A lot of potential hearing aid issues can be solved right from the comfort of your own home, and now more than ever, it’s good to know how to routinely clean and take care of your device. At-home maintenance can save you a lot of frustration in the future.
Getting Ready to Clean
1. Set a schedule. Clean your devices at the same time every day or every other day, preferably right before bed.
2. Use tools designed for the job, such as a wax pick and a tiny brush. Your audiologist can provide you with specific options.
3. Use alcohol-free wipes or a dry microfiber cloth. Always check with your audiologist about any products you’re unsure of, and be careful to not get the aids wet. Oticon has a good breakdown of how to clean different types of aids.
Cleaning
1. Always remove the batteries before you touch any cleaning material to the surface of your device. Then “keep the battery compartment open to dry overnight. If they’re rechargeable, dock them according to the manufacturer’s specifications.”
2. Use the wipes or cloth first. Gently run them over the surface of the aid.
3. Next, take your brush and remove any dust or debris, focusing on any nooks or crevices (such as the microphone).
4. For RITE (receiver-in-the-ear) aides, you also want to keep an eye on your wax guard. You’ll want to brush any wax off your device any time you clean, but you’ll also need to change and unclog the wax guard every month or two. For this, you’ll need other specialized tools. HearingLife has a helpful tutorial.
Still Having Issues?
You might just need to change the battery or adjust the volume. If you’re having difficulty getting the right levels, sometimes the simplest solution is the best solution.
If none of your troubleshooting works, however, you may need to talk to your audiologist. Telehealth appointments might be available. Here at REM, we’re working on getting our remote testing system up and running. Soon, we’ll be able to access your aid in your home from our office to help diagnose and fix the problem. Call your audiologist for more information.
For step-by-step video guides about cleaning and taking care of your devices and other at-home maintenance tips, you can always refer to our How-To Videos.