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How to Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean

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Macro close up of a matched pair of tiny modern hearing aids with case and brush on wooden bedside dressing table

There are many ways to keep your hearing aids clean without the assistance of an audiologist. Many of these tips can be completed daily as a preventative method, while deep cleaning your hearing aids at least once a month is recommended. While you don’t have to purchase a hearing aid dehumidifier (although it is highly suggested), you will want to have cleaning tools and cleaning products, which can be provided by your audiologist. Among these options are:
1)      5-in-1 Cleaning Kits: These contain a brush, wax removal pick, tube/vent cleaning tool, battery door opener, and a battery magnet tool.
2)      NanoClean Cleaners: These contain 20 nylon brush floss strands for cleaning tubes and vents.
3)      Cleaning Brushes: This tool has a brush and magnet on one end and a wax pick on the other end.
4)      Audiowipes: These are disinfectant towelettes that can be used to clean the outside surface of your device.
5)      Disinfecting spray: There are many that can be used on your device without needing a tissue or towel to dry afterward.
6)      Jodi-Vac Vacuum Cleaner: This is an electronic vacuum that is suggested for deep cleanings to rid devices of dirt, ear wax, etc.
Don’t hesitate to ask your audiologist about these tools.  It is of the upmost importance to keep your microphone and speaker clean. Depending upon your model, however, daily cleaning tips will vary.
For Custom Pieces:
1)      Wipe your device with a cleaning cloth or spray.
2)      Using the cleaner brush, go over the microphone and speaker to remove all debris/build-up.
3)      Next, use the wax pick to remove anything the brush could not pick up and remove. The wax filter may need replacing; do so if it is clearly damaged.
4)      Grab the appropriate cleaner to cleanse the ventilation of the device.
5)      Store overnight in a hearing aid dehumidifier if you have one.
Behind-the-Ear Pieces:
1)      Wipe down your device with a cleaning cloth or spray.
2)      Brush over the microphone and speaker to remove debris/build-up.
3)      Using the wax pick, clean out the holes at the earmold/dome.
4)      Store cleaned device in its dehumidifier.
Receiver-in-Ear Pieces:
1)      Wipe down device with appropriate cloth or spray.
2)      Brush over the microphone and speaker to remove debris/build-up.
3)      Using the wax pick, clean the earmold/dome and replace wax filter if needed.
4)      Clear out the vent of the earmold, this will allow air to flow freely from one side of the hearing aid to the other.
5)      Store overnight in a dehumidifier.
Deep Cleaning Tips:
How often you deep clean your device will depend upon how often and how much build-up accumulates within your ears. The type of environment you spend most of your time in will also play a key role in determining this. Of course, if you do not feel comfortable with completing a deep cleansing, your audiologist can assist with this task. If you’re unsure as to whether you’re cleaning is effective, don’t be afraid to schedule a check-up appointment so your audiologist can inspect your device.
1)      For Behind-the-Ear pieces, remove the tubing and clean the tubes/vents with a vent cleaner.
2)      For Behind-the-Ear and Receiver-in-the-Ear, replace the dome.
3)      Utilize a hearing aid vacuum cleaner to ensure all debris is free from the device.
4)      Wipe/spray your device thoroughly for sterilization.
Important to Remember While Cleaning:
1)      Clean over soft surfaces only; this prevents damage if the device is dropped during cleaning.
2)      Refrain from using water, other cleaning products, alcohol, etc., in the place of proper hearing aid cleaning agents.
3)      Use plain tissues only; do not use any with aloe or lotion.
4)      Establish a routine and maintain it so your device stays clean.
5)      Wash all cloths used during cleaning before the next clean comes around.
6)      Clean your hands before handling your device.
7)      Clean each end and from top to bottom.

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