How to Clean a Hearing Aid
Always follow your manufacturer's instructions on how to clean your hearing aid. You should avoid excessive heat and moisture. Taking the battery out and leaving the battery door open at night will extend your battery life. There are different hearing aid cleaning kits available. Use these kits and supplies as directed. Have your hearing aid checked by your audiologist about every six months or as directed. With proper care, your hearing aid will function better.
- Avoid excessive heat and moisture as these can damage your hearing aid. When purchasing a hearing aid ask about the preferred cleaning method for your model. Many hearing aids come with a cleaning kit. If they do not, ask and purchase one.
- Remove moisture and wax build up nightly when you remove your hearing aid.
- Place the hearing aid into a desiccant overnight to dry out the moisture from the ear mold. Follow the instructions and remove the battery first. In the morning the wax will be easier to wipe and brush off. Wipe with soft cloth, replace battery and close battery door.
- Use the brush, pick and snake if you have them. Gently brush the earpiece with the brush. Take the pick and lightly scrape any debris on the holes where the receiver is located and the moisture vent. If you have a snake, open up the vent and place the snake all the way through and brush off any pushed out wax. Allow to dry with battery out and door opened after cleansing with mild soapy water or wiping with soft cloth.
- Inquire about the use of a blower if one is provided with your hearing aid. Some people dry theirs with hair dryers set on low but always ask first. Never place aids into a microwave.
- Clean any molding with mild soapy water. Some may be removable. Have these outer ear parts replaced as directed.
- Check your hearing aid out with a special test as recommended by your audiologist. Follow your manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.