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1. Develop a Routine

Because of their small size, hearing aids are easy to misplace. It’s common for people to set them down and forget where they left them. The best way to prevent this is to develop the habit of putting them in the same location every time you take them off. Here are a few suggested locations:

• On your dresser
• On the bedside table
• In a drawer
• In a case in your bag or purse

As long as you routinely put them in the same place when you take them off, it will help to ensure you don’t lose them. TIP: If you have smartphone-compatible hearing aids, the app on your phone can help you find them if you misplace them. Just use the “Find My Hearing Aids” feature in the hearing aid smartphone app.

2. Store Them Securely

Wherever you choose to keep your hearing aids when not in use, make sure the location is protected from potential hazards. Store them in a padded case, jewelry compartment, a drying cup, or a hearing aid dryer that will protect them from dust, moisture, or other damage. If you have pets or small children in your home, you may also need to place your hearing aids out of reach. Dogs and cats can chew or swallow hearing aids. Dogs may be attracted by the smell of your skin oils or high-pitched sounds emitted by your hearing aids you may not even hear. Cats may see your hearing aid as a toy. Small children are also naturally curious and can break a hearing aid by playing with it. Plus, a hearing aid presents a choking hazard if swallowed. Hearing aid batteries are dangerous as well. In case of ingestion, you should contact doctor immediately and call the 24 Hour National Button Battery Ingestion Hotline at (202) 625-3333. NEVER store hearing aids in these locations:

• Refrigerator or freezer
• Bathroom
• In direct sunlight
• In your car

3. Keep Them Dry

Even though most hearing aids are manufactured with a protective nano-coating that helps protect against water, moisture is still their biggest enemy. If you live in humid environment, it’s a good practice to store your hearing aids in a special container to dry them out when not in use. There are different types of hearing aid dryers.

• Dehumidifiers: These are usually a container with a desiccant pad or gel that draws moisture out of the device. They’re inexpensive and can usually be purchased for under $20.
• Hearing Aid Dryer: A more robust solution is an electronic case with drying and sanitizing functions, which is ideal for more humid location. They are generally available for $50-100.

If your hearing aids get wet, dry them as thoroughly as possible with a soft cloth then place them in your desiccant container or hearing aid dryer. If you don’t have a hearing aid dryer or dehumidifier, a quick fix is to place your hearing aids in a container filled with uncooked rice, which will draw the moisture out of the electronic components naturally. NEVER use a blow dryer or put them in the microwave or toaster oven to dry them out; heat or microwave radiation will destroy the delicate electronics. TIPS:

• Don’t store hearing aids in a bathroom cabinet or other location with high humidity
• Remember to take them off before you shower or wash your face
• When working or exercising, wear a sweatband to absorb excess moisture or remove them if they are not necessary for the activity

Good habits and safe storage practices will help your hearing aids continue to serve you well for many years to come.

Learn how TruHearing can help with all your hearing aid needs.

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What is an earmold?

An earmold is a custom made in-the-ear device that will have a specific function, depending on what the wearer’s needs are. The most common uses are for either amplifying sound, or protecting against it. The device itself is usually inanimate; no power source or controls are installed. If one were to observe it, it would look like a small plug that fits exactly into the wearer’s ear canal.

Why do earmolds have different shapes and sizes?

The size and shape of an earmold will vary, depending on several factors: anatomy of wearer’s ear canal, what the function of the earmold will be, and how tightly the earmold will need to seal the wearer’s ear canal. Every person has a uniquely shaped ear, and thus the shape of the customized earmold will need to match that of the wearer’s ear, so it may fit into the ear canal comfortably and securely. Regarding function and size of the earmold, protective devices that reduce sound tend to be larger, and will fill most of the lower external ear, which is comprised of the anterior portion of the external auditory meatus, the entire concha region, and most of the cymba region. There usually isn’t much variation from this design because the goal of a protective earmold is to create a tight acoustic seal for the wearer, thus protecting them from damaging levels of noise. Earmolds that are designed to channel sound from a hearing aid, however, will always have a much greater variety of sizes and form factors, because they do not always require a complete acoustic seal of the ear. These earmolds can just fill the anterior portion of the external auditory meatus, for example, thus leaving the rest of the ear open. A general rule for hearing aid earmolds follows that their size will depend on the power level of the hearing aid it is attached to. As the power levels of hearing aids increase, so too will the size of the earmolds they will use.

