The ear is a dark, warm, moist place…the perfect environment for growing fungi, germs, and bacteria. Hearing aids reside in this environment 13 to 16 hours/day.
Guess what? Every time you remove your hearing aid from your ear, it is loaded with fungus, germs, and bacteria.
Reinserting your hearing aids without cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting them can irritate the lining of your ear canals, leading to redness, swelling, itching, pain, unpleasant odors, and infections.
Here are our best tips on how to clean and disinfect your hearing aids.
Do I Have To Clean or Disinfect My Hearing Aids?
There are three key reasons why you should always clean and disinfect your hearing aids:
- Protect your ears
- Upkeep for optimal performance
- Avoid broken parts
A hearing aid, similar to an earbud or any type of headphone that sits in your ear, collects earwax, dirt, dust, and debris over time. While little bits of that won’t hurt, over time, all of those materials mixed within your ear can lead to ear infections and skin irritations.
Long-term, you might experience other ear-pain-related issues, all because you didn’t clean your hearing aids.
Like most electronics, the better you take care of them, the better they’ll work. Hearing aids are no different.
To maintain your ability to hear and the clarity with which sound comes through your hearing aid, you must clean it regularly. Debris (especially earwax and moisture) clogs microphones, receivers, and vents.
And of course, when your hearing aids start to break down, they just won’t last as long. Well-maintained hearing aids can last anywhere from 3 to 7 years, but if you aren’t keeping up with cleaning, that time will shorten quickly.
While Hearing Health Center is always ready to help with any repairs you might need, we also want your hearing aids to last as long as possible to save you money and protect your hearing.
How To Clean Your Hearing Aids
Step 1: Wipe with a non-alcohol sanitizing wipe (like Audio Wipes).
Step 2: Keep your hearing aids in a drying system (Dry and Store) or the new (PerfectClean) explicitly designed to sanitize and pull out the moisture inside the hearing aids that accumulated from your ear.
Drying systems utilize desiccants and heated, moving air to dry the hearing aid both inside and out. The built-in ultraviolet light sanitizes and kills germs while removing moisture.
Using a drying kit will:
- Increase the life of your hearing aids
- Prevent costly repairs
- Increase battery life
- Maintain the peak performance of your hearing aids
- Relieve itchy ears by killing germs
**Pro Tip!** Never use alcohol on hearing aids or ear molds. It will ruin and erode the surfaces and special plastic materials used in the manufacturing process. Alcohol will also damage the delicate components of the hearing aid.
What NOT To Do When Cleaning Your Hearing Aids
1. Do NOT use household cleaning products to clean hearing aids.
It might be tempting to grab something underneath your sink to clean out your dirty hearing aids, but let me stop you there.
Not only could the chemicals cause your hearing aids to malfunction, but certain products may also harm your ears.
Instead, stick to cleaning products specifically designed for use with hearing aids. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask a member of the Hearing Health Center team.
2. Do NOT use sharp objects to clean hearing aids.
The products around your house, such as pins, needles, or even pencils, should never be used to clean something out of your hearing aids.
If an object is sharp, you have a good chance of puncturing and scratching the inner workings of your device, which increases the likelihood of breakage.
3. Do NOT submerge hearing aids in water to clean them.
We know it sounds obvious, but hearing aids are not waterproof. They might be water-resistant, but that isn’t the same thing. Instead, use a damp cloth with hearing aid-specific cleaning products to wipe them down.
4. NEVER use compressed air to clean hearing aids.
Your hearing aids are fragile, so a single blast from a can of compressed air could cause a lot of problems. The power is too much for the inner workings of your hearing aids to function, so whatever you do, do not use compressed air.
Need Help with Your Hearing Aids? Call Hearing Health Center Today.
Whether your hearing aids need tuning up or you’re in the market for a new pair, the team at Hearing Health Center has you covered. Our experienced audiologists conduct a comprehensive hearing exam to ensure your hearing aids are a perfect match for your needs.
Don’t delay; call Hearing Health Center or schedule an appointment online today.
We live in a digital age. With a click of a button, you can download your favorite movies. You can order the latest clothing trends.
You can even have your groceries delivered right to your door. So what about having your hearing aids delivered to you? Sure, the convenience and relative ease might be convincing.
But how do you know you’re really getting the hearing help you need?
The Convenience of Online vs. The Value of Professional Hearing Care
The hearing industry has experienced tremendous growth over the last 25 years.
