3 Tips to Cleaning Your Hearing Aids

A little maintenance and care is essential for the health of your hearing aid device. Dust, debris, makeup residue and earwax can clog up the device. Not only does this make it less effective at what it’s supposed to do, but it can cause damage if left in there for too long. Cleaning the device properly is a vital part of care. Here are a few tips to help you ensure you’re being thorough in cleaning the device but not too rough.

Cleaning the shell of the device

Just like wiping a pair of glasses, cleaning your hearing aids should be a regular part of your daily routine. Before cleaning the device, make sure that you take out the batteries. First, start with the shell of the device itself. Make sure that you’re cleaning it only with dry materials. Unless it’s waterproof, exposing it to moisture can cause damage to the device. Wipe the shell, or body, of the device with a dry cloth to begin with, to take away most of the dust and debris that might be covering it. A soft brush can help you clean out the little crevices and dips, such as any vents on the device.

Cleaning the receiver

The receiver is one of the most important parts of the device and also the most prone to being covered in earwax and dirt. Wire loop can be excellent for scooping out dirt, but if you’re not comfortable cleaning a device so precisely, it’s better to rely on your audiologist for scheduled regular cleaning. If you have no trouble scooping, use a soft brush to clear away any lingering debris. You may also need to to change the wax guard  that’s close to the receiver from time to time. You shouldn’t have to do this more than monthly, and some may not even have to replace it that often. However, you can tell if it needs to be replaced if the little holes in the cup part of it are blocked by earwax or can’t be seen.

Cleaning the battery contacts

As mentioned, you should have already taken the batteries out when cleaning your device. When you take out the batteries or change them, you may want to pay a little attention to the battery contacts, too. Dirt and earwax can also build up here. When it does, it exposes the battery to moisture and can block its connection with the device, making it much less functional. A dry cotton swab should be enough to wipe off the contacts. Avoid exposing this area to any moisture, as moisture can cause the battery to corrode, which can damage the device itself.

If you don’t feel comfortable cleaning your device or you’re not certain that you’re doing it the right way, your audiologist can both ensure that its pristine and show you how to perform the daily clean more effectively. If you take proper care of your device, it will have a much longer lifespan so don’t neglect it.