Q: I recently purchased a set of in-the-ear hearing aids. I want to be sure that I am caring for them properly. What should I do to clean them?
A: When you remove the hearing aids at night, the first thing you should do is carefully wipe them down with a dry soft clothe or Kleenex. Next, inspect the portion of the hearing aid that fits down into the ear canal. If you observe earwax accumulating at the end of the aid, you will need to remove this. Most manufacturers will provide you with a cleaning tool, which may be in the form of a brush, wire pick or combination of both. Carefully, remove the wax. Using the brush provided for you, carefully brush around and in the plastic tubing to clear out the wax. Some patients find that using an old toothbrush is an effective method for wax removal. Many times using the wire pick may force the wax deeper into the channel. Finally, open the battery door and place the hearing aids in their case. Many hearing aids have an independent on/off switch. It is still advisable to open the battery door to allow air to enter the hearing aid and assist in reducing the effects of moisture tha!t may accumulate when the aids are in the ear canal. It also helps prolong battery life.
Q: I have a behind-the-ear style hearing aid. Is the cleaning procedure any different for this type of hearing aid?
A: The basic cleaning procedure is the same. The only real difference is that there is earmold, which is made of lucite or silicone. Since, this the non-electronic portion of the hearing aid, you may wash the earmold with a mild soap and water. Many patients will actually disconnect the earmold from the hearing and place in a soapy bath for a few minutes. Make sure the earmold is dry and pay special attention to the earmold tubing to be sure no water is trapped. If it is, simply blow on the end of the tubing to clear the water before reattaching the earmold to the hearing aid. Remember to have the tubing replaced every 3-6 months, as it begins to loose its flexibility.
Q: Is it advisable to use alcohol swabs or cleaning solvents on the hearing aid?
A: No, do not use solvents or alcohol on the hearing aids as there is a possibly that they can breakdown the hearing aid material. There are special sprays you can purchase that are designed specifically for the cleaning and disinfecting of hearing aids. Talk to your hearing healthcare professional about these products.
Q: What precautions can I take to ensure that my hearing aids will operate properly?
A: I usually describe this in my “List of Don’ts”:
Don’t allow the hearing aid to become wet. Avoid showering, bathing, or going into the swimming pool or sauna with the hearing aids in your ears.
Don’t place the hearing aids in direct heat. It is tempting sometimes to place a damp hearing aid in the microwave or conventional oven. Unfortunately, the heat will damage the hearing aids in rather short order. To dry the hearing aid, simply open the battery door and allow it to dry out on its own or hold a hair dryer 18 to 24 inches from the hearing aid and direct warm air toward the aid for approximately 5-10 minutes. There are also special dehumidifiers or desiccants available that do a wonderful job in drying out the hearing aid. Talk to your hearing health care professional about these items. Remember never store the hearing aids near direct sunlight or a heat source. Do not store them in your car during hot days.
Don’t drop the hearing aid. If the hearing aid falls on a carpet, rug or upholstered furniture it usually will not cause the aid any harm. Hard floored surfaces or counter tops have the potential of damaging the hearing instruments. Many individuals will start with a pillow on their laps or a towel on the table or counter while they are learning to insert the hearing aids in their ears.
*****
An About visitor wrote that he learned the hard way to use an old hearing aid model when going to the gym. This is to avoid damage to an expensive newer model, from the moisture and sweat of working out.
