How to Clean and Store Your Hearing Aids for Maximum Lifespan

Your hearing aids help you stay connected to the world around you – from conversations with family to your favorite music to important sounds that keep you safe. These small devices make a big difference in your daily life, which is why taking good care of them matters.

Just like any device you use every day, hearing aids need regular cleaning and proper storage to work their best. Simple daily habits can help your hearing aids last longer and perform better, letting you hear clearly and reliably when you need them most.

Taking care of your hearing aids doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With the right routine, you can keep them working well and avoid unnecessary repairs or replacements. Good maintenance habits help ensure your hearing aids are ready whenever you need them, from morning coffee with friends to evening walks in your neighborhood.

How Do Your Hearing Aids Work?

Hearing aids are sophisticated devices designed to improve hearing by amplifying sounds. They consist of four main components: a microphone, amplifier, receiver (or speaker) and battery. The microphone picks up sound from the environment and converts it into electrical signals. These signals are sent to the amplifier, where they are made louder and tailored to your specific hearing loss needs. Finally, the receiver delivers the amplified sound directly into your ear, allowing you to hear more clearly.

Modern hearing aids use advanced digital technology to provide a highly customized hearing experience. Digital hearing aids process sound using a small computer chip, allowing them to filter out background noise and emphasize speech. Many models come with multiple listening programs, enabling users to adjust their hearing aids for different environments, like a quiet home, a bustling restaurant or an outdoor event. Some even feature Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream audio directly from your phone, TV or other devices.

Additionally, hearing aids are programmed based on your audiologist’s evaluation of your hearing test results. This ensures the device is tailored to amplify only the frequencies where you have hearing challenges while maintaining a natural listening experience. Features like directional microphones help you focus on sounds coming from a specific direction, like a conversation partner, while suppressing unwanted noise from other areas.

How to Clean Your Hearing Aids at Home

Making hearing aid care part of your daily routine helps protect your ability to participate fully in life’s important moments. The better you maintain your hearing aids, the better they’ll take care of you.

Cleaning your hearing aids doesn’t have to be a tricky task. With a few easy steps, you can keep them clean and working well. First, use a soft, dry cloth or a special cleaning tool given by your audiologist to gently wipe down the exterior of your hearing aids each day. This helps remove any dust or debris that might have gathered.

Moisture can cause damage to the tiny components of your device, so it’s best to avoid using water or liquid cleaners unless suggested by a professional. Also, remember to open the battery compartment at night to let any moisture evaporate. With these simple steps, you can extend the life of your devices and maintain their sound quality.

Are There Any Tools You Need?

Keeping your hearing aids clean can be made simpler with a few essential tools. These tools ensure that your hearing aids remain free of debris, earwax and moisture, all of which can affect their functionality.

Cleaning brushes are among the most important tools in your hearing aid care kit. They help remove dirt, dust and earwax from the surface of the device. Many brushes come with a small loop or pick on one end, which is great for gently cleaning tiny crevices, including microphone ports and vents. For stubborn buildup, you can also use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the outer casing of your hearing aids.

Wax guards or filters are another critical accessory for keeping your hearing aids functioning properly. These small components are designed to catch earwax before it can enter and damage the internal components of your hearing aids. Regularly replacing wax guards, as recommended by your audiologist or the manufacturer, will help prevent blockages and maintain clear sound quality.

For moisture protection, dehumidifiers or drying kits are indispensable. These devices remove moisture that can build up inside your hearing aids, especially if you live in a humid climate or sweat frequently. Using a dehumidifier overnight can extend the life of your hearing aids and ensure consistent performance.

When Do You Need a Professional Cleaning?

Keeping your hearing aids professionally cleaned is vital to their performance and your hearing health. While regular at-home cleaning is essential, there are times when a professional cleaning is necessary. Signs that your hearing aids might need professional attention include persistent sound issues like muffled or weak audio, visible buildup of earwax or debris that can’t be removed with standard tools or if your devices aren’t fitting or functioning as they should despite proper care.

The benefits of professional cleanings are significant. Audiologists have specialized tools and expertise to clean hard-to-reach areas, ensuring that all components, like the microphone, receiver and vents, are free of debris. This deep cleaning helps maintain optimal sound quality, prevents damage to delicate internal components and extends the lifespan of your hearing aids. It also provides an opportunity for your audiologist to inspect the devices for wear and tear or other issues that might require repair or adjustment.

