Cleaning And Caring For Your Hearing Aids Learn How To Clean Hearing Aids And Take Care Of Them
The placement of hearing aids in the ear canal means that they are constantly exposed to moisture as well as ear wax – conditions that are not ideal for any piece of technology. Itâs therefore important to take care of your hearing aids and to regularly clean them so they stay in good condition and functioning at their best.
How To Get Started With Phonak
If youre new to hearing aids, using Phonaks free online hearing test is one place to start. Based on that evaluation, you can determine whether or not you wish to find an audiologist or hearing professional that sells Phonak products.
Theres a find a provider tool and interactive map you can use on the Phonak website to identify providers in your zip code.
Phonak recommends always making an in-person appointment with one of their professionals. There are online sellers of Phonak hearing aids, but not all of them may be authorized to sell these products through the manufacturer.
How To Clean A Bte Hearing Aid
Follow the steps below to clean your behind-the-ear style hearing aid.
As needed, you can wash the earmold with warm water and soap. Be sure to allow the earmold and tubing to dry completely before reattaching to the hearing aid. DO NOT use chemical cleaners unless they are specially formulated for earmolds.
Tip: Use a bulb blower to force the water out of the tubing to promote quicker drying.
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Phonak Hearing Aid Models
Phonak makes three styles of hearing aids: behind-the-ear , receiver-in-the-canal , and in-the-ear . The company manufactures several models of hearing aids, including:
- Naida Paradise
- Appropriate for severe to profound hearing loss for the changeable battery model and mild to severe hearing loss for the rechargeable model
- Comes in four levels: 90, 70, 50, and 30
- Changeable zinc battery
- Direct connectivity to iOS and Android devices
- Prices for the Naida Paradise range from $1,399 to $2,199 per aid or $2,798 to $4,398 per pair
- Appropriate for moderate to profound hearing loss
- Comes in four levels: 90, 70, 50, and 30
- Built-in rechargeable battery or changeable zinc battery
- Direct connectivity to iOS and Android devices
- Prices for Naida Marvel range from $1,499 to $2,299 per aid or $2,998 to $4,598 per pair
- Appropriate for mild to severe hearing loss
- Comes in four levels: 90, 70, 50, and 30
- Built-in rechargeable battery or changeable zinc battery
- Bluetooth enabled
- Direct connectivity to iOS and Android devices
- Prices for the Bolero Marvel range from $1,499 to $2,299 per aid or $2,998 to $4,598 per pair
- Appropriate for mild to profound hearing loss
- Comes in four levels: 90, 70, 50, and 30
- Built-in rechargeable battery or changeable zinc battery
- Direct connectivity to iOS and Android devices
- Prices for Audeo Paradise range from $1,349 to $2,399 per aid or $2,698 to $4,798 per pair
How To Clean Your Hearing Aids
The following tips apply to all hearing aid models and styles:
- Turn the hearing aid upside down while cleaning ports and openings then any debris dislodged will fall out instead of in
- Open the battery compartment at night it will extend the life of the battery and allow the compartment to air out
- When changing the battery, brush the battery compartment clean
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Hearing Aid Care Tips
To extend the life of your hearing aid, batteries and prevent additional hearing loss, follow these care tips.
- Wash your hands before handling your hearing aids.
- Store your device in a safe, dry place.
- Keep your hearing aids away from children or pets.
- Turn off your hearing aids when youre not wearing them.
- Clean your device at the end of the day to allow time for everything to dry.
- Consider investing in a hearing aid dehumidifier if your device collects a lot of moisture.
- Dont wear your hearing aids while swimming, in the shower, or while using hairspray or a hairdryer.
- Every six months or so, schedule an appointment with your hearing care professional for a routine hearing test for more detailed cleanings.
If you notice additional hearing loss while using your device, even after cleaning, schedule an appointment with a hearing care professional or at a hearing center, or we can help you find the best online hearing tests here.
How To Hard Reset A Phonak Rechargeable Hearing Aid
To hard reset a Phonak rechargeable hearing aid, hold the down button on the hearing aid toggle switch for 20 seconds.
During this 20 second time frame the hearing aid will likely turn on, then chime and then turn off again. Just dont let go for 20 seconds.
This essentially puts the hearing aid into shipping mode and resets the battery. To reenable the battery place the hearing aid back into the charger for 5 seconds.
This step may need to be repeated 2x for it to work.
