Hearing aids always operate in challenging conditions. Inside ear canals, they’re subjected to different germs, earwax, and moisture. Whenever we’re exposed to viruses or bacteria, there’s fluid buildup inside our noses, throats, and ears.
That’s why ear pain infections and viral fevers have so many common symptoms. Even catching the COVID-19 virus can lead to unexpected ear infections! Many such cases have been reported in India.
Your hearing aids are exposed to all types of hidden germs/risks, from the moment you leave your hearing aid clinic. Unless regularly cleaned, they might stop functioning prematurely. Here’s an in-depth guide on cleaning and maintaining hearing aids –
Use the Right Tools
Modern-day hearing aids are advanced machines. Hence, hearing aid price keeps increasing every year. But, they’re also super-sensitive. Never use harsh cleaning tools or products on these sensitive devices. Only use soft brushes and simple wax picks.
Gently clear away any earwax that accumulates on the audio outlets of your hearing aids. These are the outlets that release sounds. If germs and earwax accumulate on their openings, you’ll hear muffled sounds.
Pro Tip: Ask your hearing aid clinic for an all-in-one multitool having a brush and a wax pick. It’s the ultimate tool for daily routine hearing aid maintenance.
Set Up a Cleaning Schedule
Clean your hearing aids every day. Make it a habit. Most users clean their devices at the end of the day. Their ears get “fresh” audio every day. Cleaning at night, right before bedtime, makes sense because the hearing aids get to air out for a few hours.
Follow Specific Rules of Use
Always use your hearing aids with care and respect. Don’t toss them around or leave them exposed to the elements when they’re not in use. The average hearing aid price keeps increasing every year. To make your hearing aids last as long as possible, follow simple rules like –
- Never let water or soap enter the hearing aids (e.g., while you’re shaving). Always take them off before you use the bathroom.
- Always wash your hands before cleaning or even touching your hearing aids.
- Never let products that contain chemicals near your hearing aids (e.g., hair products, soap, etc.).
- Never shake your hearing devices to clear away built-up earwax.
Avoid using your hearing aids in excessively hot, humid temperatures. The chances of them getting moisture damage is much higher in such conditions. Use this guide to sanitize and maintain your hearing aids.