What is an earmold made of?

The materials used to build an earmold are confined to soft types, which are silicone and vinyl, and hard types, which are lucite and acrylic. Some earmold manufacturers have a proprietary blend of several of these materials. Softer materials materials are employed when the earmold is used to protect hearing, or when the wearer is bothered by hard materials in their ear. Harder materials are used for durability and dexterity concerns. Soft, easily damaged external ear tissue of the wearer, and allergies to silicone are other reasons soft earmolds will not be considered.

How does an earmold work?

As mentioned earlier, earmolds have various styles and purposes, depending on the user’s needs. When an earmold is intended to protect the user’s hearing, the mold will seal the ear canal and prevent harmful levels of noise from going into the ear and causing damage. Earmolds that amplify sound will seal the user’s ear canal, and channel sound from a hearing aid, or other amplified device, directly into the patient’s ear. The use of custom earmolds are indicated when a user needs to hear a signal, in their ear, without outside noise interfering. Pilots, law enforcement, musicians, broadcasters, and hearing aid wearers all use various types of these earmolds.

Infection control of earmolds

A clear danger to every person who uses an earmold is developing an infection resulting from exposure to contaminants originating from their product(s). In fact, “contact transmission remains the most common means of cross-contamination and possible disease transmission” (Kemp & Bankaitis, 2000). Preventing disease transmission is vital to the successful use of an earmold. Preventing contaminants from proliferating on the surface of an earmold requires more than simply cleaning the surface of the device. Rather, it involves a multi-factored approach. The wearer of an earmold must not only clean their earmold, but must also disinfect their earmold daily, in order to prevent disease transmission and resulting infections “environmental infection control requires cleaning, disinfecting, and sterylization” (Clark, Kemp, & Bankaitis, 2003). Hearing aid wearers are only concerned with cleaning and disinfecting earmolds, as sterylizing is indicated when “an object is contaminated with a potentially infectious material, such as blood, mucous, or other bodily fluids or substance” (Clark, Kemp & Bankaitis, 2003). Cleaning an earmold Cleaning a user’s earmold involves simply removing gross contamination from the device’s surface area. No germs are removed during the cleaning process. Common materials and tools employed to clean earmolds are dry tissues, dry paper towels, cleaning brushes, and wire loops. Disinfecting an earmold When an earmold is disinfected, all contamination and germs are removed from the device. The materials used to disinfect an earmold usually consist of moist non-alcohol based disinfectant surface wipes, or a spray of the same type of solution. Sterylizing earmolds As mentioned previously, sterylizing an earmold is only indicated when it has been exposed to contaminated bodily fluids, such as blood or mucus. The user should bring an earmold in that condition to their hearing aid specialist, who will detach the earmold from the sound device it is coupled with and will submerge it in a bath of a germicide solution for an extended period.

Storage and care of earmolds

Do Not

• Place an earmold on surfaces where bacteria and fungi proliferate, i.e. counter tops, desks, purses, pockets, etc.
• Store an earmold in a container that cannot be washed out with soap and water, such as a jewelry box, small cardboard box, or paper envelope.
• Allow people to handle an earmold if they do not understand how to disinfect it after they have touched it.

Do

• Store earmolds in washable containers (plastic). Modern earmolds typically come supplied with washable containers.
• Clean and disinfect earmolds every day, or at least when they are worn.

Learn more about hearing aids and how TruHearing can help you with your hearing aid journey.

