We're all making resolutions this time of year. And it's probably no surprise that the majority of these resolutions have to do with taking better care of ourselves, from our health to our finances.
Well, for those of us with hearing aids, we've got a resolution for you that addresses both. Taking good care of your hearing devices will help you get the most out of them – for the longest amount of time.
An apple a day...
You know what they say about an apple a day, right? The same goes for taking good, preventative care of your hearing aids. Hearing devices are an important investment in your overall health, and although they have been designed to be both reliable and durable, taking a few minutes each day to clean them may help extend the life of these valuable tools.
As all ear canals produce earwax - click here to read more about this icky topic - the buildup of wax on hearing aids is one of the main causes for issues within the device. According to the Oticon, Phonak, and Signia experts, earwax clogs up the sound outlet and the ventilation opening, resulting in weak, distorted sound or absence of sound. While most hearing aids come with a filter to stop wax from getting into the device, the filters also need general maintenance and frequent replacement.
The buildup of earwax on hearing aids is one of the main causes for issues within the device.
Advice from the experts
Oticon cleaning advice
Devices Advanced Audiology carries: Oticon miniRITE R, Oticon miniRITE, Oticon miniRITE T, Oticon Opn Play™
Make sure your hands are clean and dry before handling your hearing aids
Clean your hearing aids each day with a soft, dry cloth
Do not use water, cleaning fluids, solvents or alcohol, as these could damage your hearing aids
The speaker unit in receiver-in-the ear hearing aids (RITE models) should be cleaned on a regular basis using a cloth to rub off any earwax
The domes or silicone tips that cover the speaker units should not be cleaned, but rather replaced at least once a month
Phonak cleaning advice
Devices Advanced Audiology carries: Phonak Audéo™ Marvel, Phonak Naida™ B, Phonak CROS B, Phonak Virto™ B-Titanium
Always make sure that your hands are clean and dry before touching your hearing aid. The delicate microphone input can easily become blocked with debris.
Clean the devices with a soft, dry cloth
Never use alcohol, solvents or cleaning agents
Screwdrivers and oil are the enemy of all hearing aids
Clean your ears before inserting the hearing aids
Signia cleaning advice
Devices Advanced Audiology carries: Signia Styletto, Signia CROS/BiCROS, Signia Nx, Insio Nx ITC/ITE, Pure Charge & Go Nx, Pure 312 Nx, Pure 13 Nx, Motion 13 and 13P Nx, Pure 10 Nx
For behind-the-ear hearing aids, remove obvious build-up with a soft, clean cloth
According to Signia, brushes and hooks are the main tools for cleaning in-the-ear hearing aids. They suggest holding the hearing aid downward so any loose dirt and debris may fall out, rather than being pushed back into the device.
Brushes and hooks must also be cleaned with a dry cloth
Never attempt to clean the inside of your hearing aids
Sound advice for all hearing aid users
Never expose any part of the hearing aids to water
When your hearing aids are not in use, it is best to keep them in the drying set.
When not in use, always protect your hearing aids by carrying them in their case.
Protect your hearing aids from dirt
Remove your hearing aids before showering bathing or swimming
Due to the high ambient humidity, you should not leave the devices in the bathroom
Keep the devices away from children and pets
Removed but not deactivated devices emit high sounds that may be aggravating to some dogs
Avoid contact with hairspray or make-up
Remove your hearing aids before using body care products.
Do you need a professional cleaning?
If you are unsure about how to properly clean your hearing aids, do not risk it! If you don’t have the proper tools, our hearing specialist can direct you towards a cleaning kit or help you with the repairs. Regardless of your cleaning schedule, you should occasionally bring in your hearing aids for a professional cleaning. Audiology specialist have tools that can clean your hearing aids thoroughly and they will notice if anything isn’t right with your hearing aids.
At Advanced Audiology Associates, we work with the best products, for the best clients. If we didn't address your particular hearing aid brand - please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are always glad to help and we always welcome new clients!
References
(2019, February 21) Should I Have My Hearing Aids Professionally Cleaned? Retrieved from https://www.signia-hearing.com/blog/should-i-have-my-hearing-aids-professionally-cleaned
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