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| Hearing Aid Maintenance |
The Medical Model of Hearing Aid Care
A hearing aid is a significant investment, not just financially, but in your quality of life. More than a simple sound amplifier, it is a sophisticated medical device that serves as a vital link to communication, social engagement, and cognitive well-being. Research increasingly shows a connection between untreated hearing loss and a higher risk of cognitive decline, making the consistent use of well-functioning hearing aids a key component of long-term health.
For this reason, it's time to adopt a "Medical Model" of hearing aid maintenance. This approach reframes daily upkeep not as a chore, but as a crucial part of your personal health regimen. Just as you would manage any other aspect of your health, proactive and consistent care for your hearing aids can prevent common malfunctions, ensure the best possible sound quality, and extend the life of your devices, saving you from the frustration and cost of frequent repairs.
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| hearing aids can prevent common malfunctions |
This guide provides seven simple, actionable tips based on best practices from leading audiologists and hearing aid manufacturers. By integrating these steps into your routine, you can confidently protect your investment and enjoy the clear hearing you deserve.
The Foundation: Daily Habits for Longevity
The most effective way to prevent problems is to establish a consistent daily routine. These two simple habits take only a minute or two each day but form the bedrock of effective hearing aid maintenance.
Tip 1: The Daily Visual Inspection
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| The Daily Visual Inspection |
Before placing your hearing aids in your ears each morning, perform a quick "pre-flight check." This allows you to catch small issues before they become major problems.
- Inspect the Casing: Hold the device in good light and look for any small cracks or damage, especially if it has been dropped.
- Brush the Microphone Ports: The microphones are where sound enters the hearing aid. Using the soft brush from your cleaning kit, gently sweep away any debris from these small openings. Crucially, hold the hearing aid so the ports face downward while brushing. This ensures that debris falls out rather than being pushed inside.
- Check Earpieces: Look at the dome or earmold. Ensure it is securely attached to the device to prevent it from coming off in your ear. If you have a Behind-the-Ear (BTE) model, check the clear tubing for any signs of stiffness or yellowing, which indicates it needs to be replaced.
- Wipe the Contacts: For rechargeable hearing aids, use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the metal charging contacts on both the hearing aid and the charger. For disposable battery models, wipe the battery compartment. This removes oils and debris that can interfere with the power connection.
Tip 2: Master Moisture Control
Moisture is the number one enemy of the sophisticated electronics inside your hearing aids. While many modern devices are water-resistant, they are not waterproof. A proactive approach to moisture is essential.
- Avoid Direct Exposure: Always remove your hearing aids before showering, swimming, or entering a sauna or steam room. Take them out before applying hairspray or other aerosol products, as the mist can clog microphone ports. It's also wise to avoid storing them in the bathroom, where steam can cause damage over time.
- Know What to Do if They Get Wet: If your hearing aids are accidentally exposed to water, act quickly. Turn them off, remove the battery (if disposable), and gently wipe the exterior with a dry cloth. Place them in a hearing aid dehumidifier or drying kit overnight with the battery door open. Never use a hairdryer, microwave, or oven, as the intense heat will cause irreparable damage.
- Make Nightly Drying a Habit: The best defense is a good offense. Store your hearing aids in a drying kit or dehumidifier every night. Simple desiccant drying jars are effective, while electronic drying stations use gentle heat and circulating air. Many electronic models also feature a UV light that sanitizes the devices, reducing the buildup of germs.
The Weekly Regimen: A Deeper Clean
Once a week, set aside a few minutes for a more thorough cleaning to remove stubborn buildup and ensure optimal performance.
Tip 3: Assemble Your Proper Toolkit
Using household items like pins or toothbrushes can permanently damage your hearing aids. A dedicated toolkit is a small investment that protects a large one. Your kit should include:
| Tool | Clinical Function | Do's & Don'ts |
|---|---|---|
| Soft-Bristle Brush | Gently dislodges surface debris and dry earwax from microphone ports and surfaces. | DO: Hold the aid with openings facing down so debris falls out. DON'T: Use a hard-bristled toothbrush. |
| Wax Pick / Loop | Safely scoops stubborn earwax out of openings and vents without pushing it further inside. | DO: Use a gentle scooping motion. DON'T: Use sharp objects like pins or paperclips. |
| Vent Cleaner | A thin, flexible wire used to clear the vent channel that runs through custom aids and earmolds. | DO: Push the cleaner all the way through the vent. DON'T: Force it if you feel resistance. |
| Earmold Air Blower | A rubber bulb that forces air through BTE tubing to remove moisture after washing. | DO: Use after washing earmolds. DON'T: Use on the electronic hearing aid body itself. |
| Microfiber Cloth | A soft, dry cloth for wiping away skin oils and fingerprints from the hearing aid casing. | DO: Use daily for a gentle wipe-down. DON'T: Use water, alcohol, or cleaning solvents on the cloth. |
Tip 4: Follow a Style-Specific Cleaning Protocol
Cleaning methods vary depending on the style of your hearing aid.
For Behind-the-Ear (BTE) with Custom Earmolds:
- Detach the Earmold: Gently pull the plastic earmold and tubing off the hearing aid's ear hook. Set the electronic hearing aid body aside and never get it wet.
