How To Clean Your Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are important tools to those with a hearing impairment. It helps people to be capable of socializing with others and talk to their friends. In more serious matters, it may help them in their careers by allowing them to listen better to their bosses, or clients.

Research has also shown that hearing aids may help stave off the possible consequences that come with hearing loss, which are an increased risk of developing dementia or depression. Hearing aid users will need to wear their hearing air every day, but these don’t last for an eternity. Hearing aids can last up to 10 years, but its average lifespan is only half of that.

Importance Of Cleaning

The reason why hearing aids don’t always last as long as they are able to is that they were poorly taken care of. Proper care would include a cleaning regimen. Keeping hearing aids cleaned and well maintained can improve its lifespan.

Essential Cleaning Tools

There are two essential cleaning tools you’ll be needing on the war against dirty hearing aids: an earwax pick and brush. The earwax pick can get into tiny openings of your hearing aid device and scrape out anything inside. The brush has soft bristles to free surfaces of sticky substances.

How To Clean Your Hearing Aids

Before you start, learn how to sanitize your hearing aids to avoid damaging it. Here are the following steps:

1.    Brush your hearing aids. Focus on holes and gaps. Do this while facing the openings downward, so any foreign material falls out and doesn’t go deeper.

2.    Now to use the wax pick for any earwax or particles found far inside the holes that cannot be reached by the previous tool.

3.    After, wipe the device with a dry cloth or tissue.

4.    For Behind–The–Ear hearing aids: detach the earmold from the hook. Wash it with warm soapy water. Let it dry and make sure to avoid using it if still wet.

The best time to perform this should be at the end of the day before you go to bed. It may be tempting but don’t wipe your devices with alcohol or any other disinfecting chemicals, unless it’s cleared by a professional because it may damage them.

Other Care Pointers

To make your hearing aids last long, they need more than the regular cleanup. Take these additional steps:

Avoid Moisture

Moisture may be harmful to your hearing aids if they find a way inside; which is why you should also make sure to avoid getting your hearing aids wet. Make sure to take them off before swimming or taking a bath (unless specifically told by your Audiologist that your model is waterproof). Don’t bring them to excessively humid rooms or areas. If you want your devices to have extra protection against this, then you may purchase water-resistant models.

Hearing Aid Dehumidifiers

If you have the money, invest in hearing aid dehumidifiers for extra measure, to make sure they remain dry inside and out. Dehumidifiers are cases that draw out the moisture and dry your devices. Some may even help disinfect them.

Things that provide you with services you are constantly in demand should require more of your attention. Always ask the experts for advice. Call Chicago Beltone at (800) 900-6187 to speak to a licensed audiologist.