Cleaning Hearing Aids Made Easy

We collaborate with individuals who rely on hearing aids or hearing assistive devices on a daily basis. Throughout the years, we have assisted in resolving countless hearing aid-related challenges by providing helpful advice and reliable products. After all, our customers rely on us for hearing solutions, which ultimately contribute to their safety and independence. Properly cleaning hearing aids is crucial for two key reasons. Firstly, it lessens the amount of bacteria and dirt accumulation on the device itself, which can lead to discomfort and potentially cause an infection. Secondly, it prolongs the service lifespan of your hearing aid investment. Let’s break down the appropriate care for your hearing aids into three basic categories:

Removing Dirt, Debris & Earwax

Your hearing aids remain on your body for a prolonged duration every day. This is not a matter of personal hygiene, but rather an inevitable reality of life. Your body perspires, is exposed to dust, and naturally produces earwax. Although you may not notice any immediate impact within a day or two, failing to attend to these factors can lead to discomfort and even result in costly errors. Accumulation of dirt, debris, and earwax can impede your hearing ability, preventing you from hearing as well as you should.

Hearing aid cleaning is a HUGE category that can be slightly daunting, especially if you’re trying to find an easy solution. There are TONS of products out there, varying in quality, which can add to the complexity of the task. However, the objective of this article is to guide you in achieving optimal performance from your hearing aids without making a significant financial investment.

A dependable 3-in-1 brush is a simple cleaning tool that handles the job efficiently. This useful device incorporates a wire loop tool to extract earwax from most cracks and crevices, a brush to remove dirt and debris, and even a small magnet to assist in changing the battery.

When it comes to cleaning hearing aids, it is crucial to pay particular attention to the tubing in your hearing aids. Any accumulation of wax in the tubing should be eliminated. A simple vent cleaner, such as a long and slim cleaning wire, can effectively remove any collected wax and debris. We recommend using this vent cleaner since it lacks handles and additional components, making it easy to thread through tubes.

If you need a little something extra to clean your device, investing in a hearing aid vacuum is a wise decision for individuals who work in dirty environments where hearing aids are subjected to excessive dirt, debris, and sweat. A high-quality hearing aid vacuum can promptly remove moisture and debris, preventing costly repairs. Our top-selling model is the powerful Jodi Consumer hearing aid vacuum that thoroughly cleans wax from the hearing aid's speaker opening, maintaining sound quality. Its small size makes it convenient to take anywhere. Alternatively, Serene Innovations’ Model HC-200 hearing aid vacuum is an excellent handheld (battery-operated) option, providing optimal cleaning with a user-friendly design.

Last but not least, follow up with a simple cleaning wipe designed for hearing aids and earmolds. This final step effectively removes any residual dirt and ensures thorough cleaning of your hearing aids. However, it is essential to note that not all cleaning wipes are created equal. Always use a wipe specifically designed for hearing instruments and earmolds, and NEVER apply alcohol to your hearing aids.

Removing Germs and Bacteria

Bacteria is an invisible problem that undoubtedly exists on your hearing aids. While using a hearing aid cleaning wipe can significantly help, the only sure way to eliminate all bacteria is by using a UV-C light. Fortunately, most devices that feature a UV-C light are also designed to remove moisture from your hearing aids, providing a final step to your hearing aid maintenance routine.

Removing Moisture and Sweat

To be honest, there is an abundance of hearing aid drying products available in the market. You can choose from a simple drying jar that costs a few dollars to an electronic dryer that may cost a couple of hundred dollars. Therefore, let us consider both options as the decision is not solely based on price but rather your specific needs.

If you require a travel-friendly option to carry in your gym bag or a quick solution for less humid environments, we recommend using a drying jar. To use this method, open your hearing aid battery door, place your hearing aids in the jar overnight, and ensure that the cap is securely screwed back on.

For individuals seeking a daily solution, an electronic dryer is likely the best long-term option. This method will not only save you money but also prevent the frustration of dealing with expired desiccants.

When evaluating electronic dryers, you want to consider these factors:

• Many individuals place their dryers on their bathroom counters or night tables. In either case, it is essential to choose a dryer that is appropriate in size, as you do not want it to take up too much space. Select a product that is most suitable for your needs.
• Several electronic dryers still use a replaceable desiccant, which must be changed every 1-3 months, depending on the humidity levels in your location. However, it is important to note that there are options available that are highly effective and do not require a replaceable desiccant.
• This is significant as we aim to help you get the most out of your investment. We suggest choosing a dryer that not only removes moisture but also sanitizes your hearing aids with UV-C lights.
• The fourth consideration is that if you are using Cochlear Implants, ensure that the dryer you purchase is approved for your device. Not all dryers are compatible with Cochlear Implants, so it is important to choose a product that is specifically designed for your device.

No matter your level of activity, germs, and bacteria from sweat and environmental contaminants will build up on hearing aids after regular use. This can quickly lead to discomfort, including itch and irritation. UV-C sanitization devices make your hearing aids inhospitable surfaces for microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and mold. Our top recommendation for the best-selling and top-performing electronic dryer is the PerfectDry Lux.

This extended-life UV light that won’t require regular and costly replacement. Additionally, it is sleek, compact, and occupies minimal counter space. This product incorporates 360-degree UV-C sanitization, ensuring optimal cleaning of your hearing aids. Additionally, the fast 45-minute cycle effectively removes moisture and bacteria from your hearing aids, allowing you to start your day with confidence.

If you’ve made it this far and thought to yourself, “this sounds like too much to remember,” you’re not alone. There IS a product available that simplifies the process. The PerfectClean Hearing Aid Cleaning System is a one-step device that will clean, disinfect, and dry your hearing aids at the push of a button, removing any guesswork from your maintenance routine. This all-in-one device ensures optimal performance for your hearing aids.

Whether you choose to use cost-effective tools or prefer the convenience of an all-in-one system, the most crucial aspect is consistent cleaning and proper maintenance of your hearing aids. By following a regular routine, you are ensuring that your hearing aids function correctly and provide optimal performance.

At ADCO, we offer the broadest range of hearing aid cleaning kits and supplies to simplify the cleaning of your hearing aids or other assistive devices. From the products we recommended earlier to wipes, wax guards and all-inclusive kits, you can trust that your hearing aids will remain free of earwax, dirt, or germs that can shorten their lifespan or performance.

Still have questions about hearing aid cleaning? Call us at 800-726-0851 or email sales@adcohearing.com. Our team will walk you through the right steps or develop a care plan to suit your needs.