Hearing Aid Maintenance and Cleaning

Hearing Aid Maintenance Tips and Cleaning From Our Experts

Why is hearing aid maintenance important?

Important things to know about looking after your hearing aids

It is vital that you are consistent with your hearing aid maintenance throughout the life of the device(s). This will help them to stay in good working order and deliver the best hearing experience possible. It also reduces problematic everyday hiccups. Although they are made of sturdy stuff, hearing aids are still unable to withstand improper use.

Maintenance apps

Unitron announced their new 'Coach' App in mid-2020, which was designed to help new users with their hearing aid management.  A virtual PA system that will send you notifications on when to clean your devices and when to charge your batteries.  A simple concept, but a massive step in increasing confidence in hearing aid users and also promoting essential maintenance to prolong the life of the devices.  I think these apps will only increase as we head into 2021 and beyond.

Your hearing aid devices are switched on and supporting your hearing throughout your day, so it's important to look after them.  Below we have lots of useful tips on how to keep your hearing aids in good working order and how to take care of them properly.

Hearing Aid Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Moisture

Hearing aids don’t like moisture, therefore always take off your hearing aids before bathing or swimming and store them in a safe place.  Because of the high ambient humidity of a bathroom, make sure that the safe place is away from such an environment.

Get into the routine of cleaning your ears regularly before putting in your hearing aids, as to avoid any sweat or other types of moisture getting into the devices.  Moisture and condensation can damage the technology within the aids, so we advise that you leave the battery compartment open each night to let the area naturally air out or, alternatively, use a digital hearing aid dehumidifier.

Dirt

Ensure that you clean your hands of any grease and dirt before you touch your hearing aids.  Hearing aid microphones are so small that they can easily become blocked and, therefore, reduce the quality and clarity of the sound you hear.

Makeup and toiletries

The small particles that are in makeup and hairspray can block hearing aid microphones input and volume control access.  With this in mind, remove your hearing aids before you use any of these products.

Children and pets

When you are not wearing your hearing aids store them safely out of reach from children and pets.  If you don’t deactivate your hearing aids when you are not using them the high sounds might irritate and upset some dogs.

Cloths are important

Every time you are cleaning or changing your battery, make sure you put the device(s) on a clean soft cloth.  This avoids damaging your hearing aids if you drop them by accident.

Drying and storing your hearing aid - Find a safe place!

When you are not wearing your hearing aids ensure that they are stored within your case or drying set.  This will protect them from damage, dust and dirt.  If you are planning on not using them for a longer period of time – remove your batteries.

If you think your hearing aids have moisture inside, and you’re unable to solve the issue by wiping them dry, try using a dehumidifier overnight. A dehumidifier can be hugely beneficial to the life of your hearing aids - they are a great investment! Remember to pack your case and dehumidifier when travelling, so you can maintain great hearing aid management wherever you are.

Why is keeping your hearing aids dry important?

Hearing aids are made of sturdy stuff but they are still very sensitive to moisture, heat and radiation.  This means that you should avoid leaving them in the bathroom or in the kitchen near something warm or hot.

Cleaning agents

For your hearing aids to continue to work to their full potential they need to be regularly cleaned.  Use a soft, dry cloth and refrain from using alcohol, solvents or any other cleaning products.  You can purchase or be advised on special cleaning products from your audiologist that is safe to use.  Your audiologist is there to manage your hearing, but also there to help you take care of your devices and check them for ear wax, moisture and clean accordingly.

How to clean your hearing aids properly

Cleaning your devices is the most important hearing aid service - and it's quick and easy!  To make it even easier here is how to clean both BTE hearing aids and ITE hearing aids separately.

How to Clean BTE Hearing Aids

BTE Hearing Aids - Cleaning the shell and speaker unit

You should wipe down the external parts of your hearing aid every day with a dry, soft cloth.  You should also change your hearing aid tubes about every five to six months -  unless stated differently by your audiologist.

Alternatively, you can use alcohol-free wet wipes to clean the body of the instrument, but ensure no excess water gets into your hearing aids.  After you have cleaned your devices, leave them to dry for about one hour.

Most hearing aids come with a filter or other device to stop wax from getting into the hearing aid. However, these need to be checked regularly and replaced if necessary.

BTE Hearing Aids - Cleaning the tube

The thin hearing aid tube needs to be cleaned regularly to clear any moisture and wax.  If this is not done then the wax will build up inside and you will not be able to hear at your best or at all.

