Guide to cleaning hearing aids
Maintaining your hearing aids properly is crucial for their longevity and performance. Regular hearing aid cleaning prevents problems such as wax buildup, moisture damage, and sound distortion. Using the right hearing aid cleaning tools ensures your device stays in excellent working condition.
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How to clean different types of hearing aids at home
Depending on the type of hearing aid you have, the cleaning process may require a specific approach. Learn how to clean different styles of hearing aids with clear, step-by-step videos that show you each part of the process.
Step-by-step guide to cleaning your receiver-in-the-ear and nxtCIC hearing aids
1
Preparation: wash your hands
Before cleaning, always wash your hands to avoid the transfer of dirt and bacteria to your hearing aids.
2
Wipe down the hearing aid
Use a hearing aid cleaning wipe to gently clean the exterior of the device.
3
Clean the microphone and speaker
Use a hearing aid cleaning brush to remove wax and debris from the microphone and speaker openings.
4
Remove earwax from opening
Use a wax pick to gently clean wax from small openings.
5
Cleaning hearing aid ear pieces
Replace both the dome and the wax guard regularly, as both components are designed to be replaced to maintain proper performance
6
Dry and store your hearing aids
- Always store your hearing aids in a dry, cool place.
- Keep away from pets and small children.
- Use a hearing aid dehumidifier to remove excess moisture.
- Avoid exposing them to direct heat and liquid.
How to clean your behind-the-ear hearing aid with mould
- Wash your hands
- Remove the battery and the earmold
- Clean the earmold vent using the multitool
- Wipe the earmold and hearing aid with a cleaning cloth
- Dry both with a dry cloth
- Put a drying capsule into the drying cup
- Place the hearing aids and earmolds (without batteries) in the drying cup
- Let them dry overnight
- Take them out from the drying cup and reinsert the earmolds and battery
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White screen: How to clean your BTE hearing aids with earmoulds. |
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An audiologist is sitting at a table. She takes a hearing aid and removes the battery and the earmould. |
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She holds the earmould and uses a vent tool to clean the earmould. |
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She takes a cleaning cloth and wipes the earmould and the hearing aid |
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She then takes a dry cloth and wipes the earmould and the hearing aid |
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She opens a drying cup and inserts a drying capsule. She inserts the hearing aids and earmoulds. |
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Let the hearing aids dry for 24h |
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The audiologist takes out the hearing aids and inserts the earmoulds and battery |
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White screen: HearingLife logo |
How to clean your in-the-ear custom hearing aids
- Remove the batteries
- Clean the hearing aids with a dry cloth
- Use a multi tool to remove wax from the vent
- Use the multi tool to clean the wax filter
- Reinsert the batteries or insert new batteries
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White screen: How to clean your Oticon in-the-ear custom hearing aids |
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An audiologist is sitting at a table. Zoom in on her picking up a hearing aid. |
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She removes the batteries in both hearing aids |
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She cleans the hearing aids with a microfiber cloth |
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She uses a vent cleaning tool to remove the wax |
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She uses the wax pick to clean the wax filter |
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She reinserts the batteries in the hearing aids |
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White screen: HearingLife logo |
Essential tools for hearing aid cleaning
1. Hearing aid cleaning bowl
A cleaning bowl is used to wash detachable earmolds safely. By soaking the earmolds in a cleaning solution, it helps remove wax and debris while keeping the hearing aid device itself dry.
2. Hearing aid drying tub
A drying tub is a small container designed to hold hearing aids during the drying process. When used with drying capsules, it helps reduce moisture that can build up during daily use.
3. Air puffer
An air puffer is used to gently blow air through hearing aid tubing or small openings after cleaning. This helps remove remaining moisture or particles and supports clear sound transmission.
4. Multitool
The multitool is a small cleaning instrument that typically includes a brush and wax loop. It is used to gently remove wax and debris from hearing aid openings and surfaces. This tool is usually included when you purchase hearing aids.
5. Dry-cleaning cloth
A dry-cleaning cloth is a soft cloth used to wipe the outer surface of hearing aids and remove daily dust, oils, and moisture. This cloth is typically provided with every hearing aid purchase.
6. Electronic dryer
Our electronic hearing aid dryer uses warm air and UV C light to dry and disinfect your hearing aids in less than an hour. It can be used for any hearing aid type.
Where to buy a hearing aid cleaning kit near you
Good hearing aid hygiene is essential for optimal performance and longevity. If you're wondering where to buy a hearing aid cleaning kit, HearingLife has you covered.
When you purchase a pair of hearing aids from HearingLife, you'll receive essential cleaning tools as part of your package.
Need extra supplies or guidance? Our team is always ready to help. Contact your local HearingLife clinic for personalized support on how to clean and maintain your hearing aids.
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Tips for long term hearing aid care
- Clean your hearing aids daily to prevent buildup.
- Replace wax filters monthly unless more frequent is required by your hearing care professional.
- Store your hearing aids in a dry place when not in use.
- Avoid moisture exposure by removing your hearing aids before showering or swimming.
- Reach out to your local hearing care clinic should you need additional professional cleaning and maintenance support.