How do I clean my hearing aid accessories?

Cleaning your hearing aid accessories is essential to maintaining their functionality and longevity. Here’s a guide on how to clean various types of hearing aid accessories:

• Ear Domes and Earmolds: These components can accumulate earwax, dirt, and moisture, which can affect sound quality. To clean them:
  • Remove the ear domes or earmolds from the hearing aid.
  • Soak them in warm, soapy water (using a mild soap) for a few minutes.
  • Use a soft brush or a cloth to gently remove any debris.
  • Rinse them thoroughly with clean water and allow them to air dry completely before reattaching them to the hearing aid.
  • Do not use alcohol or harsh chemicals, as these can damage the materials.
• Hearing Aid Tubing: If your hearing aids use tubing (as in behind-the-ear models), the tubing can become clogged with earwax or moisture. To clean the tubing:
  • Detach the tubing from the hearing aid and earmold.
  • Use a small, soft brush or a specialized tubing cleaner to remove any debris from inside the tube.
  • If needed, wash the tubing with warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and let it air dry.
  • Reattach the tubing to the hearing aid and earmold once it is completely dry.
• Battery Contacts: Battery contacts can accumulate dirt and oil, which may interfere with the battery’s connection. To clean the contacts:
  • Use a dry cotton swab or a soft, dry cloth to gently clean the battery contacts inside the battery compartment.
  • Avoid using water, alcohol, or any liquids, as moisture can damage the hearing aid’s internal components.
• Hearing Aid Cleaning Tools: Hearing aid cleaning kits often come with small brushes, wax loops, and cloths. Use these tools regularly to:
  • Brush away any debris from the microphone ports, vents, and battery compartment.
  • Use the wax loop to gently remove any earwax from the hearing aid’s openings.
  • Wipe the exterior of the hearing aid with a soft, dry cloth to remove oils and dirt.
• Dehumidifiers and Drying Systems: Moisture is a common issue for hearing aids and their accessories. Using a dehumidifier or drying system helps remove moisture, which can prevent damage:
  • Place your hearing aids and accessories in a dehumidifying case overnight.
  • For electronic drying systems, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure proper use and maintenance.
• Bluetooth Streamers and Remote Controls: For electronic accessories like Bluetooth streamers or remote controls:
  • Wipe them down regularly with a dry, soft cloth to remove fingerprints, dust, and oils.
  • Avoid using water or cleaning products that could damage the electronics.

Regular cleaning of your hearing aid accessories will help maintain their performance and extend their lifespan. Melody Audiology provides cleaning supplies and guidance on how to properly care for your hearing aids and accessories, ensuring they remain in optimal condition.