Hearing aids are an important investment in your healthcare that can help you stay connected with the world around you. It is important to take special care of your hearing aids to increase the longevity of your devices. At-home maintenance in combination with regularly scheduled hearing aid follow-ups with your Audiologist will help keep your devices in the best working condition. Below is a guide with tips and tricks for how to properly care for your hearing aids.
Clean Your Hearing Aids Regularly
Being that the hearing aids are in your ear throughout the majority of your day, the devices are subject to wax, dirt, and oils from your skin, hair, and your environment. Routine cleaning of the devices at the end of each day will help prevent build-up and damage to your devices.
The following tools may be used for hearing aid cleaning:
- Cleaning brush
- Wax pick or wire loop
- Clean, dry tissue or cloth
- Wax traps
Hearing aid cleaning kits are available for purchase at Camino Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic.
Daily Cleaning Schedule
Wipe and brush down your hearing aids nightly. Be sure to hold the device upside down during cleaning so the debris will fall out of the small ports and openings.
- Brush the microphone covers at the back of the hearing aid to remove any surface debris.
- Wipe the dome or earmold, and body of the hearing aid down with a clean, dry tissue or cloth.
- Store your hearing aids in the hard case or charger given to you at your device fitting appointment. Be sure to keep your hearing aids out of reach of children and pets.
Weekly Cleaning Schedule
Once a week, give your hearing aid a little extra pampering.
- Use the wax pick or wire loop to remove stubborn buildup on the dome or earmold. Be sure not to insert the pick into the receiver or any of the small openings on the body of the device.
- For hearing aids with disposable batteries, brush out the battery compartment when changing the battery.
- For hearing aids with rechargeable batteries, gently wipe down the battery contacts in your charger and on your hearing aid at the base of the device.
Monthly Cleaning Schedule
- If you have a hearing aid with a wax guard, check and replace them as needed. Depending on wax build-up, patients typically replace wax guards once every 3-6 months.
- Replace silicone dome as necessary if it has torn, changed shape, or discolored.
Do’s and Don’ts
Here are some additional tips for you as you care for your devices:
- Do wash your hands before and after handling your devices.
- Do handle your devices at a table or flat surface so if you drop the device you will easily be able to find and retrieve it.
- Do schedule regular hearing aid checks with your Audiologist. We recommend semi-annual to annual hearing aid follow-up appointments.
- Do store hearing aids in the charger or hard case at nighttime and keep them away from children and pets.
- Do not handle your devices over a sink – this risks small pieces falling down the drain!
- Do not use any chemical cleaners or wet wipes to clean your devices.
- Do not get your hearing aids wet. Be sure to remove your devices when showering or swimming. Remember – your devices are water-resistant, though not waterproof. Should you accidentally get the hearing aids wet, be sure to open the battery door and place them in a dehumidifier. Contact the Audiology department at Camino Ear, Nose, & Throat Clinic should you need your devices to be put through a dehumidifier.
If you suspect your hearing aids are damaged or not working properly, contact the Audiology department at Camino Ear, Nose & Throat Clinic right away. Our Audiology team will work together to help you get back to hearing your best as soon as possible!
