5 Things to make cleaning your hearing aids more manageable
Spring cleaning usually comes around once a year. The days have started to get longer. The gloomy weather is passing, and now it’s time to get into the mindset of spring cleaning.
You probably start with sweeping and dusting, de-cluttering rooms, and cleaning behind furniture. What else could benefit from a deep clean? Your hearing aids. Here are five ways to get started.
1. Replace the Wax Trap
Ear wax buildup is one of the leading causes for hearing aid repair, along with moisture and battery malfunction.
Eventually, wax buildup and debris will cause your sound quality to suffer, and then its time to replace the wax trap(filter). Each style of hearing aid is different; check out the instructions for yours, check for buildup, and, if needed, replace the filter.
2. Replace the Dome and Tubing on RIC Devices
Receiver-in-Canal devices not only have wax filters, but they also have a dome and tube that can develop wax or debris buildup. Similar to the wax filter, once buildup accumulates in the dome, sound quality suffers. Get the tools that came with your devices, check your instructions for how to clean the dome and tubing, and, if necessary, replace them or come see our repair tech and we can do it for you.
3. Check your Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier is a cleaning system for your hearing devices. The most basic models remove moisture and dry out wax; other models also disinfect and deodorize your devices.
If you have a dehumidifier that uses a desicant (Some form of material to remove moisture), it also has an expiration or best-by date. Check the date, replace the desicant if needed, and jot down the nearest expiration date somewhere you’re sure to see it.
If you aren’t using a dehumidifier, you should be, especially if you live in a particularly humid environment. Your hearing devices sit in or on your ear all day, collecting oils, moisture, and wax. Like all electronic devices, moisture can quickly ruin your hearing devices. Dehumidifiers remove all that harmful moisture while you sleep!
4. Create a Routine
The best way to make sure you stay ahead of your spring cleaning is to create and maintain your routine year-round.
When taking devices out for the night, wipe them off to protect against moisture, oils, and earwax with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use water or cleaning products such as rubbing alcohol. Use the brush that came with your devices and remove debris from all ports and openings.
Once per month, clean the battery contacts with a dry cotton swab, taking care not to bend the battery contacts. Finally, check the wax filter for excessive buildup and make sure they’re in good shape.
5. Clean and Check
Regardless of how thorough you clean your devices, the small ports and tubing will eventually require replacing. That’s why all of our services come with the purchase of your devices. We offer complimentary clean and checks every few months. We want your hearing aids to work as best as possible for as long as possible. You can call and schedule an appointment or, most of the time, bring them right in for same-day cleaning.
Be sure to keep an eye out for our classes that we offer monthly, as well, available to anyone interested.