We no longer see the “big beige bananas” earphones that plagued those with hearing problems in the past.
Now, hearing aids are small, discrete, and more technologically advanced than ever.
But you wouldn’t buy a pair of glasses without knowing your prescription, would you? The same principle should apply if you’re purchasing hearing aids.
The difference maker between online purchases and in-office ones is the trained Doctor of Audiology, who fits and sets up the hearing aids.
Unless your hearing aid is programmed directly for your needs—your physical ear, your lifestyle, your audiometric hearing loss—you won’t be getting the hearing help you need.
Instead, you’ll be left to figure it out yourself, leading to a lackluster hearing experience.
Why Professional Diagnosis is Non-Negotiable for Your Hearing Health
When it comes to your hearing, a professional diagnosis isn’t just a recommendation—it’s non-negotiable.
Why?
Before we even think about hearing aids, our Doctors of Audiology perform extensive testing to pinpoint the exact cause of your hearing problems.
Hearing loss isn’t always as straightforward as needing a volume boost.
Sometimes, hearing loss can be something easily treatable, such as a simple buildup of earwax. Other times, it’s a sign of a more serious medical issue.
You don’t and can’t know on your own.
Plus, without a medical diagnosis, you could end up spending a significant amount of money on a hearing aid you don’t even need.
We don’t want our patients to fall for the trap of an online solution when what they truly need is a precise and professional diagnosis.
The Role of Your Audiologist
There are four key roles your audiologist takes on when you come in with hearing problems: diagnosis, programming, fitting, and repairs.
At one of your first appointments, and before ever discussing hearing aids with you, Doctors of Audiology perform extensive testing to determine the root cause of your hearing problems. These simple tests are comprehensive and enable you to gain a thorough understanding of your current hearing health.
Without a doctor’s diagnosis, you could be scammed into paying for a hearing aid online that you do not need.
Once we’ve discussed your hearing aids, your audiologist will take the time to assist you in programming them.
Remember, hearing aids are not just volume controls.
Hearing aids have to be specifically programmed to help you hear the sounds you are missing.
Without a comprehensive test, even the best hearing aids can’t help you because they won’t be programmed to your needs.
Of course, you also want the right fit for your hearing aids. These must always be customized to the specific user.
If you purchase hearing aids online, there is no guarantee that they will fit your ears properly.
And in the unlikely event that something breaks, like any piece of equipment, your audiologist has the capabilities to repair and assist with any issues you might encounter.
Rather than having to fill out online forms or mail your hearing aids, Hearing Health Center can help you right away.
A Personalized Approach to Hearing Health
Your ears are as unique as your fingerprints, and your hearing loss pattern is entirely individual.
This is precisely why a personalized approach to hearing aid fitting and programming is a crucial step in your hearing health journey.
Without custom programming based on a comprehensive audiometric test, even the most advanced hearing aid technology will fall short.
It would be like trying to navigate a complex city with a generic map when you need a detailed GPS.
A personalized approach means your hearing aids are an extension of you, not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Is an Online Bargain Truly a Better Value?
While a pair of online, over-the-counter hearing aids might retail for anywhere from $300 to $2,000, professionally fitted prescription hearing aids, which often include comprehensive services, are a bit more expensive.
At first glance, that price difference feels substantial.
But remember, that online “bargain” often doesn’t account for crucial elements like a professional diagnosis, custom programming tailored to your unique hearing loss, or personalized fitting for optimal comfort and effectiveness.
These aren’t just “add-ons”; they are the foundational pillars of successful hearing aid use.
Without a proper diagnosis, you may purchase an unnecessary device or one that fails to address the root cause of your hearing issues, resulting in wasted money.
If the fit is poor, you’ll experience discomfort and likely won’t wear them consistently, rendering your investment useless.
Is it really a bargain if you’re not hearing your best?
Ready to Improve Your Hearing? Call Hearing Health Center Today!
Want to experience the difference by working with Hearing Health Center? Our team delivers comprehensive, high-quality exams to ensure your hearing aids are the right match, fit, and sound for you.
Schedule your free examination to start hearing better today!
Hearing aids, like all electronic or mechanical devices, require routine maintenance. Otherwise, sounds become muffled or – in the worst-case scenarios – fail altogether.
Regardless of the style of hearing aid you have, they are all electronic devices that are placed in a sweaty, waxy, and moist environment for an average of 18 hours a day. That means gunk and dirt from your ears enter the hearing aids, causing malfunctions and unnecessary costs.
