Hearing Aids Require Dutiful Care for Longevity

When you are jumping into the world of hearing aids, you know how important it is to take care of the devices once you have them. After all, they represent a sizeable investment. Even if you have insurance coverage, the insurance may not cover a replacement device should you improperly clean yours and damage it. Here are some tips to help you take proper care of this important aid.

Cleaning the Shell

The outer surface of the aid is called the shell. It is designed to protect the inner portions, the more important parts, from damage. Hearing aids that are worn inside the ear often receive a build up of wax. This is most often found in the bends of the shell. An aid worn behind the ear will get dirt and oil from the skin built up on its grooves. This buildup can block the amplification of the device, prohibit moving parts from working, or impair the fit of the device.

When cleaning the shell, do not use anything that is wet. This includes commercial cleaners or a damp cloth. Instead, grab a dry tissue, and give the shell a nice wipe down. If there is some wax or dirt you cannot remove with a dry towel, dampen it ever so slightly. Many devices come with a brush that can be used to dislodge stubborn buildup. Keep track of this and use it when you have need.

Cleaning the Microphone

The microphones inside hearing aids are extremely delicate. If possible, they should be cleaned professionally. However, there may be times you have to clean this part of the device yourself. Never poke anything into the microphone port. When cleaning the rest of your device, turn the aid upside down. This will prevent debris from falling into the microphone port and damaging the microphone. Use the brush any time you need to clean the microphone port, and be gentle.

Cleaning the Receiver

Hearing aids often fail due to wax buildup on the receiver. In fact, this is the second most common cause of failure, outside of dead batteries. You can recognize the receiver by looking for the hole in the shell that has a rubber tube around it.

Like the microphone, the receiver can be fragile. However, you need to clean it to avoid this wax buildup. Your aid should have come with a wax pick, which looks like a small wire loop. Insert this into the opening until you cannot push further, then scoop it out. Continue this process until the wax is gone.

If your hearing aids did not come with a wax pick, they may have another type of wax guard or cleaning device. Talk to the professional who sold you the device to find out the best way to clean the receiver. Follow these directions carefully to keep your device in good working order. You will likely agree that your ability to hear is worth taking the time to properly clean your device.