Your hearing aids are complex electronic devices that you rely on to connect with others. Just like you bring your car into Dave’s Auto Repair in Prescott for an oil change and repairs, your hearing aids need a tune-up from time to time.
Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions your audiologists gets asked about how to care for a hearing aid.
How Do I Clean My Hearing Aids?
You should clean your hearing aids every night when you take them out of your ears. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe them down to remove any dirt, sweat or earwax. A brush or pick can be used to clean off any debris or earwax that has dried. If you let the earwax dry on the hearing aid overnight, it may be easier to brush off in the morning.
In order to prevent moisture buildup, you should open the battery compartment door to allow the moisture to evaporate overnight. If you opt to invest in a dehumidifier, you should place your hearing aid in there and switch the device on to dry them out while you sleep.
Does the Cleaning Procedure Change Based on My Hearing Aid Model?
How you clean your hearing aid does not change based on the style of the hearing aid, but the parts you need to clean may. Behind-the-ear hearing aids have an earmold made out of lucite or silicone that should be cleaned with a pick or brush to remove the buildup of earwax.
Hearing aids like the receiver-in-the-canal or receiver-in-the-ear styles often contain a removable wax guard, which needs to be changed.
Can I Use an Alcohol Swab to Clean My Hearing Aids?
The short answer – no. You should not use a cleaning solvent or alcohol-based cleaner on your hearing aids, as they could damaging the coating. If you want to use a cleaner, there are sprays specifically designed to be safe for hearing aids.
What Can I Do to Prevent Damage to My Hearing Aids?
You should avoid getting your hearing aid wet. This means you should never wear your hearing aid while you are swimming, in a sauna, bathing or showering.
Do not place your hearing aids in direct heat. If your hearing aid gets wet, never place it in the oven or microwave to dry it out. You can simply open the battery door to allow the moisture to evaporate. If you want to speed the process up, you can hold a hairdryer two feet away from the hearing aid and direct the warm (not hot!) air toward the device for five to ten minutes. You can also place the hearing aid in a dehumidifier.
To learn more about caring for your hearing aid or to schedule an appointment with an expert, contact Prescott ENT today.