As a general rule, it’s recommended to have your hearing aids professionally cleaned every six months. However, if you produce excessive earwax or live in a humid or dusty environment, you may need more frequent cleanings. By sticking to a regular cleaning schedule and addressing any issues promptly, you can ensure your hearing aids continue to provide clear, reliable sound and support your hearing health for years to come.

What Can Happen if You Don’t Maintain Your Devices?

Failing to maintain your hearing aids can lead to several issues that affect both their performance and lifespan. Over time, earwax, dirt and moisture can accumulate on and inside the devices, clogging critical components like microphones and receivers. This buildup can cause sound to become muffled, distorted or even blocked entirely, leaving you with poor sound quality and diminished hearing assistance. Without regular cleaning and maintenance, your hearing aids may fail to function as intended, reducing their overall effectiveness in improving your hearing.

Neglecting proper care can also lead to more severe damage. For instance, moisture and debris can corrode internal parts, making repairs necessary or rendering the devices unusable. Replacing these intricate components or buying new hearing aids due to avoidable damage can be costly and inconvenient. Additionally, poorly maintained hearing aids may cause irritation or discomfort if dirt and debris accumulate in areas that come into contact with your skin.

Regular maintenance, both at home and through professional cleanings, helps prevent these problems. By keeping your hearing aids clean and in good working order, you can ensure they deliver optimal performance, last longer and continue to support your hearing health effectively.

Storing Your Hearing Aids

Another important aspect of hearing aid maintenance is keeping your devices properly stored when not in use. Choosing the right case for storing your hearing aids is essential for keeping them safe, clean and functioning properly. A good case will protect your devices from physical damage, moisture, dirt and dust while also offering convenience for storage and travel. When selecting a hearing aid case, there are several factors to consider.

First, look for a case that offers sturdy protection. Hard-shell cases are ideal for shielding your hearing aids from bumps, drops or crushing forces, especially when traveling or carrying them in a bag. The case should also be lightweight and compact enough to fit easily into your pocket or purse, making it practical for everyday use.

Next, consider moisture resistance. Some cases are equipped with built-in dehumidifiers or drying technology to protect your hearing aids from moisture, which can be especially helpful in humid climates or if you perspire frequently. These cases often include desiccant material or electronic drying systems to absorb moisture and maintain your hearing aids’ performance.

Finally, assess the case’s design and functionality. Look for features like a secure closure mechanism to prevent accidental openings, compartments for spare batteries or accessories, and a soft, non-abrasive interior lining to prevent scratches. Cases with bright colors or labels can also make it easier to spot your hearing aids, reducing the risk of losing them.

Where to Keep Your Devices

At home, it’s important to create a dedicated, consistent spot for storing your hearing aids to ensure they’re always in a safe and secure place. A nightstand, a drawer or a shelf near your bedside is a great option, as it allows easy access while keeping them away from areas that could cause damage. Make sure this spot is free from direct sunlight, heat sources like lamps or radiators, and moisture, all of which can negatively affect the function and longevity of your hearing aids. It’s also beneficial to place the hearing aids in their case whenever you’re not wearing them, which will protect them from dust, dirt and accidental falls.

When traveling, it’s essential to always carry your hearing aids in their protective case. This is especially important during air travel or long trips where they could be exposed to rough handling or temperature fluctuations. Choose a compact case that can easily fit in your bag or luggage and ensure it has a secure closure to prevent accidental openings. In addition to the hearing aids themselves, remember to pack any necessary accessories, like extra batteries or charging cords, and the cleaning tools you typically use to keep your devices in top condition.

If you’re staying overnight somewhere or traveling for an extended period, don’t forget to bring along your hearing aid cleaning supplies. These might include a soft cloth, cleaning brush or drying kit, as well as any desiccants or moisture-absorbing products that can help maintain your devices in different environments. Having the right cleaning tools with you ensures that your hearing aids remain in good working order no matter where you are, preventing any potential issues and ensuring that you continue to hear clearly throughout your travels.

Get a Professional Hearing Aid Check

Even after careful maintenance of your hearing aids, there may come a time when you need professional help. This could be due to persistent issues that cleaning or adjusting doesn’t seem to fix, or perhaps your hearing aids are not performing as well as they used to.

At Little Rock Audiology Clinic, we’re here to assist you with all your hearing aid needs – from routine check-ups and cleanings to addressing more complex issues. Call us at (501) 710-4533 for more information or visit us at our Little Rock, AR. Taking action today can help increase the longevity and optimal performance of your hearing aids for the future!