Cleaning and maintaining hearing aids: useful tips

Hearing aids are high-tech yet delicate devices that require regular and careful cleaning and maintenance to function effectively. In the guide below, you will find a range of helpful tips and methods to help you maximise the lifespan and performance of your hearing aid.

Why is care and maintenance so important for hearing aids?

Our ear is an active and living organ that continuously produces cerumen, commonly known as earwax. Over time, this natural secretion can accumulate in the earpieces of the hearing aid, leading to unwanted contamination and build-up that can potentially damage the device. In addition, moisture and sweat, natural by-products of our daily activities, can also penetrate the device and cause damage that impairs its functionality. Therefore, carrying out regular and thorough care and maintenance of your hearing aids is absolutely essential for maintaining their optimal performance and lifespan.

Basic cleaning of hearing aids: maintaining the effectiveness of your hearing aids

Basic cleaning of your hearing aid is an essential part of maintenance that helps to ensure its long-term effectiveness.

Guide to the effective removal of earwax

Earwax, or cerumen, can build up in the earpieces of your hearing aids and affect their performance. Therefore, removing earwax is an essential step in the care of your hearing aids.

To remove dirt and debris, including earwax, from the earpieces and microphone inlets, you should use a special cleaning brush. It is important to carry out this process with great care so as not to damage the delicate device.

For custom-made earpieces, cleaning tablets can be a helpful option. These products are designed to effectively remove stubborn dirt. It is essential that you always follow your hearing care professional’s instructions to ensure you do not accidentally damage the device.

Tips for maintaining the battery compartment of your hearing aids

The battery compartment of your hearing aid can be damaged by moisture and dirt, leading to malfunctions. Here are some steps you can take to keep the battery compartment clean and in good working order:

Start by removing the batteries from the compartment. Then use a dry cloth to clean the inside of the compartment. Ensure it is completely dry before reinserting the batteries.

It is also important to keep the battery compartment closed at all times when the hearing aid batteries are not in use. This helps prevent moisture and dirt from entering the compartment, which can positively affect the performance and lifespan of your hearing aids.

Protecting your hearing aids from moisture and heat

Moisture and excessive heat can damage the sensitive electronics in your hearing aids and significantly shorten their lifespan. It is therefore important that you take appropriate steps to protect your hearing aids from these elements.

An effective method of preventing moisture damage is to use a drying box. These devices are specifically designed to remove moisture from your hearing aids and store them safely. Regular use of a drying box can help extend the lifespan of your hearing aids and maintain their optimal performance.

Excessive heat and direct sunlight can also be harmful to your hearing aids. You should therefore always take care to protect your hearing aids from these conditions. Never leave your hearing aids in a hot car or in direct sunlight. Where possible, store them in a cool, dry place to ensure the best possible environment for their storage.

Protecting your hearing aids from dirt

Dirt and other contaminants can impair the function of your hearing aids and even cause permanent damage. It is therefore important that you take proactive steps to protect your hearing aids from these potential hazards.

It is recommended that you use a special cleaning cloth to wipe down your hearing aids daily. This helps to remove dust, dirt and other particles that can accumulate on the devices throughout the day. Ensure that you thoroughly clean all parts of the device, including the earpieces, battery compartment and microphones.

You should also ensure that your hearing aids do not come into contact with hairspray or other cosmetic products. These products can leave sticky residues that may damage the sensitive electronics of the hearing aids. If you use such products, remove your hearing aids or cover them to prevent them from coming into contact with these substances.

Professional maintenance by a hearing care professional

Despite your careful and regular cleaning at home, it is important to have your hearing aids checked and serviced by a professional hearing aid specialist at least once a year. This specialist service offers several benefits that can help optimise performance and extend the lifespan of your hearing aids.

A qualified hearing care professional has the expertise and specialised equipment to remove stubborn dirt and deposits that can become lodged deep within parts of the device that are difficult for you to access. This includes cleaning the sound tube, a vital component of the hearing aid that channels sound from the hearing aid’s electronics into your ear.

In addition to thorough cleaning, the hearing care professional can also carry out any necessary repairs. From minor adjustments to more extensive repairs, these specialists can ensure that your hearing aids function optimally and meet your specific hearing needs.

Another important aspect of professional maintenance is the replacement of the wax filter. This filter protects your hearing aid from the ingress of earwax and other contaminants that could impair the device’s functionality. Having this filter replaced regularly by a professional ensures that your device remains protected from dirt and debris.

Final tips on hearing aid care and maintenance

Proper care and maintenance of your hearing aids is crucial to ensuring optimal performance and extending the lifespan of these important devices. Our final tips summarise the key steps you should follow in your daily routine to ensure the best hearing experience:

• Clean your hearing aids regularly with a cloth and a brush: Removing dirt and debris is an important part of hearing aid care and helps maintain clear sound quality.
• Avoid contact with water, heat and dirt: Extreme conditions and environments can affect the sensitive components of your hearing aids and reduce their performance.

• Store your hearing aids in a drying box: These devices can draw excess moisture out of the hearing aids and protect them from potential damage caused by moisture or heat, which is particularly important if you live in a humid environment or experience episodes of sweating.
• Have your hearing aids checked by a hearing care professional at least once a year: An annual professional service can help identify and resolve minor issues before they develop into more serious problems.

Further information: Chin-strap headphones or TV hearing amplifiers, Clearvoice technology.