Find out how to properly disinfect hearing aids It is essential to prolong its useful life and avoid possible ear infections. These objects are often used on a daily basis, as they are often used to listen to music or to converse via mobile devices.
However, as with any electronic device, contact with water and cleaning products can permanently damage them. Therefore, you have to be very careful in the sanitization process.
Moreover, These are objects that usually accumulate earwax due to contact with the ear. Wet cloths, pads and soft brushes are the keys to cleanliness. Next, we share 10 tips you can implement.
Why is it important to apply these tips to disinfect hearing aids?
The frequency of use of headphones, as well as direct contact with the ear, implies regular sanitization. Among the various existing reasons, two main ones can be identified.
- On one side, prevent infection from dirt, dust or earwax on the earphone. Especially if they are used on the street and in public spaces.
- On the other hand, it prolongs the life of the device. Various manufacturers ensure that keeping headphones and charging cases clean —if they are wireless— will help them function and last longer.
Of course you have to pay attention and precision during processing, to avoid moistening them. These devices They tend to build up wax on the outer tires and grills, in particular the intra-aural models, i.e. those that are placed inside the ear.
Although earwax is a substance that protects and lubricates the ear canal, excess earwax is unsanitary and, if it hardens, can cause thorns.
Second a study in the Pediatric Journal of Primary CareVarious factors favor the generation of wax plugs. Among them, age, as the glands that produce it atrophy and the substance becomes drier. Even obstacles that hinder its expulsion, such as hearing aids.
10 tips for disinfecting hearing aids
Prolonged use of hearing aids Is connected with ear hygiene problems and ear canal infections. Hence the importance of dedicating a few minutes to cleaning it. Here are some tips.
1. Consider the type of headset
The cleaning of the casings and external components is not the same as that of the internal grilles. To know which parts make up your personal hearing aid, you need to know the type of device you have.
- Headphones in the ear. Intraurals are those that are placed inside the ear. Therefore, they have internal grids where dirt and earwax usually accumulate. They are the most delicate hearing aids in their disinfection, due to their delicacy and close contact with the ear.
- Headphones on the ear. Also known as supraural. These specimens rest on the ear without covering it completely, are held in place with a headband or headband and do not enter the ear.
- Headphones above the ear. The circumaurals are like ears but larger, so they completely surround and cover the ear. They also cause external sound cancellation.
- wireless. There are wireless versions of all types, although the most common are the intraaural ones, with the difference that they do not have cables which make their use difficult. The cleaning process is similar, but the charging case must be included.
2. Have the right elements
To sanitize them correctly and without damaging the internal circuits, the following cleaning elements must be available. In some cases, you can opt for one of them, as they perform similar functions.
- damp cloth
- Water and soap.
- Disinfectant towels.
- Toothbrush.
- Tampons or tampons.
- Isopropyl alcohol.
- Dry towel.
3. Clean the external parts
For the superficial sectors of the device it is possible to apply a previously moistened cloth in a container with soapy water. It is important that the cloth is damp and not wet.as the liquid can damage hearing aids.
You can use a toothbrush or similar object with soft bristles to remove dirt from holes and intricate spaces. The surfaces are suitable for sanitizing with disinfectant cloths or with cloths moistened with water and isopropyl alcohol.
4. Thoroughly disinfect the grids
In-ear headphones require extra care. As a first step, you have to remove the protective foam or rubber. Then, clean the hull and exterior with a damp cloth moistened with soapy water. Always place the hearing aids face down so that no particles or water get inside.
The internal grids, where earwax tends to stick, are cleaned with a cotton swab or a toothbrush. It is recommended that it be dry, as this part of the object is the most sensitive. Any residual moisture can damage it. It is convenient to make smooth movements, and if there are still stuck remains, you can help yourself with a needle for specific points.
5. Includes charging cases
Wireless models include a case for charging the headphones. It is an object that also accumulates dirt, which can affect the charging circuit. It is important to keep them clean using a dry or slightly damp cloth.. It is necessary to avoid wetting the internal sector.
6. Disinfect the electrodes
The rubbers or cushions covering the hearing aid are suitable for immersion. In any case, always check the manufacturer’s instructions. To clean them, you must first remove them from the headset and then immerse them in a container with soapy water.
This way, the dirt will be moistened and will be much easier to remove with a soft bristle brush. Then, you have to let them dry on a towel and don’t put them back until they are dry.
7. Never immerse your hearing aids
The ear cushions are the only headset component suitable for diving. The grids and cables, on the other hand, must never be wet. In general, they are not tolerant of water or do it superficially, so they are very likely to cause permanent damage.
8. Have clean ears
Another aspect to consider is sanitizing your ears before wearing your hearing aids. Also, it is important that they are dry. Otherwise, Moisture can enter the device and impair its function.
9. Perform frequent cleaning
With constant use, cleaning of hearing aids should be frequent. While it is recommended that it be done daily, it can be done weekly. Do not let more than 15 days go by without sanitizing them.
10. Let them dry
To finish, you must leave the components on a towel so that they dry well and there is no trace of moisture. Then put the pads back and use them again. They should never be used, mounted or charged while still wet.
Applying the 10 tips to disinfect hearing aids prolongs their useful life
The reasons why this direct contact hearing aid should be cleaned go beyond general hygiene. It is a way of taking care of the object, the functioning of which can be compromised by the accumulation of wax or dirt.
In general, each manufacturer has specific methods for cleaning, but all suggest avoiding whitening products. With these 10 hearing aid disinfection tips, you can complete the task effectively. Put them into practice!
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