Spring is now officially here and for many, this is an ideal opportunity to give our hearing aids a bit of a spring clean, which is essential to ensure they work to their full potential.
Regular hearing aid cleaning and maintenance is important for well-functioning and long-lasting hearing aids. Even though hearing aids are very durable and can withstand the stresses of daily use, hearing aid maintenance is necessary to make sure you’re getting the best sound quality and longevity out of your devices.
Read below for our top tips for keeping your hearing aids clean…
Custom hearing aids (ITE, ITC, CIC, IIC)
- Wipe down your hearing aids with a cloth, tissue, or designated hearing aid wipes or disinfecting spray.
- Locate the microphone and speaker ports of your hearing aids. Keep in mind that some hearing aids have two microphone ports. The speaker port is often covered with a white wax filter.
- Use a brush over the microphone and speaker ports to remove any loose wax or debris.
- Use a wax pick to clear out the microphone or speaker port. Do not stick anything longer into the microphone, as it can damage the components. Replace the wax filter if needed.
- Locate the vent of the hearing aid. This is an opening that allows air to go from one side of the hearing aid to the other. Use a vent cleaner to clear out the vent.
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids
- Wipe down your hearing aids and earmold or dome with a cloth, tissue, or designated hearing aid wipes or disinfecting spray (listed above).
- Locate the microphone of your hearing aids. Keep in mind that some hearing aids have two microphone ports.
- Use a brush over the microphone ports to remove any loose wax or debris.
- Use a wax pick to clear out the holes at the tip of the earmould or dome.
Receiver in-the-ear (RIC) hearing aids
- Wipe down your hearing aids and earmold or dome with a cloth, tissue, or designated hearing aid wipes or disinfecting spray (listed above).
- Locate the microphone of your hearing aids. Keep in mind that some hearing aids have two microphone ports.
- Use a brush over the microphone ports to remove any loose wax or debris.
- Use a wax pick to clear out the holes at the tip of the earmold or dome. Do not stick anything longer into the speaker port, as it can damage the components. Replace the wax filter if needed.
