Turns out, this is how to properly clean hearing aids

Usually, people who have hearing difficulties will be advised to use hearing aids, so that it is easier to communicate with other people. Because it is used in the ear, it is possible that this sophisticated device will be exposed to earwax. That is why it is important to regularly maintain cleanliness every day. So, have you understood how to clean this hearing aid?

Rules for using hearing aids

Given the huge benefits of hearing aids to make your daily communication easier, it is imperative that you be painstaking in caring for and maintaining this device in order to keep it functioning properly. Before finding out the steps for how to clean hearing aids, first know some of the following important rules:

1. Do not use hearing aids when bathing and washing your face

Wearing hearing aids when showering and washing your face will only make it easily damaged by getting into the soap and water. So, make sure you always remember to take it off just before showering, washing your face, or doing any activity that could potentially put water in your hearing aid.

2. Avoid using hearing aids in temperatures that are too hot or cold

Store your hearing aid immediately when it is in an environment with very cold or hot temperatures. For example, when you want to swim in the scorching sun, you should take it off and leave your hearing aids instead of wearing them and making their function not optimal anymore.

3. Routinely clean hearing aids every night

Even though you are very tired and sleepy, take a moment to clean your hearing aids before going to bed. Leaving it dirty until the next day will make the dirt in it accumulate, making it uncomfortable to use.

4. Provide a range of hearing aid cleaners

If you have hearing aids, you will also need to equip the equipment by providing a range of special cleaning tools. The more often it is used, the more earwax will accumulate in the hearing aid. This will make the tool unable to function effectively if it is not cleaned regularly.

How to clean hearing aids

Like the ear that must be cared for and kept clean, the same is the case with hearing aids. Even though it is only a tool, it seems to function like a real ear which helps you to hear clearly.

Therefore, cleaning it regularly every day is one of the best steps so that the tool is durable and comfortable when used. Here's how to clean proper hearing aids:

1. Prepare the equipment

• Cleaning brush. This brush has soft and fine bristles to clean all parts of the hearing aid, including the body, earmold, microphone port and speaker.
• Special wire. Unlike the wire you may see often, the wire used to clean hearing aids has been specially designed in such a way. This wire is small enough to be safe and can easily fit into the narrow gaps of the hearing aid to remove debris inside.
• Multi tool or a multipurpose tool. Whereas usually a special cleaning brush and wire are available separately, a multipurpose cleaner is just the opposite. This tool combines the functions of a brush and wire in one tool, making it effective and efficient in cleaning hearing aids.

2. Clean hearing aids according to their type

There are several types of hearing aids, two of which are most commonly used, namely those that are attached behind the ear (behind the ear/ BTE) and in the ear (in the ear/ ITE).

Hearing aid behind the ear

1. Remove the hearing aid from the ear, then clean all parts of it using a cleaning brush or dry tissue.
2. Remove the earmold that is affixed directly to the ear hole, then check for any wax in it. This part is the most dirty due to dirty ear, so it is easy to change color.
3. Clean the area using a little soap and warm water, or spray a special cleaner for hearing aids. Use a special wire to remove clogged dirt.
4. Avoid using alcohol or other chemicals as they can damage your hearing aids.
5. Use a hair dryer or blower that is not too close, to help remove any water that may still be in the hearing aid.
6. Alternatively, leave it on and let it sit overnight until the hearing aid is completely dry before you use it again the next morning.

Hearing aid in ear

1. Remove the hearing aid from the ear, then clean all parts of it using a cleaning brush or dry tissue.
2. Clean the opening of the microphone port using a cleaning brush. Make sure you clean it with the open side down so that the dirt can come off more easily.
3. If it is difficult to remove with a brush, clean the dirt hidden in the hole using a special small wire.
4. Wipe or wipe all parts of the hearing aid with a dry cloth or tissue to make sure it is clean and there are no dirt left.