Hearing Aid Cleaning

How To Clean Your Hearing Aids For Long-Term Maintenance

02/16/2022 | Hearing Aids, Patient Resources

Both our patients and their loved ones often ask us how to care for their hearing aids. It’s a good question because just like a house or car, good maintenance of any investment means it will last longer and keep doing what you want it to do.

With the right maintenance, hearing aids can last for up to eight years, although most of our patients prefer to upgrade theirs by year 3 to 5 so they can be in warranty.

To help you keep your hearing aids in good shape for the length of time you need them for, I’ve outlined a few tips below.

Benefits Of Hearing Aids Maintenance

Hearing aids are like other electronic devices. If they are not kept free of moisture or other debris like earwax, this can cause them to malfunction or stop working entirely.

A daily cleaning routine can prevent that. By keeping your hearing devices clean, you can extend the life of the devices and ensure they are providing the benefits you need.

Hearing Aid Repair

Your Hearing Aids Need Attention If…

There are a few signs that can indicate your hearing devices need attention.

  • You’re not hearing things clearly, or the volume seems lower or sounds plugged up.
  • It feels like the device is making your hearing worse.
  • You get whistling or feedback when the device is properly placed in the ear.
  • It’s dead.
  • You see visible signs of damage to the case or earmold.

Hearing Aid Care

Your specific cleaning routine will vary depending on the type of hearing aids you have, but in general:

  • Wipe your hearing device with a soft cloth at night. This will help keep the ports clear.
  • Let them air out at night by opening the battery door. This will help prevent moisture buildup. If there is no battery door, use a dehumidifying or drying device recommended by your audiologist or hearing device manufacturer.
  • Brush all the sides of the hearing aid daily with the cleaning tool provided by your audiologist. Some people use a soft toothbrush.
  • Change wax filters, guards, and domes — if you have them — monthly or as advised by your audiologist.
  • Avoid using harsh chemicals and water.
  • Perform a monthly diagnostic test via the manufacturer’s app, if they provide one (such as Starkey). This evaluates the hearing aids’ speaker, microphone, and circuit and lets you know if it’s all working properly.
  • Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place when you are not wearing them, such as the charging station on your nightstand or in a dehumidifying box. Turn the batteries off to preserve battery power.

If Your Hearing Aids Are Not Working Properly

The first thing to do is make sure you’ve cleaned them according to the steps above and have changed out the wax filter. Nine times out of ten, hearing devices stop working because the wax filter has done its job and is plugged with wax.

If your hearing device is clean and is still not working properly, make an appointment to have it checked. We have the right tools in the office to give it a deep clean.

Not only that, but our expert hearing aid specialists can also diagnose most problems and repair or adjust your device, no matter the model or brand, as part of your exceptional follow-up care plan. We also offer this service to non-patients at affordable rates.

If we find your device to be severely damaged, we might need to send it to the manufacturer for repair. If this happens, we’ll give you a pair of loaner hearing aids that are similar to your own until your device is available.

Schedule A Hearing Aid Cleaning Or Repair

Hearing devices should be cleaned and checked by your audiologist about every six months. Most of the time, your hearing aids will be functioning as they should after a deep clean or repair. Book yours here.

And if you have any questions about hearing aid maintenance, request a callback for a time that is convenient for you. We’re happy to answer all your questions.

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Lori Losey Lovato MA, FAAA, Audiologist

Lori is a lifelong resident of the Tri-Cities. She and her husband Anthony are proud to be raising their family here. She attended Washington State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in speech and hearing sciences and her master’s degree in audiology. Lori began practicing audiology in the Tri-Cities in 1993. During this time, she has worked in a variety of clinical settings, including private practice and ear, nose, and throat physicians’ offices. She has spent her career focused on assisting those with hearing difficulties through the use of hearing aids, listening strategies, assistive devices, and counseling. She is experienced in working with both adult and pediatric patients. It is important to Lori to develop close relationships with each and every patient, as she helps them develop better communication strategies to live a fuller life.

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