Spring has sprung, and here at Eargo, we are always looking for ways for you to keep your virtually invisible devices clean and functioning well. It’s a fact that completely-in-canal hearing aids are susceptible to wax and other perfectly natural debris building up on the components. It doesn’t take much to affect their sound quality—especially if the buildup is in a location where sound waves enter or exit the device (i.e., the Microphone/Sound Inlet and the Speaker/Sound Outlet. Today we’re sharing an easy and effective new cleaning method that has come from our research and engineering teams! Based on the result of those teams’ clinical testing, we recommend using BluTack putty and 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes.
Before we get to it, let’s get on the same page about a subject some people find quite “icky”—ear wax. Ear wax (medically, cerumen) is generated as part of a normal body function, and it acts as a natural protectant for our ears. It varies in color from pale yellow to dark brown and in consistency from dry/flaky to fairly liquid. The amount of wax built up varies from person to person, and sometimes if we’re wearing a hearing device most of the day, the wax may make its way onto the surfaces of the device rather than the surfaces of the ear canal itself. This is completely normal and expected, and the reason we recommend daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning routines. You can learn more about those recommendations in your Use & Care Guide, or at eargo.com/guides.
How to use the BluTack putty and 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes:
First, remove the Petal and Mic Cap and set them aside.
Next, use the 70% alcohol wipe over the entire Hearing Device to remove and break down earwax and debris.
Now, take a small piece of BluTack putty, around the size of a postage stamp, and hold the device in one hand and the putty in the other. (It may be helpful to pre-form the putty into a small roll.) Apply the putty to the Sound Outlet and gently stick and peel to remove it, up to 10 times.
Then, while still holding the device in one hand and putty in the other, gently stick/remove the Sound Inlet onto the putty, up to 10 times.
Ensure that you do not exert undue pressure on the Removal Thread.
The Sound Outlet and Inlet each feature a special mesh—gentle sticking and peeling is advised. Never use anything to poke at these areas as this could damage your device.
*Note: The images above are of the devices with the Petal removed
- After you are done with the putty, use the 70% alcohol wipe over the entire hearing aid again. This removes skin oils due to handling, as well as removing any residue from the cleaning putty.
Inspect your Petal and Mic Cap for any wear and tear. If seen, discard.
If the Petal and/or Mic Cap appear intact, you can remove them and wash them with a little Dawn dish soap and warm water. Make sure to rinse and dry thoroughly—we suggest drying them overnight.
Place your fresh Petal and Mic Cap on the device, and don’t forget to check for secure placement.
As a reminder, change Mic Caps and Petals about every month, or when sound quality is decreased. Inspect them both regularly, and replace them if any wear and tear is visible.
You can also use the putty to clean the sensor on your charger. The sensor is used in charging, detecting, and updating your Eargo devices.
- First, wipe the charger using the 70% alcohol wipe, making sure to clean the inside of the cradle.
- Next, take the charger in one hand and putty in the other and gently stick and remove the putty into the center of the cradle up to 10 times. It might be helpful to pre-form the putty into a small roll.
Finally, wipe the charger with the 70% alcohol wipe to remove any residue.
We suggest following these steps every few days. You should also do this whenever you’re changing Petals or Mic Caps; and, of course, as needed—especially if you’re noticing a change in sound quality.
Where did we get our BluTack and 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes? These items are commonly available at a number of online and brick-and-mortar retail outlets. We highly recommend using only 70% strength solution for the wipes, like these.
And only the brand name product BluTack, for the putty.
These are the specific products that we tested and validated for safety and efficacy in our labs here at Eargo, and the only ones that we can comfortably recommend.
With clean Eargos, you should be able to hear the birds singing clearly this spring—and for many seasons to come!
