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Cleaning your hearing aids

Take care of your hearing aids

Your hearing aids need care to keep them performing as they should. It’s important to take care of your hearing aids not only to maintain high performance levels, but also to help minimise any potential problems you may experience with everyday use. 

Tips for all devices

  1. Brush every day
    Use the cleaning brush provided to remove wax from your device everyday before you put them on, particularly around the microphone and sound outlet. Face the area you are brushing toward the floor, helping loosened wax to fall away.

  2. Use the cloth
    Wipe any visible dirt or debris from your hearing aids with the small, machine-washable cloth in your cleaning kit. 

  3. Clean in the morning and avoid moisture
    Wax is easier to clean away in the morning, as it hardens overnight. Also, keep your hearing aids away from water, hairspray and other fluids.

Tips for specific devices

Receiver-in-canal

The dome that sits on the end of the receiver (speaker) will need replacing when wax builds up, as will the white filter that sits underneath it. When needed, use the pen-like tool provided to remove the filter and use the other end to insert a new one before replacing the dome on the receiver.

Behind-the-ear

Use the small loop at the end of the brush to pick wax away from the sound outlet.

In-the-ear

To replace the small white filter when wax builds up or if the sound is not coming through clearly, push the end of the pen-like tool provided into the hole at the top of the filter, then pull it away.

To insert a replacement, flip the tool over and press the new filter into place. For more specific cleaning advice on your model of hearing aid, please read your instructions.

Other tips for hearing aid care

  1. Handle your hearing aids with clean fingers
    It’s important to have clean fingers when handling your hearing aid. This not only applies to handling your device when giving it a thorough clean, but also when inserting or removing it daily. Before touching your hearing aid, wash your hands well and dry them thoroughly.

  2. Ensure your ears are dry
    Before inserting your hearing aids, ensure that your ears are dry. Water can damage the delicate devices so avoid swimming or showering when wearing your hearing aids.

  3. Remove your hearing aids before medical imaging procedures
    Hearing aids should always be removed prior to MRIs, x-rays and CT scans. The machines could potentially cause damage to your hearing aids.

  4. Seek help for repairs
    If you believe your hearing aid requires repair, contact your audiologist or hearing care professional for advice. They can examine your hearing aid and determine if repairs are required. As tempting as it may be, it’s important that you leave all repairs to the professionals. Using the wrong tools could cause further damage to the delicate systems contained within the device.

  5. Remove your hearing aids in some circumstances
    Before you go to bed, ensure that you remove your hearing aids. If you experience an ear infection or other ear issues, it may be recommended that you avoid using your hearing aids for a period of time. Follow the directions of your doctor, audiologist or hearing care professional as they will provide information and advice tailored to your individual needs.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you clean hearing aids with alcohol wipes?

It’s not recommended that you use alcohol wipes or any other type of chemical to clean your hearing aids.

What can I use to clean my hearing aids?

The best tools to clean your hearing aids with are those that come in your device cleaning kit. Designed with the unique requirements and delicate construction of hearing aids in mind, they can be used to effectively remove earwax, brush away debris and give your hearing aids a good general clean.

How do I clean the wax out of my hearing aid?

Soft brushes, cleaning cloths, ear picks and pen-like tools can all be used to clean ear wax out of your hearing aid. If you’re unsure of which tool is best to use with your specific hearing aid, consult your hearing care professional for their recommendations and a demonstration.

How often should a hearing aid be cleaned?

You should aim to clean your hearing aids daily, taking care to remove any dirt, debris or wax that may have accumulated during the day. It’s important to have your hearing aids cleaned professionally too, with the frequency varying based on the type of hearing aid you use. In most cases you should have your hearing aid cleaned professionally every three to six months, but you should consult your hearing care professional for their recommendation.

How to clean In-the-ear hearing aids

  • Use the brush to clean any excess dirt or wax on the hearing aid. 
  • Wipe down the hearing aid with the ampliclear cleaning spray and the cloth provided.
  • If your hearing aid has a small vent hole under the sound outlet, clean this with ampliclear airspray or the brush provided. 
  • If there appears to be any moisture on your hearing aid, put it into a Dry Cup, the DryLux, or an airing cupboard overnight.  
Hearing aid model

How to clean Receiver-in-canal aids

  • Use the brush to clean any excess dirt or wax on the hearing aid.
  • Wipe down the surface of your dome and thin wire thoroughly with ampliclear cleaning wipes or with the cloth provided.
  • If there appears to be any moisture on your hearing aids, put it into a Dry Cup, the DryLux, or an airing cupboard overnight.
Example of hearing device
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