Earwax is the natural defense system of your ear, but can cause problems for your hearing aid devices. We will review some products that are good for waxy ears.
Hearing aids that are easier to clean, can resist earwax damage, and come with cleaning tools are the best choice for waxy ears. Along with discussing some good products, we will also discuss how you can deal with earwax buildup and clean them properly.
Hearing Aids Suitable for Waxy Ears
Here are a few hearing aid devices we have found that have great earwax filters and can be cleaned easily. The products are:
1. Nano CIC Recharge
Nano CIC recharge is a great hearing aid with great earwax filters. These devices come with a fast-charging base and 6 different plugs to perfectly fit your ear canal. You can easily control the volume in this device according to the situation you are in.
Nano CIC recharge allows you to hear clearly and has an advanced DPS noise canceling feature.
This hearing model can be easily cleaned with a soft brush. With regular cleaning, your device will last for a longer time.
Features:
- Fast charging base
- Easy volume control
- Advanced DPS noise-canceling feature
- 6 different plugs for perfect fitting
2. Nano Sigma
Nano sigma is a BTE style hearing aid device with a great wax guard.
You can connect these devices with your smartphone for more friendly control. Also, with great noise reduction technology, you will be able to hear sounds clearly.
You can change the tubes of these devices when needed and clean the receiver and earmold with a simple hearing aid cleaning kit.
Features:
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Automatic adjusting
- Noise reduction technology
- Clear sound
3. TOZITECH BTE Hearing Aids
This hearing aid is lightweight and comfortable with 4 types of volume control with 4 different frequency modes. This hearing aid features a great earwax filter and can be cleaned with a soft brush and ventilation cleaner.
The material is waterproof, sweat-proof, and comes with cleaning tools. This is a perfect device for senior hearing loss patients.
Features:
- Lightweight and comfortable
- 4 types of volume control
- 4 types of different frequency model
- Waterproof and sweat-proof materials
- Comes with cleaning tools
4. EARGO Neo HiFi Hearing Aids
This hearing aid is practically invisible and can be used for mild to moderate hearing loss patients. This hearing aid is an “open-fit” design that allows air to flow. Therefore, your ears will produce less earwax and give you a comfortable experience.
These medical-grade hearing aids are available to you at a low cost and give you a better hearing experience. However, as the device is very small in size, it may pose some challenges while cleaning.
Features:
- Open-fit hearing aid design
- Medical grade hearing aid
- Noise reduction feature
5. Nano X2
Nano X2 is a fully digital hearing aid with noise filtering and noise-canceling technology. This hearing aid is very easy to adjust and use as it features large buttons.
The BTE hearing aid is almost invisible behind the ear and helps at almost any hearing loss level. The great earwax filter within this device allows you to avoid earwax damage and allows your device to last longer than ever.
Features:
- Fully digital hearing aid
- Noise-cancelling and noise filtering capabilities
- Larger adjusting buttons
- Almost invisible behind the ear
Problems with Earwax Buildup for Hearing Aids
Generally, you will face the following problems when earwax builds up into your hearing aid:
- Damage of hearing aids
- Causing feedback
- Blocking sound
- Fits poorly
- Escalate hearing loss condition
Almost 70% of hearing aid devices are returned for repairing earwax damage. When earwax develops on the diaphragm of the hearing aid, it significantly reduces the function of the device—eventually, the acid components of earwax damage the hearing aid’s components.
How to Deal with Earwax Buildup
There are several ways you can deal with earwax buildup in your hearing aids. The common ways to deal with earwax are:
- Using hearing aid filters
- Cleaning your hearing aid with hearing aid cleaning tools
- Cleaning your ears
Using Hearing Aid Filters
Hearing aid filters or wax guards help to prevent clogging and damage to your hearing aids. It is a small screen fitted inside your hearing aid to prevent earwax from getting clogged. Therefore, the crucial components inside hearing aids and the receiver are protected against earwax damage.
A hearing aid filter inside hearing aids allows the user to clean the device without damaging them. Therefore, the user can routinely clean the device to have the best hearing experience. You can easily change the filter if it goes through damage.
Therefore, while choosing your hearing aid, make sure to check for a wax guard and learn how to clean it properly.
