Final answer:
The connecting tube of a hearing aid should be cleansed with mild soap and water. Antiseptic is suitable for microbial control on tissues to prevent infection. The effectiveness of disinfectants has been historically compared to that of phenol.
Step-by-step explanation:
The connecting tube of a hearing aid can be cleansed with D) Mild soap and water. It is essential to avoid using substances that could damage the equipment or harm the user. For instance, alcohol can be too harsh and potentially damage the material of the hearing aid.
For microbial control on tissues to prevent infection, the suitable substance to use is B) antiseptic. Antiseptics are applied to living tissues and help reduce the risk of infection, whereas disinfectants are typically used on non-living surfaces.
The effectiveness of chemical disinfectants has historically been compared to A) phenol. Phenol was once commonly used as a disinfectant due to its effectiveness, but it has largely been replaced by safer and more effective alternatives in most applications.