The modern hearing aid is one of the few products assembled totally by human hands. The hearing aid components may be pre-wired but are then assembled under large magnifying glasses by skilled technicians. Although the instruments may be small and appear delicate, they are quite durable and reliable.

Most of the failures of today’s hearing aids are due to natural causes, not failure of the components. Some of the more common problems encountered are from the following

Ear Wax

Body oil

Body moisture

Body salts

Dry skin

Dirty hands

Oily hands

These may cause clogging and breakdown of the hearing aids. It is amazing that many people bring in their hearing aids for cleaning without realizing that the tip is clogged with brown earwax or that the volume control wheel or battery compartment is green from perspiration. You may also find the microphone is clogged and blackened from oils, grime and grit from dirty hands.

A cleaning schedule should be set up by your hearing healthcare professional. It is recommended that your hearing care provider clean your hearing aid at least twice a year. More frequent cleaning may be required if you are subject to ear wax build up. Between visits it is recommended that you exercise care in handling your hearing aid and perform routine cleaning and maintenance.

Hearing Aid Care

1. Make sure your hands are clean and free of dirt and oils before handling your hearing aid.
2. Do not get your hearing aid wet while bathing, showering or washing your hair.
3. Do not get hairspray on the hearing aid. It is recommended that you remove them before applying the hairspray, not just trying to cover them up with your hand.
4. Don’t drop the hearing aid, especially on tile floors or other hard surfaces.
5. Don’t leave the hearing aids in direct sunlight or in other areas of extreme heat such as a parked car.

Hearing Aid Cleaning and Maintenance

1. Wipe the hearing aid off every night to remove body oil.
2. Take a brush and/or wire loop issued by your dispenser and clean the tip of the hearing aid. It is recommended that you do this at night while the earwax is moist. Some people, however, are more successful cleaning the hearing aid in the morning when the earwax is dry.
3. Leave the battery door open at night to allow air to circulate and dry out the components of the hearing aid. This will also conserve your battery resulting in longer battery life.
4. The earmold used with behind-the-ear hearing aids should also be cleaned. If you have been instructed by your hearing care provider and feel comfortable doing so, you may remove the earmold from the hearing aid and clean it in warm soapy water with a toothbrush. Use an earmold blower to dry the tubing or leave the earmold out overnight to dry.
5. Use other cleaning devices, such as suction instruments to remove wax or drying units that control moisture build up, only after proper instruction by your hearing healthcare provider. Otherwise, you may cause damage to your hearing aid requiring expensive repairs.

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