Basic Care Video
The video in the link below covers basic hearing aid care: AARP (2015, July 2) "Hear Better: Quick Tips to Care for your Hearing Aid" Retrieved September 2, 2018.
Click here to go to YouTube video
Cleaning Tubing (BTEs)
The hearing aid tubing needs to be clear of debris and moisture to work. Tubing (but not receiver wires) can be removed from the hearing aid at the tone hook.
The tubing can then be cleared of blockage by thin nylon or tube cleaners. Clean one aid at a time so the correct ear mould/tubing goes back on the correct hearing aid.
The following video covers tube and vent cleaning along with how to use your brush, cloth and an air puffer to clean a BTE hearing aid.
Click here to go to YouTube video
Changing Filters (RICs and ITEs)
ITEs have filters over top of their speaker (receiver). RICs have filters either behind the dome or on the cShell. These need to be kept clear for sound to come out.
Replacing a blocked filter usually requires a tool. One end will push into and remove the old filter. The other end will select a new filter and put it in place.
The filter pack usually has drawings illustrating how to do this. Ask your child's audiologist if you are still not sure.
The following video shows how to change a cerustop wax filter: Dr Malik's Prime Clinics (2017, May 29) "Changing wax filters in RIC hearing aids" Retrieved September 8, 2018.
Click here to go to YouTube video
Dry Kit
To help stop damage from moisture keep hearing aids in a dry kit most nights. A dry kit is an air tight container that has a dessicant (substance that absorbs mositure).
Keep the container closed at all times (otherwise the dessicant absorbs moisture from the air). Just put the hearing aids in, not the batteries.
The dessicant will change colour (usually from orange to white or green) when it has absorbed all the moisture it can and needs to be replaced.
Some dessicants can be reused after heating in the microwave but check with your child's audiologist first.
