Hearing aids are primarily used to address hearing loss, which can occur due to various factors, such as ageing, noise exposure, or medical conditions. They amplify sounds, making it easier for individuals with hearing loss to participate in conversations and enjoy everyday activities. It is important to clean the hearing aids to ensure their smooth functioning and ensure longevity. We spoke to Dr Vivek Kumar Pathak, Senior ENT Consultant, HearClear, Noida, who listed effective ways to clean hearing aids.
According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, a hearing aid is a compact electronic device worn in or behind the ear. It amplifies certain sounds, enabling individuals with hearing loss to listen, communicate, and engage more effectively in daily activities. A hearing aid can improve hearing in both quiet and noisy environments.
Ways To Clean Your Hearing Aids
1. Keeping the Device Dry
“Hearing aids are exposed to moisture and heat daily. Earwax, skin flakes, and dirt are the most common causes responsible for malfunctioning of the hearing devices”, said Dr Pathak.
All the factors together can damage the internal components. As a result, to prolong the life of the instrument, it is recommended to leave the hearing aids out during the night while keeping the battery door open. At the same time, special drying kits should be used to remove the moisture immaculately.
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2. Change the Filter
“Hearing aids have a wax filter to check earwax and ear drainage from damaging the device. The filters come with the ability to prevent the passage of the components, consequently, allowing the sound to reach the ear”, added Dr Pathak. Understanding the imperative role of filters, one should change the wax guard as and when needed and in between the changes one should ensure to clean it regularly.
3. Make Use of a Soft, Dry Cloth for Cleaning
In the process of cleaning the instrument, it is important to make use of the right cleaning techniques. Hearing aids should always be cleaned with the help of soft, dry cloth or tissue. One should avoid using household cleaning agents or oil products. “They can impair the electronic circuitry and interfere with the functioning of the device. Along with this, one should also refrain from using alcohol swabs or sharp pins as they can severely damage the hearing aids”, said Dr Pathak.
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4. Professional Cleaning
To elongate the life span of the hearing aids, it is recommended to get them cleaned by professionals every three months. Though cleaning at home is useful, getting professional cleaning can help timely identification of any impending damages. It can strengthen the entire lifespan of the device.
5. Protect the device from getting wet
“It is very important to prevent water from entering the hearing device. However, in case water enters the device accidentally, one should act promptly and switch it off immediately to avoid any further damage to sensitive components. Following this, make use of a soft, dry cloth or tissue to gently wipe away the visible water”, said Dr Pathak.
In the process, one should be mindful not to use excessive heat, such as hairdryers, as it can have a damaging effect on the delicate components of the device. Additionally, getting professional help can come in handy in the timely repair of the device.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you are dealing with any health issues to get the necessary treatment.]