We include products that we believe will be useful to our readers. If you make a purchase through links on this site, we may receive a small commission.Here is our process.
Medical News Today only shows you the brands and products we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our website. To verify that product manufacturers have met safety and efficacy standards, here's what we do:
- Evaluate ingredients and composition:Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact check for all health claims:Are they consistent with current scientific knowledge?
- Rate the brand:Do you operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We research so you can find trusted products for your health and well-being.
Read more about our verification process.
People who wear hearing aids should follow a regular hearing aid cleaning routine. This type of device can fail due to earwax buildup, excessive moisture, or other problems. People can purchase hearing aid cleaning kits or, in severe cases, seek professional maintenance.
This article describes the importance of purification.earphonesand gives advice on caredifferent typesof Devices It also looks at some cleaning products and when to see a professional for cleaning repairs.
He
Daily care
According to theDepartment of Veterans Affairs, people should clean their hearing aids every day. It is also recommended that people wipe the device with a dry cloth every time they remove it from their ears.
HeChildren's Hospital of Pittsburgh (CHP)also includes some tips for people who wear hearing aids. For example, each night a person should:
- Turn off the device and leave the battery compartment open when not in use
- Store the device in a hearing aid desiccator or dehumidifier overnight when not in use.
- Store the device in a dry and cool place during the day when not in use.
- Use a pipe cleaner to remove earwax buildup in the mouth of the device
Maintenance weekly or as needed
Hecogenerationalso highlights the importance of a weekly hearing aid care routine.
One person can wash the earmold with warm soapy water and then dry it with an air blower to keep the tube free of moisture. You can let it dry overnight and put the component back into the device the next day.
He
- Avoid using alcohol, water, or solvents on the device, as they can damage the internal circuitry.
- Turn off the hearing aid when not in use
- Replacement of depleted batteries
- Keep the device away from heat.
- Avoid using hair products if you wear hearing aids
The cleaning method depends on the type of hearing aid a person wears:
behind the ear
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids wrap around the back of a person's ear. Shemen suitVarious types ofdeafness.
besides
Users can do the following to clean their BTE hearing aids:
- Clean the hose with lukewarm water without exposing other parts to water.
- Remove the tip of the ear from the hook.
- Use a brush to clean the mold and remove any residue with a wax stick.
- Replace the hose if it is clogged.
People should make sure the tubing and earmold are completely dry before reconnecting them to the device.
In the ear and in the canal
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids fill the outer part of the ear. They come with no external cables or hoses and are lightweight. They are suitable for people with mild to severe hearing loss.
In-the-Channel (ITC) devices are less visible than ITE devices. They are small and light and follow the natural shape of the ear. These areappropriateFor people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Users can do the following to clean their ITE and ITC devices:
- Brush the receiver tube, vent, and microphone connector to keep them free of wax and debris.
- Use a wax pick to remove any remaining residue.
- Clean the outer surface with a soft, dry cloth.
People should take their ITE hearing aids to an audiologist every 6 months for a complete inspection and cleaning.
receiver on channel
Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids have an open fit so they don't completely block the ear canal, allowing more natural sounds to enter the ear. They are suitable for people with mild to moderate high-frequency hearing loss.
RIC hearing aids come in a variety of styles and colors, allowing people to choose the options that best suit their needs, as these devices are not custom made.
To clean RIC hearing aids, people can follow the steps below:
- Brush the device to remove dirt.
- Use your thumbs to massage the tip of the dome to remove stubborn material.
- Clean the hearing aid with a soft, dry cloth.
People can find hearing aid cleaning toolsonlineor at a local pharmacy. However, you should first consult with a doctor which hearing aids are suitable for your hearing aids.
Tools you can use to clean your device include:
- cleaning brush:The brush removes earwax, dirt, dust and dander that accumulates in the hearing aid case. People can also use the bristles of the brush to clean holes or its sharp tips to remove wax. Also, some brushes come with a magnetic battery to help people easily clean their devices.
- Vent Cleaner:Removes moisture and earwax from the vents of ITE hearing aids. One person can slide this tool through the vent hole and when it comes out the other side, they can wipe away the earwax with a dry cloth.
- Wax beak or wire loop:Remove wax and dirt from the vents and corners of the device.
- Multi Tool:This all-in-one tool consists of a cleaning brush, wire loop, and magnet for thorough cleaning. Some multi-tools come with a magnetic pole that people can connect to the hearing aid battery. This can be useful as one person can use the tool without dropping the battery or the device.
- wax protection:This is a small plastic tool and it comes in a variety of sizes. People plug it into their device to prevent earwax, dust, and moisture from getting into the hearing aid.
- drying station:People can use a drying station to store their hearing aids when not in use and to protect them from moisture.
There are several hearing aid cleaning kits available online.
People who do not clean their hearing aids regularly or who have difficulty cleaning some parts should consult a hearing care professional.
A professional uses vacuum cleaners with special attachments to clean hearing aids because they suck up wax that has built up in hard-to-reach places.
HeAmerican Speech-Language-Hearing AssociationIt also notes that people should see an audiologist if there are tears or punctures in the tubing of the device.
People who wear hearing aids should clean their devices regularly to prolong their life and prevent malfunction.
People can use different tools to clean their hearing aids and their components. A range of hearing aid cleaning kits is available from online retailers and local pharmacies.
If a person is having trouble cleaning hard-to-reach areas or if the device is not working properly, they should contact a cleaning repair professional.