Works Cited

1. Bankaitis, A.U. & Kemp, R.J. (2002). Hearing Aid Infection Control. In: M. Valente (Ed) Strategies for Selecting and Verifying Hearing Aid Fittings, 2nd edition (pp. 369-383). Theime Publishing Group, New York, New York.
2. Kemp, R.J. & Bankaitis, A.E. (2000). Infection Control for the Audiologist. In: H. Dunn, R. Roeser, and M. Valente (Eds). Handbook of Audiology: Practice Management (pp. 257-272). Theime Publishing, New York, New York.
3. J.G. Clark, R.J. Kemp, & A.U. Bankaitis. (2003). Infection Control in Audiological Practice. Audiology Today, v 15:5.

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Read Your Hearing Aid Manual and Visit Your Provider Regularly

Make sure to read your hearing aid manual and talk to your hearing healthcare provider before cleaning your hearing aids on your own, and never do anything to clean your hearing aids that the manual or your provider says not to do. Schedule a visit with your provider at least once every 6 months to a year for a thorough cleaning and check-up. If you have problems with wax buildup, you may need to schedule professional cleanings more often.

Hearing Aid Cleaning Tools

For regular at-home care, you need the right equipment. The most common tools used for cleaning hearing aids include:

• Wax removal brush
• Soft, clean, dry cloth
• Wax pick/wire loop
• Vent cleaner

Hearing aid cleaning kits that contain all of the tools listed above can be purchased from your provider, online, or in many stores. You can even buy multi-tools that combine many tools in one. Here are a few other items you can use to clean your hearing aids:

• A soft-bristle child’s toothbrush can be used as a wax removal brush
• Disinfectant wipes can be used instead of a cloth, but only if they are made for use with hearing aids
• Alcohol-free cleaner can be used for cleaning the earmolds of in-the-ear models, but make sure you use one formulated especially for hearing aids

Be Careful

Some parts of your hearing aid are delicate, particularly the microphone and the receiver. Careful handling of your hearing aid while cleaning will help prevent accidental breakage or damage. If you are unsure of how to clean your specific hearing aid model, ask your provider to show you how to care for them safely. However, here are a few general tips to keep in mind:

• Never get water on the hearing aid device; it can damage the sensitive electronics
• Never use chemical solutions or wipes that are not made for use with hearing aids
• Never insert anything into the microphone or receiver ports and be careful not to push wax or dirt into the opening

How Often to Clean your Hearing Aids

Some cleaning procedures should be done daily, while others may be done once a week. Daily Basics Do the following every morning. Morning is best because the hearing aid has had time to dry overnight, making wax and buildup easier to remove.

1. Gently brush the microphone cover to remove wax or debris
2. Wipe down the entire hearing aid gently with a soft cloth

Weekly Detail Approximately once per week, spend a little more time carefully removing additional dirt and buildup.

1. Use a wax pick/wire loop to gently remove any stubborn deposits or wax buildup; DO NOT use the pick around the microphone or receiver ports
2. For models with wax guards, check and replace the wax guard as needed

How to Clean Your Hearing Aids

The following tips apply to all hearing aid models and styles:

• Turn the hearing aid upside down while cleaning ports and openings; then any debris dislodged will fall out instead of in
• Open the battery compartment at night; it will extend the life of the battery and allow the compartment to air out
• When changing the battery, brush the battery compartment clean

How to Clean an ITE Hearing Aid 

Follow the steps below to clean your in-the-ear (ITE) style hearing aid.

1. Gently brush the microphone cover, receiver, and vent openings to remove wax or debris
2. Use the wax pick/wire loop to remove stubborn material from the air vent
3. For larger vents, run a vent cleaner carefully through the opening in each direction
4. Wipe down the entire hearing aid gently with a soft cloth

Caution: Never use water, alcohol, or chemical wipes to clean an ITE hearing aid. For a hands-on demonstration of how to clean your ITE hearing aids, watch this video:

How to Clean a BTE Hearing Aid 

Follow the steps below to clean your behind-the-ear (BTE) style hearing aid.

