How to Clean BTE Hearing Aids
Behind-the-ear hearing aids, often referred to as BTE hearing aids, require regular cleaning to keep them operating efficiently. As BTE hearing aids are worn throughout the day, moisture, skin cells and ear wax can collect on the hearing aid. Cleaning BTE hearing aids not only helps prevent dirt and debris from affecting the circuitry, it also decreases the likelihood of ear infections from bacteria on the hearing aids. Additionally, regular cleaning of a BTE hearing aid ensures that the microphone, volume control and other components will function properly.
Things You'll Need
- Soft, dry cloth or clean tissue
- Wax pick (the loop provided with BTE hearing aid)
- Soft hearing aid brush (provided with BTE hearing aid)
Instructions
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1
Clean the BTE hearing aid shell. The shell is the molded part that fits into the ear. Remove the shell from the ear, and wipe the shell with the clean, dry cloth or tissue. For stubborn wax or debris, use the brush provided with the BTE hearing aid to scrub the shell first.
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2
Clean the microphone port. As the most sensitive spot on the BTE hearing aid, the microphone port requires careful, gentle cleaning. Hold the hearing aid so the microphone is facing downward, and gently sweep the port with the brush provided with the hearing aid.
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3
Clean the BTE hearing aid receiver. The receiver is the hole where the hearing aid connects to the shell. Using the wax pick, lightly scoop debris and wax from the receiver area with a gentle pressure.
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Tips & Warnings
Always use gentle pressure when cleaning any part of the BTE hearing aid to avoid damaging the delicate circuits. If wax is a persistent problem with BTE hearing aids, your audiologist can recommend alternative shells or hearing aid cleaning treatments. Store hearing aids in a dry, safe place after cleaning.
Never poke anything into the microphone port of a BTE hearing aid. Never use a wet cloth or chemical cleaning product on the hearing aids.