Cleaning Your Hearing Aid with Hearing Aid Cleaning Tools
A hearing aid cleaning tool can be your best friend while taking care of your hearing aids. It will allow you to clean your device properly and keep it running for a longer time. Also, it will allow you to avoid long waiting for appointments with your audiologist.
For properly cleaning your hearing aid, you will need the following cleaning tools:
- Cleaning brush
- Ventilation cleaner
- Multitool
- Drying station
You can remove the dirt and grimes from your hearing aid with a soft brush. Almost all hearing aids come with a cleaning brush. There is a bristle on the opposite side of the brush to clean inside the holes. Make sure to move dirt away from the device, not push inside.
Ventilation cleaner is the crucial part of your cleaning kit to remove earwax and moisture from your hearing aid. You will need to gently push the cleaner through the vent holes until you see it coming out from the other side. Then use a tissue to clean off the earwax.
A multitool features a selection of cleaning components for your hearing aid. Wax picks, vent cleaners, brushes are included with these tools, and you can buy them online or from a hearing care professional. Some multitools also feature magnetic poles to make battery changing easier.
A drying station helps your device stay moisture-free and helps your hearing aid last longer. You can also use this tool as a carrying case. This device keeps your hearing aids moisture-free and keeps them safe in one place.
Your hearing aid must be well maintained and cleaned in order to work at its best. Here are some cleaning tools for hearing aids that you should think about.
Cleaning Your Ears
For most people, the earwax gets cleaned whenever you take a shower. However, when using your hearing aids, your ears may produce more earwax that you may need to remove manually.
Ask your doctor to remove your earwax. They will be able to help you the best.
You can clean the outside of your ear with a wet washcloth. Try not to clean your ears with a cotton swab. Don’t insert a cotton swab in your ear canal if you use a cotton swab. It will push earwax further into the ear canal and damage your hearing.
If your earwax is dried and hardened, use an ear wax softener to clean your earwax. You can use a syringe to irrigate your ear.
How to Clean Earwax from Hearing Aids
Cleaning your hearing aids is crucial for keeping them safe from earwax damage. The cleaning process differs for the hearing aid model and style you wear. Here is a general step by step guide to help you clean your hearing aid:
- Remove your hearing aid and place it on a clean paper surface that can catch dirt.
- If your hearing aid has an earmold, separate it from the receiver to clean each part separately.
- Gently wipe clean the outer surface of your hearing aid, then use the brush to thoroughly clean any grime, debris, earwax in your device.
- After brushing, look for any wax or blockages. If you find any, then clean them with the help of a wax pick or ventilation cleaner.
- If you are using a BTE hearing aid, you can use warm soapy water to clean it. Soak the earmolds for a few minutes, then dry them overnight. Also, use a bulb blower to push water from your hearing aid tubing and dry them overnight.
- Wipe out your device with the proper cloth and make sure the cloth is dry. Otherwise, moisture can damage your device.
- Ensemble your hearing aid (for BTE style) after drying properly. Your hearing aid is ready to use again.
Bottom Line
Earwax is one of the common problems for most hearing aid users. Moreover, using hearing aids make your ears produce more earwax. Therefore, choosing the right device and regularly cleaning your device is a must.
Nano hearing aids give you the best protection from earwax. The great designs and outstanding hearing aid filters allow you to prevent damage and clean dirt and grimes easily.
You can also grab Nano’s yearly elite plan. This plan covers all the necessary protection you need for your hearing aid. Have the best device that suits your needs and lead a healthy and happy life.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Do hearing aids cause ear wax?
Ans: Your ears produce ear wax to protect your ear from foreign particles. When you use hearing aids, your ear considers it a foreign particle and produces more earwax. An “open fit” hearing aid will help your ear to produce less earwax.
Q: Can I use cotton swabs for cleaning my ear?
Ans: Don’t use cotton swabs to clean your ear canal. It will push the earwax further into the canal and cause additional problems.
Q: How often should I change hearing aid filters?
Ans: It is recommended to replace hearing aid filters once a month. Depending on the earwax building, you may need to change the filter more often.
Q: Can I clean my hearing aid filters?
Ans: Yes, you can clean the filter with a cleaning tool. However, the filter can get damaged, and you will need to change a damaged filter as soon as possible.