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People who wear hearing aids should follow a regular cleaning routine. This type of device may malfunction due to wax buildup, excessive moisture, or other issues. People can purchase hearing aid cleaning kits or, in severe cases, seek professional maintenance.
This article is about the importance of cleanliness.headphonesand provides some tips on how to care fordifferent typesof devices He also explores some cleaning products and when to contact a professional for cleaning repairs.
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daily care
According toDepartment of Veterans Affairs, people should clean their hearing aids every day. He also recommends that people clean the device with a dry tissue every time it is removed from the ears.
HeChildren's Hospital of Pittsburgh (CHP)it also provides some advice for people who wear hearing aids. For example, each night, a person should:
- turn off the device and keep the battery compartment open when not in use
- store the device in a dry hearing aid or dehumidifier overnight if not in use
- Store the device in a cool dry place during the day when not in use.
- remove any wax buildup in the opening of the device with a pipe cleaner
Weekly care or as needed
Hecogenerationalso highlights the importance of a weekly hearing aid care routine.
A person can wash the earmold in warm, soapy water and then dry it with an air blower to keep the tube free of moisture. They can let it dry overnight and put the component back in the device the next day.
He
- avoiding the use of alcohol, water or solvents in the device, as they can damage the internal circuits
- turn off the hearing aid when not in use
- replacement of spent batteries
- keep the device away from heat
- avoid using hair care products when wearing hearing aids
The cleaning method will depend on the type of hearing aid the person wears:
Behind the ear
Behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids wrap around the back of a person's ear. Theyduravarious types ofhearing loss.
in addition, the
People can do the following to clean their BTE hearing aids:
- Clean the tube with warm water without exposing other parts to water.
- Remove the hook template.
- Use a brush to clean the mold and remove any residue with a wax stick.
- Replace tube if blocked.
People should make sure the tube and earmold are completely dry before reconnecting them to the device.
In the ear and in the canal
In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids fill in the outer part of the ear. They don't come with cables or external tubes and are lightweight. They are suitable for people with mild to severe hearing loss.
Devices in the channel (ITC) are less visible than ITE. They are small and light and assume the natural shape of the ear. These areappropriateFor people with mild to moderately severe hearing loss.
People can do the following to clean their ITE and ITC devices:
- Brush the receiver tube, vent and microphone port to keep them free of wax and debris.
- Use a wax stick to remove any remaining residue.
- Wipe the outer surface with a soft, dry cloth.
People should take their ITE hearing aids to an audiologist for a thorough inspection and cleaning every 6 months.
Receptor no canal
Receiver-in-the-Canal (RIC) hearing aids have an open fit so they don't completely block the ear canal, allowing sound to enter the ear more naturally. They are suitable for people with mild to moderately severe high-frequency hearing loss.
RIC hearing aids come in different styles and colors, so people can choose the options that best suit their needs, as these hearing aids are not made to measure.
To clean RIC hearing aids, people can follow the steps below:
- Brush the device to remove any debris.
- Use your thumbs to massage the tip of the dome to remove any stubborn material.
- Clean the hearing aid with a soft, dry cloth.
People can find hearing aid cleaning toolsin lineor at a local pharmacy. However, they should first consult a doctor to check which tools are suitable for their hearing aids.
Some of the tools you can use to clean your device include:
- Cleaning brush:The brush removes earwax, dirt, dust and hair that build up in the hearing aid case. People can also use the brush's bristles to clean holes or its pointed ends to remove earwax. Also, some brushes come with a magnetic battery to help people clean their devices easily.
- Ventilation Cleaner:Removes moisture and wax from the openings of ITE hearing aids. A person can push this tool through the vent hole, and when it comes out the other side, they can remove the wax with a dry tissue.
- Wax nib or wire loop:Remove wax and debris from gaps and nooks and crannies of the device.
- multi tool:This all-in-one tool consists of a cleaning brush, wire handle and magnet for thorough cleaning. Some multitools come with a magnetic pole that people can connect to the hearing aid battery. This can be helpful as a person can insert the tool without dropping the battery or device.
- Wax Protectors:This is a small plastic tool and it comes in different sizes. People connect it to the device to prevent wax, dust and moisture from entering the hearing aid.
- drying station:People can use a drying station to store their hearing aids when not in use, keeping them free of moisture.
A variety of hearing aid cleaning kits are available for purchase online.
People who do not follow a regular cleaning routine for their hearing aids or who have difficulty cleaning certain parts should consult an audiologist.
A professional uses vacuum cleaners with special attachments to clean hearing aids, as they suck up earwax that has accumulated in hard-to-reach areas.
HeAmerican Speech-Language-Hearing Associationalso notes that people should see an audiologist if the device's tubing has cracks or holes.
People who wear hearing aids should clean them regularly to prolong their lifespan and prevent malfunctions.
People can use different tools to clean their hearing aids and components. A variety of hearing aid cleaning kits are available from online retailers and local pharmacies.
If a person has difficulty cleaning hard-to-reach areas or the device is not working properly, he should contact a professional for repair.