Q: How do I clean my hearing aids properly?
A: Hearing aids should be wiped down with a microfiber cloth or clean, dry paper towel. Give particular focus on cleaning the domes (rubber cap that sit in the ear) or molds to prevent the accrual of wax. Using a clean, dry toothbrush or denture brush, gently brush the hearing aid microphones which are typically housed on the top of behind-the-ear hearing aids, or on the faceplate of a custom hearing aid. If your hearing aid has a wax trap, or filter, the filters should be changed as needed. Schedule routine servicing with your hearing care professional to keep your hearing aids performing optimally.
Q: How often should I clean my hearing aids?
A: Hearing aids should be wiped down daily. Other at-home maintenance may include brushing the microphones and changing filters as needed. The frequency of filter changes will vary from person to person and depends on how much wax you produce. Hearing aids should be routinely serviced by a professional; we recommend professional cleaning once every six months.
Q: How often should I change my filters?
A: Hearing aid filters should be changed if the hearing aid stops working of becomes very quiet. The frequency of these changes varies greatly from person to person and largely depends on the production and consistency of ear wax. Some individuals like to maintain a regular schedule for filter changes.
Q: What cleaning products should I avoid using on my hearing aids?
A: Hearing aids should not be cleaned with any type of harsh chemical or liquid. Avoid use of alcohol, Lysol or bleach cleaning wipes, or any other household cleaner. Hearing aids should never be submerged in water.
Q: What cleaning products can I use on my hearing aids?
A: Hearing aids only need to be wiped with a clean and dry microfiber cloth or paper towel. The domes (rubber caps that sit in the ear) or molds can be wiped with a slightly damp cloth as needed using just water. Audio-wipes are formulated specifically for use on hearing aids and can be purchased for at home use if desired.
Q: How can I protect my hearing aids from moisture?
A: Hearing aids should be stored in a cool, dry location. Avoid rooms such as the bathroom or kitchen which may be exposed to moisture or humidity. Avoid wearing hearing aids in the shower or pool. At-home drying chambers can be purchased through many online retailers, or professional drying services such as “Redux” can be performed by your hearing care professional.
Q: How long should hearing aid batteries last?
A: Traditional, disposable batteries are air activated and last on average 3-7 days once the activation sticker has been removed, depending on the size of the battery and the usage. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries typically last 16-20 hours on a single charge, with some brands boasting as much as a 52-hour battery life on a single charge.
Q: How can I make my hearing aid batteries last longer?
A: If you use traditional batteries, open the battery door each night or whenever the hearing aid is not in use. Ensure your batteries stored in a cool, dry location and use them before the expiration date for the best results. For lithium-ion batteries, avoid letting the hearing aids sit in the charge for long periods of time (several days or more). Only use the cords and plugs provided by the manufacturer. Limit streaming to ensure the best battery life.
Q: Why are my hearing aids whistling and how do I stop it?
A: Your hearing aids may be whistling if the volume is increased too much, or if the sound is encountering a blockage such as wax. Ensure the hearing aid is clean and sitting properly in your ear, with the dome or mold sitting deeply in the canal. If you have turned up the volume, reduce the volume to the normal level. Have your ears checked by your medical doctor or hearing care professional to rule out wax. A small amount of whistling (or feedback) may occur if something gets very close to your ear, such as your hand when touching your hair, but the whistling should not be constant.
