How to Clean Hearing Aids
Simple Daily Cleaning for Hearing Aids
Getting in the habit of daily cleanings can go a long way in making your hearing aids last their full lifespan.
This includes simple tasks like wiping away dirt, earwax, and moisture each evening and storing them properly to ensure they work their best every day.
Always follow the cleaning instructions in your hearing aid manual, or check with your hearing care specialist if you have any questions.
What to Do at the End of Each Day
Hearing aids fit inside and/or behind ears, so they’re regularly exposed to things like earwax, hair products, moisture, and dirt. Buildup can affect their performance, and your hearing.
Cleaning hearing aids daily only takes a few minutes and makes deeper weekly cleanings easier. You won’t have as much buildup each week if you do simple cleanings each night.
Once you’re done wearing your devices each day, wash and dry your hands and follow these 5 steps to clean your hearing aids:
Use a dry, soft cloth
Use a dry, soft cloth, such as microfiber fabric, to gently wipe the outside of your devices, as well as earmolds and domes, if equipped with them.Use a hearing aid cleaning brush
With a hearing aid cleaning brush, gently brush off any debris from the exterior and components like the microphone, battery compartment, and buttons.Clean off earwax
Clean off any earwax, whether on the wax guards or hearing aids themselves, using the soft cloth and wax removal tool made for your devices.
Refer to your hearing aid manual for the proper way to remove, clean, and replace them to avoid damage.
Store your hearing aids
Store your hearing aids in a safe, clean place, such as a hearing aid dry box or dehumidifier, overnight to help remove moisture.Rechargeable hearing aids
If you have rechargeable hearing aids, you want to be sure they’re dry and free of debris so they charge properly. After cleaning them, place them in the charging case, ensuring the charging contacts align. The case should light up to indicate charging.
If your charger has a lid, close the case lid and connect it to a power outlet, if not already. Charge them overnight, or until the charging light turns off, indicating a full charge.
What to Avoid When Cleaning Hearing Aids
It’s important to take caution when cleaning hearing aids, as cleaning them incorrectly can damage the external and internal components and impact your ability to hear well.
When clearing your hearing aids:
Don’t use water or alcohol
Don’t use water, alcohol, or other household cleaners on your hearing aids. Earmolds and domes can be detached and washed with warm water and soap.Rough materials
Don’t use rough materials to clean your devices.Use the correct hearing aid tools
When cleaning wax from your hearing aids, use the correct hearing aid tools and be careful not to push wax into the components, such as the receiver.Don’t skip daily cleanings
This can cause buildup and poor performance, and potentially shorten the lifespan of your hearing aids.
Safe Tools for Hearing Aid Maintenance
Soft, dry cloth
Cleaning thread (for BTE hearing aids)
Vent cleaner
Wax pick or loop
Soft-bristle brush
How to Remove Earwax and Moisture Buildup
Earwax and moisture are two of the leading causes of hearing aid malfunction and repairs. Keeping your hearing aids clean and dry can help you avoid costly repairs.
Earwax is a helpful, naturally occurring substance in the ear, but it can wreak havoc on your devices. It commonly builds up on the earmold, dome/tip, and wax guard.
Filters and wax guards are vital for protecting the internal components from earwax, but they need to be cleaned regularly to make sure you're hearing your best.
Wax Guards/Filters, and Other Replacement Tips
As needed:
- Replace the wax guard/filter every 3 months or if it becomes discolored, dirty, or blocked with wax.
- Use a cleaning thread to remove wax buildup in the hearing aid tubing on BTE hearing aids. Replace the tubing if it becomes discolored or blocked.
- Replace ear domes if damaged.
Safe Ways to Remove Earwax
- 1.
Start by gently wiping your devices with a soft cloth.
- 2.
Use hearing-aid–specific tools to remove earwax from wax guards and other components.
For stubborn wax in hard-to-reach places, carefully use the wax pick or loop tool to remove buildup. - 3.
If your hearing aids have earmolds or domes, detach them and wash in warm, soapy water.
Rinse and allow them to dry completely before reattaching. Do not wash the hearing aid itself or expose it to water.
Managing Moisture From Sweat and Humidity
Sweat, water, humidity, and rain can also interfere with hearing aid performance. At the end of the day, or anytime they get wet, wipe them with a soft cloth.
Using a dehumidifier or drying case overnight can help remove trapped moisture and extend the life of your devices, especially if you’re active or live in a humid area.
Leaving the battery door open overnight can also help your devices to air out and dry thoroughly.
How Cleaning Supports Better Hearing
When debris and moisture build up on microphones, receivers, and wax guards, sound gets muffled or distorted. Regular cleaning helps hearing aids deliver clear, consistent sound effortlessly.
Cleaning also helps reduce common issues like whistling and feedback, which can happen with wax buildup. Regular cleaning helps lower the risk of interruptions, dropouts, and unexpected malfunctions.
Cleaning away wax and moisture before they can reach internal parts helps reduce the need for repairs and keeps your devices performing their best for years to come.
Why Do You Need a Professional Cleaning
A professional cleaning is recommended every 3-6 months. However, even with regular at-home care, there are times when professional cleaning may be needed more often.
See a hearing care specialist if your hearing aids:
Sound weak.
Cut in and out.
Produce feedback that won’t stop.
Stop working altogether.
These could be signs of a blockage or moisture damage.
Hearing specialists have specialized equipment to perform deep cleanings, remove internal debris, and replace wax guards or tubing.
They can also check that all components are working correctly and spot early signs of damage before they turn into larger problems.
