Open ear hearing aids may look different from other hearing aids, but they are no more or no less susceptible to ear wax, dirt, debris and moisture. They need regular cleaning and maintenance to give you consistent performance and to extend the life of your hearing aids. It only takes a few minutes every day.
Types
The method of delivering sound to the ear determines the type of open ear hearing aid. The thin-tube type transmits sound from the speaker (receiver) of the hearing aid into your ear through a very thin tube. The receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) type has a very thin wire that runs from the hearing aid to the receiver that is positioned in your ear canal. The receiver transmits the sound directly into your ear. Both types of open ear hearing aids use a dome that fits on the tip of the thin-tube or receiver.
Battery Replacement
The battery will need to be replaced periodically. Your hearing aid should emit a warning signal when you need to change it. Always turn your hearing aid off when not in use. This will extend the life of your battery.Typical battery life depends upon the size of the battery. A size 10 or 10A battery generally needs replacement every 4 to 6 days if you use your hearing aid 16 hours a day. A size 312 battery is larger and will need to be replaced every 7 to 10 days.
Daily Maintenance
The best time to clean your hearing aid is at night, before you go to bed. Any ear wax will be soft and easy to remove. It is important to make sure that all the openings are cleaned. This ensures that sound can get into your hearing aid and that sound can get out.Check the microphone openings and clean them with the brush that comes with your hearing aid. You may then wipe the body of your hearing aid with a clean, damp cloth. Never use alcohol or solvents to clean your hearing aids. Never wash them.Check the dome under a bright light and brush the opening to remove any ear wax. If you are unable to clear the wax or if the hearing aid sounds weak, you can remove the dome. Squeeze the dome with a clean damp cloth to force the wax out. Periodically replace the dome as recommended by the manufacturer.
Occasional Cleaning
If you have a thin-tube open ear hearing aid you may need to clean the tube. If you see wax, dirt, or debris in the tube or if your hearing aid sounds weak disconnect it from the hearing aid then use your cleaning rod supplied with your hearing aid. Insert the cleaning rod into the tube and push it through to the other side. You may also use compressed air to blow out the tube.
Occasional Maintenance
If you have a RITE hearing aid and it sounds weak you may need to replace the wax filter. Most wax filters are installed in the tip of the receiver underneath the dome. Use only the wax filters and tools made for your hearing aid. Follow the directions supplied by your audiologist.
Prevention/Solution
Do not allow your hearing aids to get wet. Do not use them when swimming, showering, sitting in a hot tub, or other activities where they could become immersed in water. If your hearing aid becomes wet, remove the battery, and dry it with a clean cloth. Let it air dry overnight with the battery door open. Bring it to your audiologist if it does not work the next day. Keep your hearing aids in a drying unit when not in use. Your audiologist will recommend the appropriate device.
