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We know that hearing aids are not a small investment; they are an expensive piece of kit and we need to ensure we know how to look after them properly. It is important that hearing aids are cleaning regularly because they can become clogged with earwax. This obviously effects their functionality and can result in your hearing becoming affected.
Earwax is Inevitable
There is no getting away from the fact that your hearing aids are going to get earwax in them; they sit in your ear alongside the waxy substance! The problem arises when the earwax works it’s way in to the small parts of your hearing aid, for example, the speaker. You then end up hearing sounds that are muffled meaning you are back to not being able to hear properly again – not ideal when you have just invested in your hearing health.
Cleaning Tools
To keep your hearing aids in excellent working order, you will need to clean them regularly; if you get into a routine of doing this from the beginning, you won’t forget. Your hearing aids will most likely come with some form of cleaning tool / kit, but if not, there are lots of alternatives available on the high street and online. You can ask your Audiologist what they recommend and they may have a kit you can purchase directly from them. A hearing aid cleaning kit typically contains small brushes that allow you to clean your aids effectively. There are often also dry cloths and some special tools / magnets to assist with removing the battery, if required.
How to Clean
The best thing to do first is to give your hearing aids a visual inspection. You will then be able to see clearly the areas that need cleaning as well as decide which tools / brushes you require to remove the dirt / debris. You should begin by using a soft cloth to clean your aids gently; do not ever use water or place your aids in water as this could ruin them. One you have wiped them over, you can begin to use the small brushes and tools to dislodge any earwax that may have built up. Once your hearing aids are clean, you can assess whether you need to change the wax filters and domes (if applicable). It is advisable to change these at least once a month to ensure they aren’t clogged up with earwax and affecting your hearing.
Holiday Tips
A few other things to remember are that your hearing aids are not particularly well suited to spending a lot of time in high temperatures and are definitely not well suited at all to wet environments. If you are taking a well deserved break somewhere lovely and hot, you’ll need to remember to take extra care that your aids are not out in the blazing sun all day. It goes without saying that if you are off for a dip in the pool or sea, your aids MUST be removed first!
Give your hearing aids the love and attention they deserve, and they will change your life for the better. As always, for any further advice, please get in touch.
