Regularly cleaning your hearing aids is one of the best ways to avoid repairs and keep your device functioning at a high level. It can also help keep your ears healthy and reduce the risk of developing infections from bacteria and other debris that can build up on your device.
Clean Your Hearing Aids to Protect Your Ears
Research has shown that hearing aids can alter the flora of your ear canal and not the type of flora you might find at Elgie’s Walk Greenway. This can lead to an increase in bacterial and fungal infections and cause irritation which leads to discomfort in the ear.
Due to this discomfort, some people decide to wear their hearing aids less and miss out on all the benefits hearing aids can provide. Enacting simple cleaning measures can reduce your risk of infection and irritation and let you maximize your hearing capabilities.
Top Tools for Hearing Aid Maintenance
Let’s examine a few of the best tools you can use to care for your device.
- Cleaning brush. Soft bristled brushes are a staple of hearing aid cleaning kits. They help remove dirt and other debris that collects on the outside of your device, and the bristles can be used to get inside the holes of your hearing aid to remove particles.
- Ventilation cleaner. This wire-like tool can remove moisture and earwax from the vent found on most in-the-ear models. Gently push the cleaner through the vent hole until it reaches the other side and then wipe off any buildup with a soft dry cloth or tissue.
- Wax guard. These are small plastic screens that attach to your hearing aid and prevent wax from building up on the device. They are typically used in behind-the-ear and receiver-in-ear models. They should be replaced every 1-2 months.
- Drying boxes or dehumidifiers. Moisture buildup has the potential to cause a lot of damage to your device. Drying boxes use air, heat or even UV lighting to remove excess moisture, while dehumidifiers use desiccants. They also act as a great storage spot for your hearing aids when you take them out at night.
Bottom Line
Taking care of your hearing aids is essential to their protection. In addition to daily cleanings, make sure you are having regular check-ups with your hearing aid specialist every six months to a year. They can examine your device and see if any adjustments or repairs are needed.
If you have additional questions about hearing aid maintenance or wish to schedule an appointment, call Northern Alabama ENT today.