So you’ve purchased your first pair of hearing aids or finally convinced your loved one it’s time to get theirs. That first step is a huge milestone, but wearing hearing aids is only part of the process. Earwax, dead skin cells and dirt can all make their way from our ears into hearing aids, and things like hair and beauty products, sweat and moisture can also block up the little microphone and speaker openings in the device. This spells trouble for sound quality and proper functioning. That’s why cleaning hearing aids daily and maintaining them throughout the year is vital for this expensive, life-enhancing equipment to function optimally.
How exactly do you clean hearing aids to keep them in tip-top shape so they last? Here’s a look at some of the best hearing aid cleaning advice for older adults or family caregivers.
Why it’s important to clean hearing aids
It may sound obvious that hearing aids should be kept clean, but it’s not just for sanitary purposes. For hearing aids to work properly, it’s key that they remain free from dirt and debris. Everything from air moisture and household dust to sweat and ear wax can prevent these all-important devices from doing their job.
Hearing aids take in sound through a microphone, which is processed and delivered to the ear through a receiver or loudspeaker. Failing to keep hearing aids clean hurts efficacy on both ends: if matter gets into the microphone, this can block sound from entering the device or distort it along its way. Similar issues at the other end can also stop sound from being delivered to the ear properly. Regular cleaning helps prevent these issues and keep all parts of the device working properly.
Tips for cleaning hearing aids
Cleaning hearing aids isn’t as straightforward as it might sound due to variances in devices and the large number of delicate parts. Fortunately, most come with a basic cleaning kit containing the essential tools, such as a cloth, brush and a little scoop that can be used to take earwax out of the tip of the hearing aid and prevent it from clogging up.
Now, here’s what it takes to keep them as clean as possible.
Pay attention to the type of device you or your older loved one has
The cleaning process is similar for all hearing aids, though they come in multiple forms, and some require more TLC than others. Hearing aids with more electronic parts sitting in the ear canal, called “custom” or “in-ear” hearing aids, are more exposed to wax, sweat and debris. They’re shaped to fit inside your ear canal, which has benefits. However, tiny hearing aids that sit very deep in the ear are more susceptible to dirt interrupting their functioning — which calls for more frequent cleaning.
The other style of hearing aids, “behind-the-ear”, have most or all their electronic components in a case on top of the outer ear. Because they’re less exposed to earwax, they’re easier to keep clean — especially if the loudspeaker is in the ear piece rather than in the ear canal.
However, if your behind-the-ear hearing aid is “receiver-in-ear”, meaning the loudspeaker sits inside the ear, it can require just as much cleaning as the custom kind. If you or your loved one hasn’t yet obtained hearing aids, take this into consideration.
Keep up with daily hearing aid cleaning maintenance
Cleaning hearing aids consistently, every day if possible, keeps them working at their best and saves money on repairs in the long run.
When you take out your hearing aids at night, you should wipe the outside with a soft, dry cloth (the one from your cleaning kit or similar), before checking the tip of the hearing aid that enters the ear canal and microphone openings (little holes on the faceplate or top of the hearing aid) for anything that might be clogging them up.
If you see any wax or debris, sweep it out with your cleaning kit’s brush using a gentle side-to-side motion. Avoid getting bristles into the holes, which can cause damage.
Even if you don’t see anything, brushing the openings quickly can remove any dirt or debris you might not spot at first glance before you put your hearing aids away for the night in their charger or case.
Prioritise periodic maintenance for hearing aids
Even with daily cleaning, hearing aids need occasional deeper cleans. Many have a piece on the end where sound is delivered, called a wax guard, which is designed to prevent wax from clogging and damaging the hearing aid — but it may become blocked itself after a while. Consider replacing the loudspeaker’s wax guard if this occurs.
If your hearing aid consists of an ear mould connecting to a traditional behind-the-ear hearing aid, it might also require extra cleaning. Use the small loop usually supplied with the device to remove any wax or debris from its tubing.
Even if you’re a dedicated cleaner, there’s no escaping the fact that hearing aids are exposed to the warm, moist environment of the ear canal. Consult a professional for information on thorough hearing aid cleaning options to help keep them functioning ideally for as long as possible.
Hearing aid cleaning don’ts
There are also a few important things to avoid when cleaning hearing aids.
Don’t put them in before you do your hair or beauty routine
If you use hair spray, other hair or beauty spray products or perfume, use them before putting in hearing aids. Otherwise, you risk spray entering the microphones and reducing their effectiveness.
Don’t clean with liquid
It’s important to avoid getting the devices wet, so no soap and water, or cleaning agents like sprays. Stick with the soft cloths and brushes.
Don’t be rough
Avoid jamming any cleaning tools into the hearing aids, since pushing the bristles down into the delicate parts can damage them. Shallow side-to-side motions are a safer approach.
Don’t allow moisture in
Moisture from living in a very humid environment or perspiring excessively can damage hearing aids. For those with disposable batteries, it’s a good idea to use a dehumidifying kit and leave hearing aids in the dehumidifier overnight, every night.
If your devices are rechargeable, you may consider putting them in a dehumidifier for a few hours before charging them. Some charging docks are also equipped with features that deal with moisture in hearing aids while they charge.
If you’d rather not use this equipment, you can buy your own storage case with desiccant for any hearing aid, which draws out moisture and keeps them working better and for longer.
More hearing aid cleaning tips for family caregivers
Cleaning hearing aids isn’t only a task for the wearer. These small devices can be tricky to clean without good eyesight.
Depending on an elderly person’s memory, health and mobility, more manually dextrous family caregivers may need to assist with or do the cleaning — and possibly replace the batteries. When getting hearing aids for the first time, it’s a good idea for caregivers to go to the fitting with the wearers and to learn first-hand about care and maintenance. YouTube and/or the manufacturer’s website can be useful places to find video instructions on cleaning the device and troubleshooting.
Whether you’re taking over hearing aid cleaning duty or trying to set a wearer up for success, here are some tips to follow:
Create reminders
If your older loved one is capable of daily cleaning but struggles to remember, it’s a good idea to create a system of reminders that involves ringing them, writing it on their calendar or setting up an alarm or notification on their phone. Written instructions in an easily visible location can be another helpful option for some wearers.
Set up a workspace
Cleaning hearing aids is easiest someplace with plenty of surface area and good lighting, so set up a spot at your family member’s table or desk for the nightly clean. Placing a hand towel flat on the work surface can be a good way to prevent hearing aids, tools or batteries from falling off (or into) the table.
Enhance visibility
What if you or your loved one struggles to see the tiny parts for cleaning? Sharp eyesight might not be enough to spot every piece of dirt and debris hiding in and around these small devices. A tabletop magnifying glass and bright light can help.
The bottom line on how to clean hearing aids
Purchasing expensive hearing aids and getting used to wearing these delicate devices is one thing, but the thought of cleaning them daily — whether for yourself or a family member — may seem quite overwhelming. Just remember that it’s a quick process with the tools supplied, and it’ll soon become second nature. Those few minutes a day will protect the hearing aids and extend their service life, for hearing support that lasts a long time to come.
