Hearing Aid Care and Maintenance 101

Regularly cleaning your hearing aids will improve their performance and longevity, so you can get the most out of your investment. Check out our step-by-step guide to proper hearing aid care.

Hearing Aid Cleaning Prep

Here are some tips to help you prepare for a thorough daily cleaning.

• Wash your hands with soap and water before handling your devices to avoid spreading germs and bacteria.
• Remove your hearing aids over a towel or other soft surface to prevent damage if you drop them.
• Remove batteries, wipe contact points and leave the battery compartment open to dry.
• Allow your hearing aids to dry overnight, so earwax is easier to remove.
• Don’t use alcohol, cleaning chemicals or solvents to clean your hearing aids as they can deteriorate the material.

Hearing Aid Cleaning Tools

Hearing aid brush: A soft bristle brush used for clearing away earwax, dirt and dust from the body and sound ports of your devices.Wax pick/wire loop: A small wire coil or loop used for removing stubborn wax or debris from small holes and openings.Wax guards: Covers in the receiver used to protect devices from excess wax buildup.Multi-tool: An all-in-one device that includes a bristle brush and wax pick.Drying kit: A drying station that eliminates moisture and dries earwax.

Cleaning ITE and ITC Hearing Aids

1. Use a clean toothbrush or hearing aid brush to dislodge wax from the receiver tubing, vent opening and mic port. Angle your device downward, so particles fall out of the openings.
2. Inset a wax pick or wire loop to clear away the remaining earwax.
3. Take a clean, dry cloth or towel and gently wipe down the outside surface.

Cleaning RIC Hearing Aids

1. Remove the rubber dome from the end of your hearing aid and clean out the wax trap underneath with a bristle brush or wax pick.
2. Pop out the old wax trap and replace it with a new cover.
3. Massage the dome tip to loosen any material inside and wipe the surface with a clean cloth.
4. Use a drying kit or air puffer to clear moisture and particles from the tubing.

Cleaning BTE Hearing Aids

1. Detach the earmold and tubing from the hook and soak them in warm soapy water. Be mindful of any odor as it may be a sign of an ear infection.
2. Brush the receiver, mic and buttons to clear away debris.
3. Use a thin wire brush, similar to a pipe cleaner, to scrub the tubing.
4. Place in a drying kit overnight and use an air puffer to force out any remaining moisture before reattaching the earmold and tubing to the hook.

Get Your Hearing Aids Professionally Cleaned

You should take your hearing aids to your audiologist every six months for a thorough cleaning, even if you maintain a consistent care routine. Your doctor will have specialized equipment to remove wax and particles from hard-to-reach places. They can also replace wax filters, mic screens and windscreens and make necessary adjustments.Get your hearing aids professionally cleaned at Audiology & Hearing Services of Charlotte. Call 704-412-7975 or contact us online to schedule your appointment.