Hearing aids - cleaning and care
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Long life for the hearing aid
Hearing aids are built to be relatively robust and can function well for many years. The prerequisite, however, is the correct use of the hearing aid. Please note the following:
- Protect your hearing aid from dirt. Only touch it with clean, dry hands.
- Be careful not to drop the device.
- Protect your hearing aid from excessive heat: do not leave it in the blazing sun, on or next to a radiator.
- Take your hearing aid out of your ear before showering, bathing, or swimming. Also, don't leave it in the bathroom as the humidity is too high.
- Remove your hearing aid before using, for example, hairspray or face powder.
- Do not leave the device lying around: children or pets are sure to find it interesting and could damage it.
- Clean your hearing aid with a soft, dry cloth. Alcohol, solvents and cleaning agents are harmful. You can obtain special care products from your hearing aid acoustician.
- Always transport your hearing aid in a case.
Behind-the-ear systems (BTEs)
In the case of behind-the-ear systems (BTE), the earmold must be cleaned with a damp cloth. First disconnect the hearing aid and the earmold. Place the adapter in a beaker of water that contains a special cleaning tablet overnight. The next morning, rinse it under clean water and dry it off.
The BTE itself must also be cleaned with a damp cloth. Wipe it with a damp cleaning cloth and then place the hearing aid with the battery compartment open in a drying bag overnight. This contains a tablet that can absorb moisture - unless it is an electric desiccant bag.
In the morning, blow into the sound tube and any additional holes that may be present to remove any remaining water that has accumulated there. After cleaning, attach the hearing aid to the earmold and insert the BTE.
In-the-ear systems (ITE)
Note that in-the-ear systems (ITE) must not come into contact with water! However, thorough cleaning is also required here. It is best to use special, damp cleaning wipes available from your hearing care professional. With it you wipe the ITE thoroughly and put it - as described for the BTEs - with the battery compartment open in a drying bag overnight.
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