1. Gently brush the hearing aid clean
2. Remove the earmold from the hook for cleaning
3. Brush the earmold clean, then use the wax pick/wire loop to remove any stubborn debris
4. Wipe down the hearing aid and earmold gently with a soft cloth

As needed, you can wash the earmold with warm water and soap. Be sure to allow the earmold and tubing to dry completely before reattaching to the hearing aid. DO NOT use chemical cleaners unless they are specially formulated for earmolds. Tip: Use a bulb blower to force the water out of the tubing to promote quicker drying. Click here for more on the care and cleaning of earmolds. For a hands-on demonstration of how to clean your BTE hearing aids, watch this video:

How to Clean a RIC Hearing Aid 

Follow the steps below to clean your receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) style hearing aid.

1. Gently brush the hearing aid to remove any debris
2. Use your thumbs to gently massage the dome tip to push out any stubborn material
3. Wipe down the entire hearing aid gently with a soft cloth
4. Replace the dome as needed when it becomes worn or misshapen or if there is a buildup or blockage that can’t be removed.

Caution: Never use water, alcohol, or chemical wipes to clean a RIC hearing aid. For a hands-on demonstration of how to clean your RIC hearing aids, watch this video:

Regular care and cleaning can extend the life of your hearing aids and help keep them in top working condition. For more information on how to care for your hearing aids, visit the Care and Maintenance section on TruHearing.com.

The post How to clean your hearing aids appeared first on TruHearing.

The post How to change your hearing aid battery appeared first on TruHearing.

1. Store your batteries in a dry place at room temperature. Don’t store them in the refrigerator or freezer where they can get clogged with moisture. At the same time, temperatures that are too high deplete battery life, so avoid leaving them in a hot car or next to a heating vent.

2. Wait to open your batteries until you’re ready to use them. Keeping them in the packaging ensures they stay dry and won’t lose their charge. If batteries are loose in a purse or pocket, they can come in contact with keys or other metal objects that will shorten their life.

3. When you put new batteries in your hearing aids, remove the sticky tab on the back of the batteries and let them sit for at least 2 minutes before putting them in your aids. Hearing aid batteries are air activated; if you let them sit for a few minutes, they’ll have a chance to fully activate before being put into use.

Letting your batteries air activate will generally add up to 18 hours of charge to their life!

4. Open the battery door on your hearing aids when you take them out at night. When you open the battery door all the way, you turn the hearing aids completely off. That way you can save the battery life for the times when you’re actively using them during the day.

Learn more about how TruHearing can help you with your hearing health.

The post How to Extend Your Hearing Aid Battery Life in 4 Easy Steps appeared first on TruHearing.

In order to help you keep your hearing aids clean during the summer, we’ve created the short guide below.

If you ever have questions about cleaning, dehumidifiers, sweat bands, or other methods for keeping your hearing aids clean and problem free, contact your provider—they’ll give you the guidance and information you need.

Learn how TruHearing can help with your hearing health.

The post Your Guide to Summer Hearing Aid Care appeared first on TruHearing.

Read Your Hearing Aid Manual and Visit Your Provider Regularly

Make sure to read your hearing aid manual and talk to your hearing healthcare provider before cleaning your hearing aids on your own, and never do anything to clean your hearing aids that the manual or your provider says not to do. Schedule a visit with your provider at least once every 6 months to a year for a thorough cleaning and check-up. If you have problems with wax buildup, you may need to schedule professional cleanings more often.

