Your hearing aids keep you connected to the vibrant world of sound, and keeping them in working condition is essential. Being proactive with cleaning and hearing aid maintenance is the best way to ensure their longevity and optimal performance. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on cleaning your hearing aids.
How Often Should I Clean My Hearing Aids?
In a survey of hearing aid users, almost 60% reported that they clean their hearing aids daily or a few times a week, and that’s the frequency we recommend, as well. Cleaning your hearing aids daily is beneficial to their performance and ongoing hygiene.
How Do I Clean My Hearing Aids?
For daily cleanings, you’ll need a hearing aid brush and a microfiber cloth. The soft-bristled hearing aid brush is specifically designed to remove earwax.
Here’s a quick and simple daily cleaning routine:
- Wash your hands. Do not skip this step; it’s important to wash your hands with soap and water before handling your hearing aids.
- Use the microfiber cloth to wipe down the body of the hearing aid to remove fingerprints (and their oil), sweat and dust.
- Gently brush away earwax and dirt from the exterior with the hearing aid brush. This includes the receiver, microphone covers, ventilation areas and the battery compartment.
- Check the filter for earwax buildup and replace it if necessary.
You should also deep clean your hearing aids weekly or every other week. This routine works well before bed, so your hearing aids can dry overnight.
- Wash your hands.
- Mix warm water with a mild soap, then dip a soft cloth into the soap solution and gently wipe the hearing aids down.
- Use a wax removal tool (e.g., a wax pick or a wax loop) to remove the stubborn buildup. Check the nooks and crannies for buildup that the cloth might have missed.
- Dry thoroughly with a lint-free cloth or towel.
- Leave to dry overnight. Ensure your hearing aids and all tubing are completely dry before returning them to your ears.
What Other Ways Can I Take Care of My Hearing Aids?
The biggest tip for keeping your hearing aids clean and functional is to keep them away from excess moisture whenever possible. Moisture can damage the microphone and receiver, and dust is more likely to stick to damp surfaces. To avoid this, keep your hearing aids dry whenever possible: always remove your hearing aids before showering, bathing or going swimming; never submerge your hearing aids in water while cleaning them; and don’t store them in humid places (like the bathroom).
How Often Should I Get My Hearing Aids Professionally Cleaned?
Even with daily home cleanings, you should still bring your hearing aids in for regular professional cleanings. Our team has the knowledge and specialized tools to remove wax from those hard-to-reach places and clean the more delicate components of the hearing aid. In general, we recommend you visit every six months for professional cleaning, but that could vary based on your lifestyle and type of hearing aid.