The importance of hearing aid care

Despite their small size, hearing aids are an incredibly complex piece of technology that requires diligent maintenance and care. What’s more, hearing aids can be a big investment, and, in the same way you clean your glasses and tighten the screws regularly, proper hearing aid care can help make your devices last as long as possible. 

When you put your hearing aids in for the first time at your audiologist’s office, your provider will probably walk you through the steps you need to take to keep your devices in tip-top shape, but, over time, it’s easy to forget the regular cleaning requirements or general maintenance items. 

Never fear – we’ve compiled all the best tips, tricks, and reminders to take the best care of your hearing aids, including the all-important batteries that power them. 

How to clean your hearing aids

Before you do any sort of cleaning, be sure to wash your hands and have a clean space to work. After all, we don’t need germs anywhere near your delicate ear canal! 

You should also make sure you have all the right tools and supplies for cleaning, like a wax pick, brush, a dry cloth, and, for those extra deep cleans, some isopropyl alcohol and water (or, better yet, some of Beltone’s cleaning wipes).

For in-the-ear-style devices, start by taking a brush to the device openings to clear away any built-up earwax. A wax pick can help you get any remaining wax that’s still in the holes. After you’ve cleared wax from the openings, wipe the rest of the device down with a soft cloth. 

Behind-the-ear-style hearing aids take a little bit of extra elbow grease to get them thoroughly cleaned. Like ITE devices, start by using a brush or pick to clear any ear wax from the openings of the device. Then, remove the earmold and wipe it clean with a cloth or, if the earmold has any discoloration, soak it in some warm, soapy water. Make sure the earmold and tubing is completely dried (ideally overnight) before use. 

In general, it’s a good idea to clear wax and wipe down your devices every day before going to bed and do a deeper cleaning once a week. 

Tips for longer lasting hearing aids

Keeping your hearing aids themselves clean is one of the best ways to keep your devices working for longer, but your hearing aids simply wouldn’t function without a battery, so taking care of your hearing aid batteries is equally as important for a functional device. 

While it’s not necessary to clean your batteries, it is important to keep them super dry throughout the day. In the winter months, try to keep your devices out of the rain or snow, and in the summer months, keep them away from water, sunscreen, and sweat (as best you can). 

Another simple thing you can do to care for your batteries and lengthen their lifespan is by keeping them away from heat and humidity. Be sure to open the battery door overnight while the device isn’t in your ear to help air them out from a day of use. 

When installing a new set of batteries, be sure to expose your batteries to the air after removing the sticker and before placing them in your device. This will allow your batteries to “charge up,” and can help them last longer. 

Lastly, be sure to store your batteries in a cool, dry place, and try not to buy batteries in bulk, because the longer they sit, the less effective they become. 

If you’re feeling daunted by hearing aid maintenance or if your devices aren’t working as they should, give the team at Beltone Tristate a call, and let our team of hearing aid specialists help! 

Did you know that you can restock hearing aid batteries and other accessories right on the Beltone Tristate website? Order your next set of battery refills today!