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Are you part of the 5% of Canadian adults that wear hearing aids? If you care for them properly, you can extend their functionality and lifetime. These little bits of machinery are delicate but caring for them isn’t complicated. Here are some tips on how to clean hearing aids yourself.
Having the proper tools for cleaning your hearing aids will make the task considerably more manageable.
Here are some generally recommended tools:
If you do not have access to a hearing aid brush designed specifically to clean a hearing aid, you can use a soft toothbrush. The dry cloth will help wipe out wax and debris.
A dry cloth may also be used to wipe out natural oils produced in your ears. Place your hearing aids in a cloth to prevent them from getting dirty. It will also help if you have a bulb blower to blow any water from your hearing aids.
It is important to remember to wash your hands before cleaning your hearing aids. Lack of proper hand hygiene could result in passing germs, dirt, and debris to your hearing aids.
Also, make sure you take out your hearing aids before you shower.
There is no earwax within the listening aid with an ITE device due to a filtration mechanism. Even though wax filters are incorporated, they need to be regularly cleaned or replaced. To properly care for your hearing aids, you should clean this filter system regularly. Earwax, or "cerumen," can also be removed using tiny brushes provided with the equipment.
Follow these steps on how to clean the ITE:
Cleaning behind-the-ear requires cleaning the earmolds and the BTE device.
Follow these steps for BTE cleaning:
Be sure to use a cloth or a soft toothbrush for cleaning. When inspecting your earmold, make sure that it doesn’t have an odor. The presence of an odor is an indication of an ear infection. Contact your hearing healthcare professional if you notice an odor.
Also, be sure to wipe your earmolds every day. Soft earmolds can become stained and discolored from frequent use.
Your environment and how you store your hearing aids can affect these devices. Here are a few things to consider to ensure that your hearing aid is safe:
To locate a clinic for your checkup, click here to find one near you.
Learning how to clean hearing aids is like riding a bicycle: once you can do it, the skill will never leave you! Going the extra mile to clean them regularly will result in a set that will last you for years to come.
Our team of professionals is ready to help you along the way. Schedule an appointment at a clinic near you.
