Here’s how to clean, disinfect, and store your earmold to keep it in top condition:
Cleaning an Earmold: To clean your earmold, remove any visible debris from its surface. This step does not eliminate germs but keeps the earmold clear of dirt and debris. You can use dry tissues, paper towels, cleaning brushes, or wire loops.
Disinfecting an Earmold: Disinfecting your earmold removes both contamination and germs. For this, use moist, non-alcohol-based disinfectant surface wipes or a spray of a similar solution.
Sterilizing an Earmold: Sterilization is necessary if your earmold has been in contact with contaminated bodily fluids like blood or mucus. If this happens, take your earmold to a hearing aid specialist. The specialist will remove the earmold from the device and immerse it in a germicide solution for thorough sterilization.
Earmold Storage and Care:
- Avoid:
- Placing your earmold on surfaces prone to bacteria and fungi growth, such as countertops, desks, purses, or pockets.
- Store your earmold in non-washable containers, such as jewellery boxes, cardboard boxes, or paper envelopes.
- Allowing others to handle your earmold if they need to be made aware of proper disinfection methods.
- Do:
- Store your earmold in a washable plastic container. Most modern earmolds come with such containers.
- Clean and disinfect your earmold daily, especially after use.
Following these simple steps can help you maintain the longevity and cleanliness of your earmolds.
Cleaning Your Earplugs: Start by filling a small bowl with warm water and a mild cleaning solution—soap works well, or you can use hydrogen peroxide, as recommended by many audiologists. Let your earplugs soak in the solution for a few minutes to loosen earwax and other dirt.
Gently Scrub Away Dirt: After soaking, remove the earplugs and gently scrub away any dirt. You can use your fingers or a toothbrush, which is more effective and less messy. Be gentle to avoid damaging the earplugs; the wax and dirt should come off quickly.
Rinse, Disinfect, and Air Dry: Once you’ve cleaned the earplugs, rinse them under cold water to remove any soap residue and dirt. You can disinfect your earplugs with an alcohol spray to prevent bacterial growth and ear infections.
Let your earplugs air dry naturally. Avoid using a hair dryer or towel, as this can damage them. Once they’re dry, they’re ready to use again.
Maintaining Your Earplugs: In addition to regular cleaning, follow these tips to maintain your earplugs:
- Use a Case: Store your earplugs in a case when not in use. This protects them from damage and keeps them clean and free from bacteria.
- Limit Usage: Overusing your earplugs can lead to quicker dirt accumulation. Check with your audiologist about when and how long you should wear them.
- Keep Your Ears Clean: Maintaining clean ears can prevent wax buildup on your earplugs. If you have excess earwax, talk to your audiologist about professional cleaning or wax removal.
Following these steps, you can keep your custom earplugs in excellent condition for optimal performance and hygiene.