Owning hearing aids comes with a level of responsibility that may take some time to become accustomed to. Learning how to take care of your hearing aids from home will not only add years to their lifespan, but it will also help you to get the most out of them as you use them every single day. Understanding the best possible cleaning and maintenance methods for your hearing aids is the first step to take when you want to learn how to take care of your devices from home.

Hearing aids are exposed to bacteria, warmth and moisture, which isn’t always the ideal environment. This is why regular maintenance is extremely important to manage the longevity of your device. Improving the reliability of your hearing aids and following a regular cleaning routine will help you to get the most out of them both now and in the future.

Forming Regular Hearing Aid Cleaning Habits

Getting into a regular routine now will help you care for your hearing aids in an optimum way. Your audiologist will be able to provide you with a maintenance plan for your specific devices, but there are a number of general rules you should follow when it comes to caring for your hearing aids at home.

Buy the Correct Cleaning Tools

Before you can start cleaning your hearing aids, you should invest in the correct tools for your specific devices. First of all, a small cleaning brush will be extremely useful when it comes to cleaning your hearing aids. A wax pick is also a must-have tool for anyone looking to properly maintain their hearing aids at home. As time goes by, earwax can accumulate which can cause your hearing aids to be less effective, or even cause a strange noise. Using the wax pic and brush you can gently remove any debris so that the sound quality is always the best it can be.

Maintaining the Correct Temperature

Much like any electronic device, it’s important to keep your hearing aids at the proper temperature so unnecessary damage isn’t caused. Try to keep your hearing aids away from extremely hot or cold temperatures and store them in the provided case when you’re not wearing them or when entering very hot or cold environments.

Daily Cleaning Habits to Start Today

As with any daily routine, it can take some time to establish your schedule. However, once you begin cleaning your hearing aids at the end of each day you will soon get used to it. Wherever possible, try to avoid using wipes or wet materials as this can cause damage. Take the advice from your audiologist and use your specified tools to clean them as thoroughly as possible. This will help avoid the need for professional hearing aid repairs.

If you’re having trouble establishing a good at-home maintenance routine you may want to associate this task with another daily habit, such as brushing your hair, drinking your morning coffee or even brushing your teeth. If you can get into good habits now, your hearing aids will always be in the best possible condition.

The Difference Between Cleaning ITE Hearing Aids and BTE Hearing Aids

First and foremost, you should look to follow the advice from your audiologist as much as possible when it comes to cleaning your hearing aids. With in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids you should use a soft-bristled brush to clean away any excess debris and particles from your device.

If you have behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids there is a slightly different protocol to adhere to. Once you take out your hearing aids you should use a dry cloth or piece of materials to get rid of any debris that is visible. Then you can soak your earmold in soapy water to keep it clean; dry it overnight when possible so that it’s thoroughly dry for the next day of usage.

How We Can Help You Care for Your Devices

Hearing & Balance Centers of West Tennessee is dedicated to helping people stay on top of their hearing screenings and maintaining their hearing aids. With a friendly and welcoming team, you will feel in safe hands from the moment you walk through the door. Not only will we uncover the perfect treatment plan for each individual, but we will offer after care services that go above and beyond.

We understand that your hearing is extremely important, so we want to make you feel as comfortable as possible throughout the entire process. If you have any queries regarding your hearing aids and how to care for them at home, please contact our audiologists on the following phone numbers: Jackson: (731) 256-5973, Memphis: (901) 201-6761. We look forward to helping answer your queries!

Tags: hearing aid repair tips, troubleshooting tips