Did you know that approximately 48 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss? This underlines the importance of regular hearing care and maintenance, particularly when it comes to hearing aids. Cleaning your hearing aids not only ensures their optimal performance but also extends their lifespan. A well-maintained device can provide you with clearer sound, fewer repairs, and overall better hearing experience. This guide will walk you through the steps to clean your devices properly, offering tips on what to do and what to avoid.
The Importance of Regular Cleaning
Hearing aids are delicate devices that require consistent upkeep. Regular cleaning is crucial as it helps prevent earwax build-up which can lead to muffled sounds or even damage the device. Furthermore, keeping your devices clean reduces the risk of ear infections by eliminating bacteria that may accumulate on them.
Understanding Your Hearing Aid Parts
To clean your hearing aids effectively, it’s beneficial to understand its components. The main parts include the microphone, speaker or receiver, battery compartment, and earmold or dome. Each part requires a specific cleaning method for optimal results.
Cleaning Tools You’ll Need
Having the right tools at hand makes cleaning easier and more effective. A soft dry cloth is essential for wiping down the device daily while a wax pick or brush helps remove stubborn earwax from certain parts of your hearing aid.
How to Clean Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids
Behind-the-ear (BTE) models have specific cleaning requirements due to their design which separates electronic components from the earmold. The earmold should be detached for thorough cleaning while care must be taken not to let moisture reach electronic parts.
How To Clean In-The-Ear Hearing Aids
In-the-ear (ITE) models need careful handling during cleaning as all components are housed in one shell placed inside the ear canal. Wiping down ITEs daily with a soft dry cloth removes sweat and wax buildup while a wax pick can help clear out any blockages in tiny holes.
When To Replace Parts
Despite diligent cleaning efforts, certain parts like tubes, domes or wax filters may need replacing over time due to normal wear and tear. It’s important you’re aware when these changes are necessary for maintaining optimal performance.
What Not To Do When Cleaning
While maintaining cleanliness is important there are things you should avoid when cleaning your hearing aids such as using water or harsh chemicals which could damage sensitive electronic components within them.
Seeking Professional Help
Even with regular home maintenance sometimes professional help is needed especially if you notice changes in how your device works despite careful upkeep efforts.
Remember: taking care of your hearing aids means taking care of your hearing health too!