That’s why daily hearing aid cleaning and maintenance is important. With decades of experience, we’ve compiled the following tips to help keep your hearing aids working under the toughest of conditions.
Why Hearing Aid Maintenance Matters
Hearing aids improve the quality of life for anyone struggling with their hearing health. A 2022 study reported 80% of hearing aid owners are satisfied with their devices, and 64% acknowledged that hearing aids have improved the quality of their lives.
Despite that, a 2013 research paper identified that 80% of adults aged 55–74 years who would benefit from a hearing aid do not use them.
Some of that is due to poor fits or broken hearing aids, but there’s a portion of the population that struggles with the daily maintenance required to keep their hearing aids working properly. They might wear their hearing aids for a few months, then stop once the maintenance becomes too much.
But it’s important to note that hearing aids are electronic devices. Just like any other device in your home, they are susceptible to gunk, earwax, and dirt. Sensitive components, such as microphones, receivers, amplifiers, and batteries, are all vulnerable to moisture and ear buildup.
Regular upkeep helps prevent repairs and keeps your hearing devices functioning better and longer.
It’s not just about protecting your hearing aids, it’s about maintaining a healthy quality of life.
7 Tips to Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
1. Wipe Down Your Hearing Aids
This first step you should do at least once a day.
Take out your hearing aid and wipe it down as well as the dome with a tissue or moist wipe.
You can do this first thing in the morning or right before bed to ensure any buildup from the day isn’t still on the electronic parts.
2. Brush Parts of Your Hearing Aid
Your audiologist probably gave you a small brush when you picked up your hearing aids. Use that brush to clean your microphones, receivers, and other parts of hearing aids daily.
If you cannot find the original brush, use a small, soft baby toothbrush as an alternative.
3. Change Your Wax Guards
Hearing aids that have wax guard systems—check and change at least once a month, or anytime the wax guard is clogged and you’re not hearing well.
If you need to buy new ones, wax guards are available for purchase at all Hearing Health Center locations.
4. Replace Your Domes
Domes should be replaced if they start to become loose or sag, so they don’t become stuck in the ear canal.
Consider changing your domes every couple of months to prevent this from happening.
5. Air Out Your Batteries
Open the battery door at night to turn your hearing aids off and allow air to enter the battery compartment. This limits additional buildup and allows you a chance to clean any dirty areas.
As a bonus, this saves you some battery life.
6. Store Hearing Aids in a Dry Environment
Do NOT store the hearing in a humid environment like the bathroom.
Hearing aids spend most of their day in the humidity of your ear canal, so give them space to breathe and avoid picking up any additional bacteria that may exist due to the humid temperatures.
7. Use a Drying Unit
Place the hearing aids in a drying unit overnight.
Most units have fans to circulate the air, UV lights to kill bacteria, and a desiccant to remove moisture and humidity from the hearing aids. If you don’t have one, get one.
Need Help with Cleaning, Parts Replacement, or Hearing Aid Troubleshooting? Visit Hearing Health Center Today.
The team at Hearing Health Center is on your side and ready to help with all of your hearing aid problems. Schedule a visit with our audiology team today at any of our five locations, and we will work to make sure you never miss a conversation again.
Hearing Health Center now sells over the counter hearing aids. See them in our online store >>>
Who can they help? The good news!
Like eyeglasses from the drugstore, OTC’s can help some people. OTC’s are designed for mild/moderate hearing loss at a “reasonable” price. You can walk into a retail establishment or drugstore and purchase them without a hearing exam or seeking help from a hearing professional. For those that have been in denial about their hearing (“it’s not that bad”) or are concerned about vanity (“I don’t want to look old”), OTC’s can be an easy, commitment free way to see if amplification works.
Who can they hurt? The Bad news!
Bypassing a professional examination and advice can be risky. Serious medical issues, such as infections, bone deterioration, tumors, and even excessive ear wax, will not be detected. Tinnitus (ringing in your ears), and balance problems won’t be addressed. You will get a “one size fits all” ready-to-wear hearing aid. It is not programmed, adjusted, or fine-tuned for your personal needs and brain’s processing ability. Hearing Health Center offers free hearing ability tests at all five of our locations. Book an Appointment Now >> Want to stay up-to-date on OTC Hearing Aids? Sign-up for the Hearing Health OTC Bulletin.
It’s all about your brain
Untreated, and improperly treated hearing loss is a major contributing factor to cognitive decline and dementia. Even a small decrease in hearing ability increases the risk for Alzheimer’s. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the number one factor you can control to prevent and delay dementia is treating your hearing.
