Hearing aids are a significant investment in time and money. Making sure they are cleaned properly will help both prolong their lifespan and ensure you get the most benefit out of them possible. Below is a guide to help you clean and care for your valuable communication devices.
Read Your Manual & Visit Your Provider 
This guide will help you with the basics of caring for your hearing aid, but you should make sure to read your manual carefully in case your particular device requires special care. Make sure you always follow your audiologist’s instructions for how to best care for your devices. Visit every six months for a clean and check appointment so your audiologist can perform routine maintenance that will lengthen the lifespan of your hearing aids.
Cleaning Tools
You need the right equipment to keep your devices clean. Sometimes audiologists will throw in a multitool when you first purchase your devices. If you don’t have the following tools, you can purchase them from your audiologist’s office or online. Common cleaning tools are:
- Wax removal brush
- Soft, dry cloth
- Wax pick/wire loop
- Vent cleaner
If you need clean your devices and don’t have the above equipment on hand, you can use:
- A soft bristle child’s toothbrush to remove wax
- Disinfectant wipes only if they are made for hearing aids
- Alcohol-free cleaner for the earmolds, again only if made for hearing aids
Daily Cleaning
Every morning, you should perform the following routine:
- Brush the microphone to remove wax and other debris.
- Wipe down the entire hearing aid with a soft cloth.
Morning is best for these tasks, as your devices have had all night to dry out, which makes removing buildup easier.
Weekly Cleaning
Once a week, you should spend a little more time detailing your hearing aids. Pick one day of the week to:
- Use a wax pick/wire loop to remove stubborn deposits of wax buildup. Do not use the pick around the microphone or receiver.
- Check and replace the wax guard as needed.
For more information or detailed instructions for cleaning and maintaining your devices, call your audiologist at Arizona Hearing Specialists today.