How to Clean Hearing Aids
Reviewed by Dr. Porter on June 17, 2020
Cleaning your hearing aid is a very important part of keeping the device in good condition so that it can carry out its intended function normally. Whenever any debris or moisture accumulates anywhere in the device, it can damage components and interfere with operation. For that reason, you should get into the habit of cleaning off your device every morning, and then once a week, you should perform a more detailed cleaning, to keep it free of harmful debris.
Tools & Supplies Needed
It’s pretty easy to clean your auditory aid each morning, and you should get into the practice of doing it routinely, so that no debris clogs up your device and impedes your audiological capabilities. For the most part, all you’ll need are a wax pick, a vent cleaner, a cloth that is soft, clean, and dry, and a wax removal brush. If you don’t have an earwax removal brush, an unused toothbrush will work just fine. You can also use disinfectant wipes instead of a cloth, but only the type which are specifically made to cleanse auditory aids.
How to Cleanse Oticon Devices
When cleaning your Oticon device, you should always wear gloves, and use a wet wipe with the commercial disinfectant included. Water-based disinfectants are the best, especially those with a solution of 70% isopropanol. Make sure to wipe the entire surface of the microphone transmitter with your disinfectant wipe, and avoid directly touching any microphone openings. Let the microphone transmitter dry for a few minutes before using your Oticon device again.
How to Cleanse Phonak Units
Before touching your Phonak device, make sure your fingers are cleaned and dry, because the microphone input is very small, and can easily become blocked by debris or moisture. Make sure that your device is not exposed to any high temperatures, or humid conditions, since both will tend to degrade the efficiency of the device. It’s also possible that your device can become clogged with fine particles from makeup or hairspray, so be careful that your device is not exposed to these substances. When you do cleanse your device, make sure to use a soft, dry towel or towelette. Avoid using cleaning products, solvents, or anything containing alcohol on your Phonak unit, because all these can damage it.
How to Cleanse Signia Devices
Cleaning your Signia in-the-ear hearing aid should begin by checking for earwax or any buildup of debris. Use a cleaned toothbrush or a small aid brush to gently brush the unit, to remove any small particles. Your cleaning tools should include a wax pick or a small hook that you can use to clear out the holes and dislodge any visible debris. Then all you need to do is wipe down the Signia unit using a tidy, dry towel.
How to Cleanse Starkey Units
When cleaning your Starkey devices, you should begin by wiping away any earwax or debris which might have clogged the microphone or receivers. It’s important to not use tissues that are impregnated with aloe or any kind of lotion. It would be better to use a cleaning cloth that is completely dry and cleaned of debris so that you don’t re-deposit debris on the device. Wipe off your Starkey unit in the morning with this towel, since any earwax will be much easier to remove after having dried out overnight.
How to Cleanse Unitron Devices
Your Unitron devices should be cleaned every day with a soft cloth or a special auditory aid brush. Do not use any solvents or alcohol, because these can damage internal circuitry and components. Use your cleaning brush to remove debris and earwax, and make use of your dehumidifier kit so that moisture can be prevented from building up inside Unitron device.
How to Cleanse Widex Units
Your Widex hearing aid should not be cleaned using water or any other kind of fluids, since any of these can damage internal components. You should always use a soft, dry cloth in conjunction with the special brush which you are given when you first purchase a device. Remove any earwax with the brush or the cloth, keeping in mind that it will always be easier to remove in the morning after it has dried out.
Find Your Perfect Auditory Aid
When you consult with us at Harbor Audiology, we can custom fit you with a unit that will be ideal for restoring whatever level of auditory loss you’re experiencing. Part of our service will also be to educate you about best practices for cleaning and maintaining your device, so that it’s always providing you outstanding service. Contact us today so we can work with you on a program that will restore your auditory health, and help you appreciate the world around you.
Categorised in: Hearing Aid Maintenance