Cleaning small vents on custom earmolds

I have custom molds and one has a fairly small vent (1.2mm) Cleaning wax from it can be a challenge. Went to Costco recently and asked them about it. They vacuumed it and then gave me what looks like dental floss for hearing aids! The ends are a stiff monofilament with a fluffier material in the middle. If this is a challenge for any of you, might be something to ask about. A needle and thread might also work.

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Interesting. The last time I went to my audiologist, about 4 months ago, they “cleaned” them but there was still wax in the vent. My molds are clear so I am able to see the wax. I should have asked for a refund. I have to imagine that what you were given is available on line. Do you have the name of the product? I’m thinking my audi will be clueless.

I have custom ear molds and I was given a clearing kit and and an instruction sheet for nightly cleaning of my hearing aids and ear molds. My vents are smaller than a mm.

What is the smallest vent size you can get or order for your custom ear mold?

And I’ve always used a very very thin plastic wire to clean my aid vents. Can you still use that to clean out wax on a small vent?

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I think is likely it. There’s certainly no reason for it to be single use. NanoClean Fine Instrument Hearing Aid Cleaners (20-strand package)

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I think one can go with no vent at all, but I’m guessing that might make for moisture problems in the ear. I think the smallest I’ve see is 0.8mm. A think plastic wire is great, as long as it fit.

Phonak software says 0.6mm is the smallest vent.

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You get this small Phonak Kit free when you buy aids from Boots Hearing Care in the UK, the smallest implament is for the 1.1 vent. Cheers Kev

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My vents are small and I also use these: Fine Instrument Cleaners by NanoClean

They work well and are easy to use.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01BWY4DWS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

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I’ve thought of trying these.

https://www.amazon.com/Soft-Picks-Dental-Picks-Original-Count/dp/B078SXTY8X/

What you should try is a christmas tree brush / proxabrush. The dental manufacturer GUM makes them. They make very soft bristle ones that serve the same purpose as what @kevels55 posted above. That’s what I used when I had vents on my other hearing aids. Current ones aren’t vented so I don’t need to worry too much.

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On the recommendation of my VA Audi I have been using Oral-B Super Floss Pre-Cut Strands. I have different size vents and just double back the strand to clean the larger one.
https://www.amazon.com/Oral-B-Super-Floss-Pre-Cut-Strands/dp/B074W58X3F

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Cleaning thin-tube (and the leetle holes in the eartip), my Audi gave me a few inches of what I am sure is Fishing Line, monofilament. Looks like 0.030" diameter. A bit bigger than a large sewing needle.

Turns out there’s no universal standard on this stuff. And they make super-thin for fly fishing and real-fat for yanking tuna and sharks. But 0.030" may be sold as “10 pound monofilament (plain Nylon)” and come in a 4,440 foot(!) roll for much less than a penny a foot. Plain, because “high strength” line is thinner. If you know a fisherperson, ask for a foot of any/all open reel/s on hand.

I use those tiny brush teeth cleaners. Work great. I’m going to try small pipe cleaners next. There are some choices much like that on Amazon.

I use those small brushes recommended for flossing. They work great.