As the weather warms and we all start to open the windows and spend time outdoors again, it’s a great time to ensure you’re able to enjoy all the sounds of spring. 

It’s time to give those hearing aids a good, thorough cleaning! 

How to clean your hearing aids 

First, check any paperwork that came with your hearing aids to find cleaning instructions for your specific brand and style. If you’ve misplaced those instructions, here are a few general steps you can follow that should get the job done. 

• Set up a good work area
  Choose a well-lit area with a surface you can work on. It may also be helpful to put down a cloth or towel to protect delicate pieces and prevent anything from rolling off the table. 
• Prepare your cleaning tools 
  • Many retailers carry hearing aid cleaning kits with most or all the tools you’ll need, including a hearing aid brush, a slim tube cleaning tool, and wax loops. 
  • You may also want to get an earmold tubing blower, which uses pressurized air to remove moisture and debris from the earmold, and a microfiber cloth. 
• Brush off earwax and other buildup
  With the hearing aid face down, use your hearing aid brush to gently remove debris from the exterior. 
• Use the wax loop for tougher wax buildup
  If any buildup didn’t come off with the brush, use the wax loops to remove it. 
• Clean the ventilation tube
  Carefully push the slim tube cleaning tool through the entire ventilation tube. If you have a ventilation plug, do not push it out. Remove the cleaning tool, wipe any excess debris or moisture off it with a soft cloth, then pull the cleaner back through the tube in the opposite direction. 
• Check the device for excess moisture
  Be sure there’s no moisture or waxy buildup left anywhere on your hearing aids. You can also give the entire device one more pass with a microfiber cloth. 
• Check your batteries
  This is also a great opportunity to check your hearing aid batteries. Use a battery tester to see how much life they have left in them or just play it safe and swap them out for a fresh set.  

Proper hearing aid maintenance tips 

Regularly cleaning and properly maintaining your hearing aids can help you avoid ear infections or irritation. Continuously taking good care of your hearing aids will make cleaning easier. Here are a few tips: 

• Check your hearing aids for earwax daily to prevent serious buildup 
• Always remove your hearing aids before showering or swimming 
• Wear protective head and ear covering during wet weather 
• Inspect the microphone and receiver for earwax every week, using a brush to remove buildup 
• Store your hearing aids in a safe, dry place 
• Know what to do if you get your hearing aids sweaty