Hearing Aids
Wipe the Surface:
Remove any loose earwax, dust, or debris on the surface of the hearing aid using a soft cloth.
Clean the Earmold:
If your hearing aid has a detachable earmold, remove it from the hook and gently clean it. If your earmold is made of a hard material and you’re sure it doesn’t have a speaker or other electronics in it, you can clean it with warm, soapy water and let it dry before reattaching it.
Brush the Microphone Port:
Gently brush the microphone port with the soft-bristled brush to remove any debris. To avoid damage to the device, do not insert the brush into the port.
Remove any Earwax:
Any earwax that’s accumulated on the device can be removed by gently using a wax pick or wire loop. Be careful not to push too deeply into any ports. Most Oticon BTE models come with wax traps to replace.
Clean the Tubing:
If your hearing aid has tubing, use a tubing cleaner on it. Gently thread the cleaner through the tubing and pull it out the other end.
Reassemble the Hearing Aid:
To finish up, reassemble the device and place the battery back inside it. For rechargeable devices, place them on the charger.
Which Hearing Aids are Easiest to Clean?
Hearing aids have gotten a lot easier to clean as technology has evolved. If you struggle to keep yours clean, it could be worth upgrading to a new model.
MetroHearing offers a range of top hearing aid brands, which are all known for their ease of cleaning and maintenance. In addition to being easier to clean, upgrading to these modern devices can improve your hearing experience.
Contact Us for More Tips on How to Clean a Hearing Aid
Regularly and properly cleaning a hearing aid is important for its continued function. If you aren’t sure how to clean your device, reach out to one of our locations for help. Our professionals at MetroHearing can help you understand exactly how your device functions and how to clean it.
Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