- Wash the Earmold: The earmold and tubing can be washed in warm, soapy water. Let it soak for a few minutes to loosen any wax.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse the earmold thoroughly. Use an earmold air blower to force all water droplets out of the tubing. Allow the earmold to air dry completely overnight before reattaching.
For Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) and Receiver-in-the-Ear (RITE):
- Clean the Dome: Wipe the soft silicone dome daily with your microfiber cloth. For a weekly clean, you can remove the dome and wipe it with an alcohol-free, hearing aid-specific wipe. Never wash the receiver (the speaker under the dome), as it contains electronics.
- Brush the Components: Use your soft brush to gently clean the microphone ports on the hearing aid body and the opening of the receiver.
For In-the-Ear (ITE) and Other Custom Styles:
- Brush the Openings: Holding the hearing aid with the openings facing down, use your soft brush to clean debris from the microphone port(s) and the sound outlet.
- Clear the Vent: Most custom aids have a small vent channel. Carefully push a vent cleaner all the way through it to clear any wax buildup.
- Wipe the Shell: Use your dry, soft cloth to wipe down the entire surface of the hearing aid.
Proactive Upkeep: Managing Consumables and Power
Properly managing the disposable parts of your hearing aids is key to their consistent performance.
Tip 5: Replace Wax Guards and Domes Regularly
The wax guard is a tiny, replaceable filter that protects the hearing aid's speaker from earwax. A clogged wax guard is the single most common reason a hearing aid seems weak or "dead".
- When to Change: If your hearing aid suddenly sounds weak, the first thing to do (after checking the battery) is change the wax guard. To prevent this from happening, get on a proactive schedule. Start by replacing them monthly and adjust as needed based on your earwax production.
- How to Change: Your replacement wax guards will come with a small tool. One end of the tool removes the old filter, and the other end holds the new one. Simply pull the old one out and press the new one firmly in its place.
- Replace Domes: The soft silicone domes should be replaced every 1–2 months, or whenever they become stiff or discolored. A fresh dome provides a better seal, which improves sound quality.
Tip 6: Practice Smart Battery Management
Whether your hearing aids are disposable or rechargeable, proper power management is crucial.
For Disposable Batteries:
- Let Them Breathe: After you peel the sticker off a new zinc-air battery, let it sit exposed to the air for at least 1-2 minutes before inserting it. This allows the battery to fully activate and reach its optimal voltage.
- Open the Door at Night: When you're not using your hearing aids, open the battery door completely. This turns the device off, extending battery life, and allows air to circulate and evaporate any moisture.
- Store Spares Properly: Keep extra batteries at room temperature and away from metal objects like keys or coins, which can cause them to short-circuit.
For Rechargeable Batteries:
- Charge Nightly: Get into the habit of placing your hearing aids in their charger every night to ensure a full day of power.
- Keep Contacts Clean: Use a dry cloth to periodically wipe the metal contacts on both the hearing aids and the inside of the charger to ensure a solid connection.
- Know Your Lights: Familiarize yourself with your charger's indicator lights. Typically, a blinking light means it's charging, and a solid green light means it's fully charged.
Troubleshooting and Your Professional Partnership
Even with perfect care, issues can arise. Knowing how to perform basic troubleshooting—and when to call a professional—is the final piece of the puzzle.
Tip 7: Learn Basic Troubleshooting
Before calling your audiologist, run through this quick diagnostic checklist for the most common problems.
| Symptom | Diagnostic Steps (In Order) |
|---|---|
| Aid is weak or has no sound |
1. Check that the aid is on and the volume is up. 2. Insert a fresh battery or ensure the device is charged. 3. Change the wax guard. This is the most likely culprit. 4. Check the dome or earmold tubing for a visible wax blockage. |
| Aid is whistling or feeding back |
1. Remove and re-insert the hearing aid, ensuring it is seated snugly in
your ear. 2. Check for excessive earwax in your ear canal, which can block sound and cause feedback. 3. Turn the volume down slightly. 4. Inspect the tubing on BTE models for any cracks or damage that could cause sound to leak. |
When to See Your Audiologist
Diligent home maintenance is essential, but it doesn't replace the need for professional care. Think of it like dental care: you brush and floss daily, but you still see a dentist for professional cleanings. Schedule a "clean and check" appointment with your hearing care professional every 6 to 12 months. During this visit, they can:
- Perform a deep cleaning with professional tools like a specialized vacuum.
- Install important firmware updates to improve performance.
- Test your hearing and reprogram your aids to match any changes.
- Replace parts like tubing, which should be done every 4-6 months.
Conclusion: A Commitment to Consistent Care
Mastering your hearing aid maintenance routine is the most empowering step you can take to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your devices. By integrating these seven simple tips into your daily and weekly habits, you transform hearing aid care from a reactive task into a proactive health practice. This commitment not only protects your financial investment but also guarantees you receive the clear, consistent sound quality you need to stay connected to the world around you. Remember that this routine, combined with regular professional check-ups, forms a complete system of care. If you have questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to your hearing care professional—your partner in preserving your hearing health.
