How to Decontaminate Hearing Aids

• Step 1

  Wipe the outside of your hearing aid or ear mold off with an isopropyl alcohol pad. Do this when you remove your hearing aids before going to bed. Only wipe the portion of the hearing aid or ear mold that goes into your ear canal. Use pre-moistened alcohol pads or wipes so you're not dripping alcohol into your hearing aid. The reason alcohol works the best is because it evaporates very quickly. Moisture will damage your hearing aids, causing them to eventually break down. Peroxide bubbles too much, has a sour odor, and doesn't evaporate as quickly as alcohol.

• Step 2

  Brush your hearing aids or ear molds before putting them in for the day. Use a soft toothbrush---purchased just to use on your hearing aids---or the cleaning brush given to you with your hearing aids. Gently brush over the entire hearing aid. Face the area you're brushing down so that earwax debris falls away from the hearing aid. Brushing is best to do after waking up---when you're ready to wear your hearing aids---because any earwax had a chance to dry while you were sleeping and will now brush off easily.

• Step 3

  Use a clean toothpick or the pick tool given to you with your hearing aids; pick off any visible pieces of dry earwax missed when brushing. These dry pieced tend to hide in the tip of your hearing aid or mold which goes deepest into your ear. Don't try to dig out earwax from inside your hearing aid, you could damage the delicate electronic components inside your hearing aid.

• Step 4

  Keep and store your hearing aids in the same case or container whenever they're not in your ears. Don't put your hearing aids on the kitchen or bathroom counter.These areas can be contaminated with germs. Don't keep your hearing aids in your pockets or purse. When you purchased your hearing aids they came with a case or pouch, use it. If you've lost your case you can get or purchase another from any local hearing aid clinic.

• Step 5

  Carry alcohol wipes with you in case you take you hearing aid out to show someone or have to remove it for a medical exam. If you ever remove your hearing aid and others touch it or you lay it on a potentially unclean surface, you should wipe the hearing aid with an alcohol wipe before placing it back in your ear. If you have an active ear infection, wipe your hearing aids or ear molds with an alcohol wipe every time you remove them and again before you put them back in your ears.

• Step 6

  Take your hearing aid to be professionally cleaned. Most offices selling hearing aids offer free cleaning, regardless of the brand of hearing aid you own. Regular professional cleaning,every four to six months, will extend the life of your hearing aids.

• 2
• Alcohol Wipes Soft Toothbrush Toothpick
• Alcohol Wipes
• Soft Toothbrush
• Toothpick
• Use isopropyl alcohol pads, not other disinfectants containing alcohol like a hand sanitizer.
• Use isopropyl alcohol pads, not other disinfectants containing alcohol like a hand sanitizer.
• Don't use water to clean your hearing aid; water doesn't disinfect and can ruin your hearing aid. Your hearing aids are prescribed medical devices that shouldn't be shared with other people. Hearing aids are prescribed according to your hearing loss; wearing a used hearing aid that belonged to someone else could damage your hearing further. Don't used canned air to try and blow out wax stuck inside your hearing aid, let a professional clean your hearing aid with specially designed vacuum.
• Don't use water to clean your hearing aid; water doesn't disinfect and can ruin your hearing aid.
• Your hearing aids are prescribed medical devices that shouldn't be shared with other people.
• Hearing aids are prescribed according to your hearing loss; wearing a used hearing aid that belonged to someone else could damage your hearing further.
• Don't used canned air to try and blow out wax stuck inside your hearing aid, let a professional clean your hearing aid with specially designed vacuum.

References & Resources

• American Academy of Otolaryngology
• Alcohol Wipes