Should You get Hearing Aids Cleaned by a Professional?

Clean Your Own Hearing Aids and Get A Professional Cleaning

The build-up of earwax and sweat in your hearing aids is unavoidable when they rest inside your ear canals. In some instances this accumulation is noticeable simply by looking at your hearing aids, and most wearers are inclined to clean the cerumen off by themselves. It is advised that wearers lightly clean their hearing aids each day, while giving the devices to a professional when it needs a more thorough sterilization. Hearing aids have lots of technology condensed in a small housing case. Because of this, the device can become easily damaged if it is not properly cleaned or cared for.

The Purpose of Hearing Aid Cleanings

Just like all forms of technology, hearing aids function the best when they undergo regular maintenance work. This is particularly true during hot, summertime weather. Sweat, earwax and oil from your body will accumulate in the hearing aids’ receivers and microphones. In addition to getting your hearing aids dirty, there is also the possibility of transferring bacteria. The build-up of dirt, earwax, oil and sweat may subdue the quality of sound provided by your hearing aids.  

Frequency of Hearing Aid Cleanings by a Professional

The frequency of thorough hearing aid cleanings by a professional depends on the style of your hearing aids, and how fast your perspiration or cerumen accumulates. Some hearing aid wearers should have their devices cleaned every three months, whereas others can get their devices cleaned every six months. 

A Hearing Aid Cleaning Conducted by a Professional

When a professional cleans your hearing aids, proper tools are used to lightly clean out wax build up, sweat, debris or dust. They will make sure the debris is carefully removed so as not to damage the circuitry of your hearing aids. 

Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids to assure that you are scheduling maintenance repairs, fittings and cleaning appointments at proper intervals. The microphones, receivers, outer housing and tubing should be cleaned. Appointments for hearing aid cleanings are brief and do not require the need to keep your hearing aids overnight in the office. 

Cleanings Done at Home

You can conduct daily maintenance for your hearing aids at home, and leave the deep cleanings to a professional. Here are some tips:

1. Clean with a dry, soft cloth. Do NOT wipe the outer case of the hearing aids with a wet cloth, or alcohol, or any sort of chemicals. These may damage your hearing aids. A dry cloth will be adequate to wipe off any debris from the hearing device, when done each night before going to sleep. 
2. Take out ear molds in order to clean. If you have a RIC (Receiver-in-Canal) or BTE (Behind-the-Ear) model that has removable ear molds, take them off before cleaning. After they are removed, it’s safe to wash the molds in warm water while using a gentle, mild soap. The molds MUST be completely dry before you reattach them.       
3. Use the proper tools. There are cleaning kits, specially designed for hearing aids, that are available. The kits usually include a wax pick and a small brush that are delicate enough to clean your hearing aids. Do NOT try to use a pen or other “tool” to remove it - this may cause damage. 
4. Maintain good habits. The best way to make sure your hearing aids stay clean is to take on preventative habits. Take out your hearing aid devices during your hygiene routines in the morning and night. When you take a shower or bath, leave your hearing aids out of the bathroom to avoid possible contamination from water or other chemicals.     

If you, or a loved one, are in need of a professional hearing aid cleaning, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids!

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