OTC’s are not invisible
If you don’t want anyone to know you’re wearing hearing aids, OTC’s are not for you. The best completely invisible hearing aids are either custom fit for your ear canals, or require insertion by a professional (see Lyric 24/7 hearing aids, worn for months at a time).
Hearing care is not a one-time transaction
No one can predict whether your hearing ability will remain the same or get worse. If you have the type of hearing loss that is not medically or surgically correctable, it will never get better. All hearing aids require maintenance and service for optimum performance. Your hearing ability needs to be monitored for changes and adjustments to your prescription.
A professional relationship
Your doctor monitors your overall health. Your dentist and eye doctor keep a close eye on your teeth, gums, and eyesight. Your hearing ability affects your brain, your heart, and your balance. A professional relationship with a doctor of audiology is imperative to maintaining your brain and physical health.
If you try OTC’s
Go ahead. Give OTC’s a try. If they work for you, great! You’re on your journey to better communication with the important people in your life, and reconnecting with the things you love to do.
We’re herE for you
Whatever you choose, we’re here to help you. Hearing Health Center was voted the number one, most trusted audiology practice in the Midwest. We’ve been serving the community for 38 years. >> Consider booking a free hearing ability test at one of the five Hearing Health Center locations, or check out over the counter hearing aids in our online store.
Over the counter hearing Aids
Watch this Video
NBC 5 Interviews HHC Founder Dr. Ronna Fisher in this story about OTC hearing aids
Over the counter hearing Aids
The Answer
Dr. Ronna Fisher Shares What You Need to Know About Over the Counter Hearing Aids
In the past year, the phrase “staying in” has taken on a new meaning. The general public was encouraged to stay in their homes to reduce the spread of COVID-19, a recommendation that stayed in effect for months. For some, their duration of the “stay-at-home” orders were spent with immediate family. For others, it brought on months of isolation. But for many individuals who are hearing aid users, it left them wondering: what is the point of wearing my hearing aids if I am just sitting at home?
If you were to ask your hearing care professional how often you should wear your hearing aids, a common response would be in turn, “you should wear your hearing aids during all waking hours.” It is recommended that individuals with hearing aids wear their devices shortly after starting their day and take them out before going to sleep, a seemingly straightforward and simple concept. However, many hearing aid users found that they were not as inclined to consistently wear their hearing aids (to be consistent in terminology) throughout quarantine. Most rationalized that there was no reason to wear their hearing aids if they are just sitting at home, a considerable change from the hustle and bustle of their previous routines. Yet, research shows (or experts state) that there are multiple benefits to consistently wearing these devices, even in a mild environment like your home.
Audiologist Dr. Robert Martin from The Hearing Journal compares using hearing aids to exercising muscles. He explains that wearing hearing aids consistently not only allows you to hear better but allows you to listen more effectively. Hearing aids amplify sound based on an individual’s unique hearing loss. Initially, the hearing aid user may find that sound to be unnatural and strange, not what they are typically used to. With regular hearing aid use, that sound becomes more natural and starts to give the person more of that benefit they were looking for. When hearing aids are worn intermittently, you are not exercising the processing centers of your brain, and sound will continue to feel unnatural. Consistency is key in making those sounds more natural. According to Dr. Anu Sharma, research has found that sound is processed in unused parts of the brain, instead of the auditory cortex, after auditory deprivation. When sound is not processed in the auditory cortex, the listener may possibly find that it is far more taxing and exhausting to try to listen and understand the sound that they hear. When the listener begins to wear their hearing aids consistently, there is more auditory input, and the brain begins to change so sound is processed in the auditory cortex. Simply put, your brain needs sound.
Whether you live alone with mild background noise or have family that puts your ears to the test, the takeaway from today is that you should wear your hearing aids all the time. Give your brain the sound it needs, and make your hearing aids a part of your daily routine.
Sources:
Martin, Robert L. “‘Wear Your Hearing Aids or Your Brain Will Rust.’” The Hearing Journal,
vol. 57, no. 1, 2004, p. 46., doi:10.1097/01.hj.0000292405.09805.5a.
Beck DL. How might the brain change when we reintroduce sound? Interview with Anu Sharma,
PhD. Hearing Review. 2020;27(4)[April]. In press
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Visit the audiologists at Hearing Health Center to customize your Signia Active hearing experience.