Tips to Clean off Earwax, Debris and Moisture from Your Hearing Aids

If you wear hearing aids, they are probably one of the more delicate and essential devices that you own. Many people wear their hearing aids all day long. They help make your life more enjoyable and easier to navigate. You must take good care of your hearing aids to get the best use from them. 

1. Use Cleaning Tools

A brush and wax pick are important tools that help with earwax buildup on your hearing aid. This is the most common cause of malfunction. Too much earwax can create static, muffled, or loud feedback noises.

​Use the wax brush and pick on a daily basis. Each person produces a different amount of earwax, so it’s important to check your hearing aids often to notice if they are blocked up. Make it a routine to clean your hearing aids at the same time, either at the beginning or the end of your day. Wipe them with a tissue or dry cloth. Separate tubing and clean it to restrict earwax from accumulating inside. 

2. Practice Preventative Care

Because hearing aid devices are electronic, it’s important not to get them wet or allow moisture to build up. Remove hearing aids when showering, bathing, or washing your face with water. Do not leave them in the bathroom while you are taking a steamy shower. When you have taken the hearing aids off for the day, open the battery doors overnight. This lets the hearing aid air out and dries the inside of the battery compartment. 

You may also use a dehumidifier. These cases rid your hearing aids of moisture and are great to use as a storage unit. Keeping your hearing aids dry is important.

 3. If your hearing aids get wet, here are some more tips:        

• Turn off your hearing aid device and take out the batteries. A wet battery left in your hearing aid may cause more damage. Toss away the wet batteries. 
• If you were in the ocean, rinse the hearing aids in clean water before you dry them.
• Place your hearing aids on dry newspapers and air-dry them in your home for 24-hours or longer.
• Use uncooked rice or silica gel and put them in a plastic Ziploc® bag or container with a lid. Place your hearing aid in between the grains of rice or silica gel, seal the Ziploc® bag or container, and keep it overnight - the rice or silica gel can be used as dehumidifiers to absorb the moisture from your hearing aids.
• Dry the hearing devices with a fan, or hairdryer on the lowest setting. DO NOT use high heat. It’s best to use the coolest setting.
• DO NOT use any high forms of heat on the hearing aid. NEVER place your hearing aids in the microwave, oven, or radiator. This will most likely cause further damage. 

​Do not panic if your hearing aids get wet. A dehumidifier or hearing aid dry kit can be helpful in this situation. The devices can most likely be repaired. If none of the advice that was previously mentioned works, contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids and set up an appointment.

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