It’s inevitable that ear wax will begin to accumulate in your hearing aids over time as you wear them inside your ear canal. Whatever type of hearing aid you wear, ear wax is going to be an issue that you’ll need to keep on top of. Ear wax build ups are all part of your natural cleaning cycle as your ears work to clear out dust and debris. This wax can get into the finer inner workings of your hearing aids which can affect its functionality and sound quality if not clearer out. Using a cleaning kit at home, you can remove much of this wax yourself. However, for a deeper clean, you should seek out a professional who can fully clean your hearing aids without accidentally damaging the device.
We want you to take as much use out of your hearing aids as possible. The best way to keep them lasting for a long time is through regular care and cleaning. Keeping on top on ear wax build-ups will prevent clogging up the hearing aid, leading to more costly maintenance further down the line.
How often should you clean your hearing aid at home?
Realistically, you should be cleaning your hearing aids every time you remove them. Just taking a few moments to brush off ear wax and debris will stop more ear wax from building up and developing. Most hearing aids will come with their own cleaning kit, but it’s very easy to get hold of the necessary tools to keep your hearing aids clean.
You’ll find that it’s easier to clean them off if you keep on top of their maintenance more regularly. However, you’ll only be removing the ear wax that you can reach with your brush, wire loop and wax pick. For ear wax molecules that end up inside the device, you will need a deeper clean.
How to clean your hearing aid
Your hearing aid provider will make sure you know the best way to look after your hearing aids. There are different types and each has a slightly different method when it comes to cleaning.
- First, remove your hearing aid so you can properly clean the device.
- For Behind The Ear (BTE) hearing aids, deattach the ear mould first.
- Using a cleaning brush, remove any ear wax and debris from the main device. Pay particular attention to the receive and microphone.
- Use a wax pick or wire loop to remove stubborn parts of ear wax from the device.
- Brush again as the pick or loop may have dislodged some debris.
- With any tubing, moulds and domes, make sure you clean these as well. Use a dry cloth to remove any wax build ups.
- Reassemble your hearing aid and place safely in your case. If you have a dehumidifier, put your hearing aid in there overnight.
Why a professional needs to clean your hearing aids
While good cleaning practice will keep your hearing aids free of pesky build ups, some ear wax can end up inside the device where you will be unable to remove using your cleaning kit. We strongly advise against trying to open the hearing aid yourself to clean the inside. Hearing aids are fiddly and prone to damage if you breach the casing.
Natural body oils as well as ear wax can start to build up, creating environments for bacteria to develop. That’s why it’s important to have a professional clean to remove these internal build-ups.
How often should you book for a professional to clean your hearing aids?
It will depend on your case as some people are prone to developing more excess ear wax than others. We generally say that it’s a good idea to arrange for a cleaning every six months. When you visit your hearing aid specialist or audiologist, they’ll be able to give you a clearer picture on how regularly you should be having them cleaned. They will also be able to advise you on how best to maintain your hearing aids at home.
It’s also a good idea to have regular checks with your hearing aid provider to make sure that they are functional properly.
Do I need to buy a dehumidifier for my hearing aids?
On top of ear wax, the other problem that hearing aids face is moisture. Even if you remove your hearing aids when washing and swimming, you can’t do much against sweat. The best way to keep your hearing aids dry is through having a dehumidifer. We can help you choose the best methods for keeping your hearing aids clean and dry. Dehumidifiers can also come with UV lamps that disinfect the hearing aids while you store them at night.
Cleaning your ears as well as your hearing aids
Ear wax is your body’s natural method of cleaning your ear canal and keeping them healthy. That being said, ear wax can build up and cause issues if not dealt with. When you visit your audiologist, they will check to see how effectively your ears are cleaning themselves. If there are ear wax build ups, they could be impacting your hearing and how effective your hearing aids are. However, while you can clean your ears, don’t push your ear wax in the canal. Wipe the canals and outer ear, keeping them clean, but avoid sticking anything other than your hearing aid in your ear. You may make it worse.
At Sussex Audiology Centre, we offer a range of services including ear wax removal. Keeping your canals clear will only improve your hearing and help your hearing aids to provide a clear sound.
How to arrange for a professional cleaning
Your hearing aid provider should offer this service but if you’ve moved to a new area, a local audiologist will have services for hearing aid maintenance. If you’re based in Sussex, you can drop in to any of our clinics and book for a cleaning.
You can book online using our option at the top of the page. If you have any concerns while cleaning your hearing aids and are worried that you’ve accidentally damaged the components, get in touch. We can arrange for repairs and replacements. Feel free to speak to our team and we can help.
