Spring Tune-Up for Hearing Aids: Easy Cleaning and Care Steps

It’s spring-cleaning time! When you’re making your list of things to clean, you might focus on your car, house or even your desk at work. One item to add to your list that you might not have considered is your hearing aids.

Why Hearing Aids Belong on Your Spring Cleaning List

Spring flowers in a field.

Your hearing aids amplify speech and essential background sounds to help you understand and connect with the world. For all their benefits, you probably want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to extend their lifespan and keep them providing the clearest sound possible.

One thing that can interfere with device performance is a buildup of wax and grime. Buildup can clog the microphone or speaker and diminish sound quality, so regular cleaning is essential for keeping your hearing aids functioning clearly and extending their lifespan.

Hearing Aid Cleaning Kits

You can use a hearing aid cleaning kit to give your devices a spring clean. Kits typically include:

  • Wax removal brush and pick
  • Tube and vent cleaner
  • Battery door opener
  • Battery replacement magnet

If your kit doesn’t come with one of them, you can also add a wax filter replacement tool, extra wax filters and a soft cloth like the kind you use to clean glasses. Whether you need each of these items depends on your device type. You likely won’t need to access the battery door if you wear rechargeable hearing aids. If you’re experiencing battery issues, we can address them at Hearing Center Silver Spring.

Cleaning Your Hearing Aids

Take the following steps to deep clean your hearing aids:

  1. Use the brush to clean the microphone, speaker and earmolds or domes on your devices
  2. Take the wax pick and clear wax from any hard-to-reach places that the brush couldn’t clean effectively
  3. Wipe down the exterior of the devices with a soft cloth
  4. Run the tub and vent cleaner through the air vents
  5. Change the wax filters if they’re clogged
  6. Remove the earmolds, tubing or domes and wash them in warm, soapy water if they’re removable

Aim to clean your hearing aids nightly. If you don’t have time for a deep clean, wipe your devices down with a cloth to remove any visible wax. If you have any questions about cleaning or caring for your devices, contact Hearing Center Silver Spring today.