Remove the tube from your hearing aid and use the cleaning tool that you got with your hearing aid initially (however these can be purchased via your audiologist) to pull through the tube slowly until it comes through the other end.  Wipe the end of the tool with a clean, soft cloth and pull back through again.

BTE Hearing Aids - Cleaning the earmold (RIC)

Earmolds for RIC styles of hearing aids should not be separated from the device, as they contain electronics and should not be submerged in water.  However, it should be cleaned regularly and the wax guard should be replaced when clogged or when the sound is missing clarity.

Wipe the earmold clean with a dry cloth and the ventilation opening using the cleaning tool or brush that came with your hearing aids.  Push the brush through the hole and twist slowly to clean.

BTE Hearing Aids - Cleaning the earmold (BTE - With a hook)

Earmolds without speakers are used on BTE hearing aid devices and they, like any other, should be kept clean.  Unlike RIC earmolds, these can be detached and washed.  Use a soft cloth to clean the surface of the earmold and use your tool to clean the opening.

Follow by washing your earmolds with mild soap, rinse and leave to dry.  Ensure the earmold is fully dry before reconnecting to the hearing aid.

How to Clean ITE Hearing Aids

ITE Hearing Aids - Cleaning the shell

Wipe down the hearing aids outer shell with a dry, soft cloth or use an alcohol-free wet wipe to take away any moisture or dirt.

ITE Hearing Aids - Cleaning the sound outlet

Using your cleaning brush, slowly and carefully take away any dirt from the sound outlet opening, as you twist the brush.

ITE Hearing Aids - Cleaning the ventilation

Press the cleaning brush lightly through the hole and twist slowly to get rid of any unwanted dirt or dust.

Expert help with hearing aid maintenance

If you are having any problems with your hearing aids, always go back to your audiologist and they will organise an assessment of the devices and repair if needed.  Screwdrivers and various types of oil can be detrimental to hearing aids and cause all sorts of damage, therefore please avoid it.  The fragile nature of the technology within them can be destroyed when handled incorrectly and be, in some cases, irreparable. 

Hearing Aid Maintenance Checklist

• Handle your hearing aids with clean, dry fingers.
• Ensure that your microphones are always free of dirt and dust.
• Remove before showering and store them away from the bathroom.
• Clean your ears regularly to avoid excess ear wax.
• Remove the batteries every night.
• Use a dehumidifier if they have been in contact with moisture.
• Store them safely and keep them away from children and pets when you are not using them.
• Remove your hearing aids before you put on makeup or any other types of toiletries.
• Clean with a soft, dry cloth.
• Don’t use cleaning products on your devices that are not recommended by your audiologist.
• Get your hearing aids regularly checked by your audiologist.
• Only repair your devices using your audiologist.
• Always remember to take your hearing aid case and dehumidifier with you when you are travelling.
• Remove your hearing aids before any scans or x-rays.

Common Hearing Aid Troubleshooting

Below are a few troubleshooting problems you might come across on your hearing aid journey.  We have chosen the most common ones - stating the probable cause and the appropriate solution.

Why are my hearing aids not working / why are my hearing aids dead?: 

a)  Hearing aid not turned on  >>  Turn on the hearing aid device.

b)  Battery is dead  >>  Change your hearing aid battery or charge your battery.

c)  Battery isn't inserted properly  >>  Take out the battery and reinsert it correctly.

d)  Blocked wax filter  >>  Change the wax filter yourself or consult with your audiologist who will help you.

e)  Damaged microphone or receiver wire damaged  >>  Consult with your audiologist who will repair your device(s).

Why is the sound from my hearing aids not clear?

a)  Low battery  >>  Change the battery or charge it.

b)  Reciever wire has been inserted incorrectly  >>  Consult your audiologist who will help you correct the problem if you have trouble reinserting the wire.

c)  Hearing aid is damaged  >>  Consult your audiologist who will repair your hearing aids for you.

Why am I getting a lot of whistling from my hearing aids / why am I getting a lot of feedback from my hearing aids?

a)  Hearing aid isn't in your ear properly  >>  Re-insert your hearing aid carefully.

b)  Hearing aid programmes aren't beneficial to your hearing loss  >>  Consult your audiologist who will adjust your hearing aid settings.

We are here to support you with hearing aid maintenance and any other hearing enquiries

If you would like any type of hearing or hearing aid advice or have been thinking about updating your hearing aids - then call us free on 0800 567 7621 today to speak to one of our audiologists.

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