If the light on the aid begins to flash on the hearing aid, then the problem was solved. If it is flashing red, dont worry it just will take 2-3 hours to get a full charge. If it is flashing yellow it will take 1-2 hours to get a full charge. If it is flashing green, it will take a short time to get to a full charge. A full charge is indicated when the light is solid green.
However, If the light remains solid red you can visit your audiologist for help. Aid will likely need to be sent to Phonak for repair.
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How To Clean Your Hearing Aid
With regular maintenance, your hearing aid will be kept in good working order. Hearing aids operate in an environment that is far from ideal they are subjected to earwax and moisture on a daily basis and while theyre fairly robust devices, careful cleaning will ensure their ongoing optimum functionality.
Read our guide to cleaning hearing aids below and get in touch if you need assistance with your hearing loss, we can offer advice on the best hearing aid for your needs or offer an up to date hearing test with our hearing healthcare professionals.
Care Tips For Hearing Aids
Clean your hearing aids regularly to keepthem working reliably.
- Get the proper tools: A wax pick and brush are indispensable tools for at-home cleaning. Earwax can accumulate in the opening at the end of a hearing aid where the sound comes out causing muffled sound or feedback . Left long enough, it can damage the receiver. Use the pick and brush to gently clear wax away.
- Establish good habits: Always wash your hands well before cleaning your hearing aids. Leave hearing aids out during your hygiene routine. Shower and wash your face and hair without your hearing aids in so water and soap cant damage them. Put your aids in after you apply hair products like sprays or gels.
- Clean your device at the end of the day: Cleaning your hearing aids before bedtime gives them several hours to air out before you will put them in again. Avoid wipes with chemicals or alcohol when cleaning hearing aids as they could damage the devices.
- Avoid extreme heat or cold: If the temperature is below freezing and you take your hearing aids out of your ears to shovel the driveway, leave them inside the house instead of stashing them in your coat pocket. Likewise, if you take your hearing aids out to jump in the pool on the hottest day of the summer, take them inside the house instead of leaving them on a poolside table.
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How To Clean Bte Hearing Aids
To clean a BTE hearing aid and earmold, follow these steps:
A “multi-tool” offers all-in-one cleaning.
Customer Service And Satisfaction
Phonak customer service is similar to other hearing aid companies. The company has virtual support, a customer service helpline, and online tutorials and guides. However, since these hearing aids require working with an audiologist or hearing expert, you may not have a lot of direct contact with Phonak.
Additionally, ongoing care, warranties, and return policies will vary depending on the hearing provider. Direct-to-consumer sites like ZipHearing often have generous trial periods and warranties. For Phonak hearing aids, you can get a three-year manufacturer’s warranty and 45-day, risk-free trial.
Overall, Phonak hearing aid reviews are mixed. The Better Business Bureau gives the company an A+ rating, but BBB lists zero customer reviews or complaints. Trustpilot, a consumer review website, has two Phonak review pages. One rates Phonak as 3.3 stars out of 5 for three reviews, and the other gives Phonak 1.8 stars out of 5 based on 19 reviews. ConsumerAdvocate, another online review site, rates Phonak as 3.9 stars out of 5, which is based on 19 reviews.
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Phonak Hearing Aid Reviews
“Hearing aids are fine, but the App is pretty useless. Only works when phone on and hearing aids do not retain settings. Also keeps on switching the Aids’ off! Support for this problem is non-existent. Guess they are aware of its shortcomings!”
“Got these Phonak marvel hearing aids from Boots Hearing care. Unfortunately I made a serious error at the end of the trial period. I decided to keep them. In 15 months I have had them back 7 times for repair. They are unreliable and the myPhonak app is a complete waste of time, it works when it feels like it. Feel totally let down by the product, which is a shame as they are really good on the rare occasions they work properly.”
“Very good hearing aids. Had them for five years and would buy them again.”
How To Change A Phonak Wax Guard
Sep 4, 2020 | How-To Videos |
During the pandemic, more of our patients have been asking how to care for their hearing aids at home.
One of the most important elements you need to regularly check is the wax guard. So weve put together a short clip on how to change this on a Phonak device.
These are the simple steps you need to take:
- Begin by making sure the dome is removed from your hearing aid.
- Insert the tip of the receiver into slot one to remove the old wax guard.
- Youll hear a small click and see the old wax guard there if successful.
- Next, place the receiver end into slot two.
- Your new wax guard should now be attached to your device.
If you have any concerns or worries about maintenance, contact the team. Theyre ready to help you now!
