People's ear canal naturally produces ear wax which can block the ventilation system or diffuser of the hearing aid. This device is usually cleaned by your doctor every 3 to 6 months or whenever you go to their doctor's office for a check-up. Despite this, it is good to know how to keep the appliance in perfect condition with home solutions; it is recommended to clean it every day to prolong its life and prevent bacteria from nesting.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Purchase the Cleaning Tools
Step 1. Use a brush
This is a soft-bristled tool suitable for cleaning the end of the device where the sound comes out. You can buy it at the pharmacy or ask your ENT to recommend an appropriate one; alternatively, you can also use a clean toothbrush with soft bristles.
Step 2. Get a disinfectant
Ask your doctor to suggest a specific spray for hearing aids that is water-based; you can use it to clean and protect your device from possible contamination for up to five days. Avoid alcohol-based products, however, as they tend to degrade and wear out the material faster.
Step 3. Use a toothpick
It is a small tool with a metal ring on the end that helps remove earwax from the prosthesis. It can be inserted into the hole of the receiver to eliminate the residues that you have not been able to remove with the toothbrush; you can buy it at the pharmacy, online or possibly get advice from the ENT doctor where to get it.
Step 4. Purchase a cloth or handkerchief
Get a soft one that you can use to scrub the outer surface of the hearing aid. Make sure the disposable tissue does not contain lotions or aloe vera; if you have chosen a reusable cloth, make sure to wash it regularly to avoid redistributing earwax and other dirt on the appliance. These accessories are on sale in pharmacies or supermarkets.
Step 5. Choose a multipurpose tool
It is a versatile device that provides many accessories in one instrument. Not only does it come with toothbrushes and toothpicks, it can also contain magnets to make it easier to remove the batteries. It is usually available online or at health care stores.
Step 6. Consider getting a blower or dryer
The latter helps to remove excess water after cleaning, as well as preventing possible problems due to humidity; The hearing aid should be stored in a dryer overnight to keep it dry and safe. The price of these accessories varies between 5 and 100 euros (or even more) and you can buy them online or in health care stores.
Part 2 of 3: Clean a BTE (Behind-the-Ear) and an ITE (In-Ear)
Step 1. Look for earwax buildup on the appliance
The first thing to do is a quick scan of the device for obvious ear wax present. Most of the time this dirt tends to accumulate in specific parts of the prosthesis, such as filters and protections for earwax, sound holes, tips and tubes.
- Filters and protectors minimize earwax build-up, are designed to be easily removed by the user, and should be analyzed daily to assess their condition.
- The hole or tip is the area from which the sound comes out; it tends to clog easily and should be inspected daily for accumulated ear wax.
- The tube connects the hearing aid to the headset; earwax often tends to settle in this area, and special tools are needed to get rid of it.
Step 2. Remove visible ear wax with a cloth
You should clean your denture every morning with a soft cloth or tissue. The ideal is to proceed in the morning (not in the evening), so that the earwax has had time to dry out during the night and can be removed more easily; do not rub the dirt on the microphone input.
Step 3. Use the toothpick
You can use it to remove dirt that has accumulated in the receiver or speaker of your device. You should insert the small metal ring on the end of the tool into the speaker opening until you feel it resist; Then empty the tube of dirt until you have completely eliminated it.
Step 4. Separate the headset from the actual device
If you have a BTE (behind-the-ear hearing aid), detach the earphone from the prosthesis by squeezing the tube with one hand and pinching the hook with the other; rotate and pull the tube from the hook, making sure you are working right on the connection between the two components.
Step 5. Clean and dry the headset
Once removed from the device, you should soak it for 10 minutes in warm soapy water; after this time, dry it with a clean and soft cloth, also using the dryer to remove any traces of water present in the tube.
Be careful not to get the hearing device wet, just the headset
Step 6. Reassemble the elements
Once the headset is completely dry, reassemble the components by rotating the tube in the headset so that the wing of the device is oriented to the opposite side of the sound input.
Part 3 of 3: Extend Device Life
Step 1. Clean it every day
Whether you are using a cloth or a specific tool, be sure to clean the appliance of dirt and debris on a daily basis. Clean all of the parts in the morning so the earwax dries up overnight and is easier to remove.
Step 2. Protect the batteries
Take them out in the evening and place them in a dehumidifier or dryer to protect them from humidity; the multipurpose tool usually comes with an accessory to help remove the batteries.
- If you don't have a dryer to store them in, leave them in the appliance, but with the compartment open overnight for the moisture to evaporate.
- Heat tends to damage the batteries, so store them in a place at room temperature.
Step 3. Avoid foreign substances
Wear your hearing aid only after applying make-up, hairspray and other products, to prevent it from getting dirty with unsuitable material; when you are not using it, store it in a safe and dry place (such as a dehumidifier or dryer).
Step 4. Visit the audiologist often
Visit every 3-6 months to check your hearing and verify that the device is working properly; never try to repair it yourself.
Advice
- Before handling a hearing aid, make sure you are on a soft surface to avoid the risk of it breaking if it falls.
- Have it cleaned by a professional every 3-6 months.
