From November to February, the harmattan brings fine Saharan dust and very dry air to Abuja. Hearing aids have tiny microphone ports and wax guards, and they feel it first. Most "my hearing aid has gone weak" calls we get in the dry season are cleaning problems, not faults.
What dust does to hearing aids
- Blocked microphone ports make sound thin, distant or crackly.
- Clogged wax guards and domes make the aid sound weak or completely dead.
- Dry, itchy ear canals make wearing aids uncomfortable, and people take them out.
Daily routine (two minutes)
- Wipe the aid with a dry, soft cloth each evening. Never use water or alcohol wipes on the electronics.
- Brush the microphone openings gently with the small brush from your kit, holding the aid with the openings facing down so dust falls out.
- Store the aids in their case, or a drying box if you have one, and not on a dusty bedside table.
Weekly
- Change the wax guard (filter) if sound seems weaker.
- Check domes and tubing for cracks or hardening. Dry air can make them brittle.
When to call us
If the aid is still weak after a new wax guard and a clean, or it whistles constantly, book a clean-and-check. We come to your home, service the aid, check that the program still matches your hearing, and replace worn parts on the spot where possible.
Reviewed by the Blossom Hearing clinical team. This guide is general information and not a substitute for a personal examination.