Everything You Need To Know About Hearing Aid Cleaning
If you wear a hearing aid, you know that it is important to keep it in top condition as it is an essential part of your daily life and your hearing health. Hearing aids are remarkable pieces of engineering and technology contained in a very small design, so it is important to make sure they are working optimally. To help you out with the routine care of your hearing aids, we have listed a few ways to make sure they stay clean and in the best condition possible.
Cleaning
One of the first recommendations when you first received your hearing aid was likely to keep it clean and in good condition. Every day, make this a part of your routine and set aside some time to clean and dry your hearing aid. Many people choose to do this in the evening before going to bed. Remember to wash your hands before handling your hearing aid and use a specifically designed cleaning cloth or a moist cleansing wipe intended for this job.
You may have been given a soft brush to remove any ear wax from your hearing aid. If so, use this gently to remove any debris that has accumulated. Your audiologist may advise that you have the hearing aid tube and wax guard changed every six months to make sure that your hearing aids stay clean and in hygienic condition for your optimal ear health.
Don’t use any sharp, pointed metal objects to clean your hearing aid as this might damage the tiny, sophisticated engineering of the device. Likewise, you should not use harsh household cleaning cloths as the chemicals may strip away the smooth surface of the hearing aid. If they need a deeper cleaning, it is best to seek advice from your audiologist first and only use the cleaning set provided with the hearing aid or the types of cloths and small brushes that are recommended for use with these devices, such as the InnerScope Hearing Care Technology Hearing Aid Cleaning Kit.
Drying
Keeping your hearing aid dry after cleaning is an important part of keeping it in good condition. Don’t store your hearing aid in a damp place such as a bathroom as it will be sensitive to moisture in the air and may become damaged. Store your cleaned and dried hearing aid in a hearing aid drying box or drying pouch to finish this process. For example, you can try something like these Hearing Aid Drying Capsules.
Battery Changing
To keep your hearing aid in optimum condition for the best performance possible, it is vital to check the batteries. Only use the recommended hearing aid batteries for your model. Some hearing aids use rechargeable batteries, while others are disposable. You will be using many batteries over the course of the lifetime of your hearing aid, so it is often recommended to buy batteries, such as these Size 10 Premium Hearing Aid Batteries, in bulk. It is also a good idea to leave the battery compartment open when changing the batteries. This will allow any trapped moisture to evaporate overnight.
Extreme Weather
Hearing aids are susceptible to extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, frost and heat. Don’t be tempted to store them in the glove box of your car, for example.
Useful tips to safeguard your hearing aids:
- Keep your hands clean when handling your hearing aid. Be sure to wash your hands before you remove it. This will keep your hearing aid free from germs and dirt, especially if you have been gardening, doing chores or cooking a meal.
- Always place your hearing aid on a soft cloth on a flat surface when you remove it before cleaning or changing the batteries. This will ensure that it doesn't fall onto the floor and get lost or damaged and that you don’t lose any important part of the hearing aid itself.
- Keep it in a safe place away from children and animals.
- Your hearing aid is designed to be comfortable, and sometimes you may actually forget you are wearing it. However, these devices are not usually waterproof. When you step in the shower or go for a dip in the pool, take a moment to remove your hearing aid and place it in a safe, dry spot.
If hearing aids are an integral part of your life, you need to incorporate their care into your daily routine, just like brushing your teeth. By following these simple cleaning guidelines, your hearing aids will stay clean and serviceable for many years to come.