Hearing Aid Cleaning Tools

For regular at-home care, you need the right equipment. The most common tools used for cleaning hearing aids include:

• Wax removal brush
• Soft, clean, dry cloth
• Wax pick/wire loop
• Vent cleaner

Hearing aid cleaning kits that contain all of the tools listed above can be purchased from your provider, online, or in many stores. You can even buy multi-tools that combine many tools in one. Here are a few other items you can use to clean your hearing aids:

• A soft-bristle child’s toothbrush can be used as a wax removal brush
• Disinfectant wipes can be used instead of a cloth, but only if they are made for use with hearing aids
• Alcohol-free cleaner can be used for cleaning the earmolds of in-the-ear models, but make sure you use one formulated especially for hearing aids

Be Careful

Some parts of your hearing aid are delicate, particularly the microphone and the receiver. Careful handling of your hearing aid while cleaning will help prevent accidental breakage or damage. If you are unsure of how to clean your specific hearing aid model, ask your provider to show you how to care for them safely. However, here are a few general tips to keep in mind:

• Never get water on the hearing aid device; it can damage the sensitive electronics
• Never use chemical solutions or wipes that are not made for use with hearing aids
• Never insert anything into the microphone or receiver ports and be careful not to push wax or dirt into the opening

How Often to Clean your Hearing Aids

Some cleaning procedures should be done daily, while others may be done once a week.

Daily Basics

Do the following every morning. Morning is best because the hearing aid has had time to dry overnight, making wax and buildup easier to remove.

1. Gently brush the microphone cover to remove wax or debris
2. Wipe down the entire hearing aid gently with a soft cloth

Weekly Detail

Approximately once per week, spend a little more time carefully removing additional dirt and buildup.

1. Use a wax pick/wire loop to gently remove any stubborn deposits or wax buildup; DO NOT use the pick around the microphone or receiver ports
2. For models with wax guards, check and replace the wax guard as needed

How to Clean Your Hearing Aids

The following tips apply to all hearing aid models and styles:

• Turn the hearing aid upside down while cleaning ports and openings; then any debris dislodged will fall out instead of in
• Open the battery compartment at night; it will extend the life of the battery and allow the compartment to air out
• When changing the battery, brush the battery compartment clean

How to Clean an ITE Hearing Aid

Follow the steps below to clean your in-the-ear (ITE) style hearing aid.

1. Gently brush the microphone cover, receiver, and vent openings to remove wax or debris
2. Use the wax pick/wire loop to remove stubborn material from the air vent
3. For larger vents, run a vent cleaner carefully through the opening in each direction
4. Wipe down the entire hearing aid gently with a soft cloth

Caution: Never use water, alcohol, or chemical wipes to clean an ITE hearing aid.

For a hands-on demonstration of how to clean your ITE hearing aids, watch this video:

How to Clean a BTE Hearing Aid

Follow the steps below to clean your behind-the-ear (BTE) style hearing aid.

1. Gently brush the hearing aid clean
2. Remove the earmold from the hook for cleaning
3. Brush the earmold clean, then use the wax pick/wire loop to remove any stubborn debris
4. Wipe down the hearing aid and earmold gently with a soft cloth

As needed, you can wash the earmold with warm water and soap. Be sure to allow the earmold and tubing to dry completely before reattaching to the hearing aid. DO NOT use chemical cleaners unless they are specially formulated for earmolds.

Tip: Use a bulb blower to force the water out of the tubing to promote quicker drying.

Click here for more on the care and cleaning of earmolds.

For a hands-on demonstration of how to clean your BTE hearing aids, watch this video:

How to Clean a RIC Hearing Aid

Follow the steps below to clean your receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) style hearing aid.

1. Gently brush the hearing aid to remove any debris
2. Use your thumbs to gently massage the dome tip to push out any stubborn material
3. Wipe down the entire hearing aid gently with a soft cloth

Replace the dome as needed when it becomes worn or misshapen or if there is a buildup or blockage that can’t be removed.

Caution: Never use water, alcohol, or chemical wipes to clean a RIC hearing aid.

For a hands-on demonstration of how to clean your RIC hearing aids, watch this video:

Regular care and cleaning can extend the life of your hearing aids and help keep them in top working condition. For more information on how to care for your hearing aids, visit the Care and Maintenance section on TruHearing.com.

The post How to Clean and Care for Your Hearing Aids appeared first on TruHearing.