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How Long Do Phonak Hearing Aids Last
How long Phonak hearing aids last depends on several factors, such as how you care for them, how often you wear them, where and how you store the device, maintenance and service schedule, exposure to moisture and heat, and general wear and tear. In general, behind-the-ear hearing aids last longer than in-the-ear devices or receiver-in-the-canal hearing aids. On average, hearing aids last anywhere from three to seven years.
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What Is The Best Way To Clean Hearing Aids
Make sure you read the instruction manual before you start cleaning. Use a small brush to wipe down the hearing aid and remove any debris. Warm water can be used to clean the earmolds, dome, and tubing.
The best time to clean your hearing aid is at night, which will ensure that your device has enough time to completely dry before being used again.
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Cost And Payment Options
Some private insurance companies offer hearing aid benefits for adults. This may include coverage of hearing tests, screenings, and some benefits toward the purchase of hearing aids. That said, many insurance companies do not offer hearing aid benefits, so it’s worth your time to check with your provider. Additionally, several states are mandated to provide some coverage for children under the age of 18.
Original Medicare Part A and Part B do not offer hearing aid benefits. However, Part C or a Medicare Advantage plan may cover some costs associated with hearing aids. Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts are another way to pay for hearing aids.
Some audiologists and hearing centers will bundle costs when you purchase hearing aids. This could include the price of a hearing test, evaluation, hearing aid devices, ongoing care, and loaner hearing aids. If you don’t like surprises and want assurance that you’re covered for care, consider bundling. But if you want to pay-as-you-go for services when needed, then opt for unbundled.
How To Clean Your Hearing Aid Ear Moulds
To make cleaning hearing aid ear moulds easier, you can remove them from the tubing prior to cleaning.
An easy way to clean them is to wash them in warm and soapy water, making sure that you dry it properly before putting it back onto your hearing aid.
Make sure to never get water on the body of your hearing aid as it will damage it.
To avoid mixing up your ear moulds, make sure that you do each side separately. You can also clean the vent of the ear mould by using a vent cleaner to remove any wax that is stuck in the vent.
Vents are extremely important for the aeration of your ear canal when wearing a hearing aid and prevent occlusion. Therefore, cleaning hearing aid vents is very important and should be done any time you see wax build up.
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What To Avoid While Cleaning
Do not use alcohol or other chemical wipes for cleaning hearing devices as these can damage the hearing device.
When the surrounding temperature is too cold or hot avoid exposing the hearing aids to the extreme temperature. For instance, if you are shoveling snow from the driveway, leave the hearing aids safely inside your house rather than placing them inside your pocket.
Similarly, when you want to use the swimming pool on a hot summer day, keep the hearing aids inside rather than placing them poolside exposing them to the hot temperature.
In The Ear Hearing Aids
To clean an ITE hearing aid:
- The cleaning should concentrate on the openings of the device. This includes the microphone, which should be cleaned using a soft brush provided by your audiologist, or a very soft toothbrush
- Ensure that the area you are cleaning is facing downwards so that the debris you are removing will fall out, rather than potentially blocking the tubing
- Anything that the brush didnt remove should be removed using a wax pick or loop
- Finally, wipe over the entire hearing aid with a clean, dry cloth, or a tissue
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How To Properly Clean Your In
- Water and solvents can damage the sensitive electronic components. After removing them, wipe the hearing aids with a soft, dry cloth.
- Check your hearing aid and earpiece daily for earwax or moisture deposits and clean if necessary. Use a special brush for this purpose. Always clean the hearing aids from top to bottom to prevent earwax or dust particles from getting inside the hearing aids.
- If the volume of a hearing aid decreases, the earwax filter may be blocked. Either replace the earwax filter or consult your hearing care professional.
Important for In-the-ear hearing aids
Because the electronics of an In-the-Ear aid are built into the earpiece , these aids are particularly prone to damage due to earwax, moisture, and dirt.
Finding Phonak Hearing Aids Near You
Phonak hearing aids are available through an audiologist or hearing center. You can also find them online through discount suppliers like Ziphearing, which offers lower prices on hearing aids through local hearing centers and audiologists.
To get started with Ziphearing, go to the website and look through the various brands and styles of hearing aids. If you find one you like, call Ziphearing at 877-782-4073, and a representative will direct you to a local ZipHearing provider in your area. These providers are licensed audiologists or hearing instrument specialists.
When you’re ready, call and schedule a hearing consultation. If you decide to purchase a hearing aid, the provider will submit the order to ZipHearing, and you will complete the ordering and payment process with them. Your hearing aids will ship to the provider so you can get professionally fitted and adjusted to your new hearing aids.
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