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Your hearing aids represent a significant investment, both financially and in terms of time spent with your audiologist to get the fit and programming just right. In addition, they connect you to the world around you. Because of this, you’ll want to do everything you can to ensure they last as long as possible. We provide tips below on how to care for your hearing aids.
Clean Your Devices Regularly
Hearing aids spend over 12 hours a day in the rugged environment of your ear. This means they are exposed to dirt, sweat, earwax and oils, which is why regular cleanings are essential.
The tools you need to keep your hearing aids clean and in working order include:
A wax removal brush.
A soft, dry cloth.
A wax pick/wire loop.
A vent cleaner.
Topeka ENT has cleaning kits available that contain all the tools you need for your devices.
Hearing aids should be cleaned every day, with a deeper cleaning every week.
Daily Cleaning Routine
It’s best to clean your hearing aids in the morning, after your they have had the chance to dry out with the battery door open and any wax stuck to the device has become dry and flakey. Your AM routine should involve:
Brushing the microphone cover to remove wax and debris. Hold the devices upside-down when you clean openings and ports so the debris falls out instead of in.
Wipe down the hearing aid with a soft, dry cloth.
Weekly Cleaning Routine
About once a week, your hearing aids need a little extra care. Pick one day of the week to deep-clean your hearing aids so that you don’t forget. Be sure to:
Use the wax pick/wire loop to remove stubborn buildup, but don’t insert the pick into the microphone or receiver ports, as this could cause damage.
Check and replace the wax guard as needed, if your device has one.
Brush out the battery compartment each time you swap out the battery.
When to See an Audiologist
If your hearing aids are producing sound that is too quiet or if you experience feedback or whistling, it could mean there is debris built up in the devices. If the cleaning tips above don’t remedy this, call your audiologist.
You should also see an audiologist if your devices are exposed to water, like if you accidentally wear them in the shower or if you get rained on at Downtown Topeka Farmers Market.
For more information about caring for your hearing aids or to schedule an appointment with an expert audiologist, call Topeka ENT today.