Ask an Expert: How Should I Store My Hearing Aids?

Our hearing care professional answers the most frequently asked questions on how to store hearing aids safely, so you can protect your investment and extend the life of your hearing aids.

Audiologist Natalie Calderon

Published 7/15/2026,

Updated 7/15/2026

2 min read

Reviewed by

HearUSA editorial team

Tips and tricksHearing aids

Key Summary

Hearing aids require cool, dry storage to prevent moisture damage and prolong lifespan.

Hearing aid dehumidifiers extract excess moisture caused by humid climates or perspiration.

Q: Why Is It Important to Store Hearing Aids Correctly?

A: Proper storage is an important part of hearing aid care and maintenance.

Hearing aids are small electronic devices worn daily, and they are regularly exposed to moisture, body oils, dust, and accidental damage.

Storing them correctly helps protect the internal components, maintain sound quality, and extend the lifespan of the devices. Taking care of your hearing aids leads to a more consistent, and better, hearing experience¹.

Q: What Is the Best Way to Store Hearing Aids?

A: Every night, store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place to ensure they are easily accessible and consistent wear becomes a habit.

Consistency is key to avoiding loss or damage.

Storing them in the same place every day and night can help.

Make sure you also:

Use a Hard Storage Case

Always use a hard-shell case and handle your hearing aids over a soft surface like carpet to reduce damage if dropped.

Store Hearing Aids Out of Reach of Pets and Children

Hearing aids are small and may contain batteries, which can be dangerous if swallowed by pets or children.

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Q: Can I Leave My Hearing Aids in the Bathroom?

A: No. Bathrooms stay humid even after a shower, which can harm your devices internal electrical components².

Q: How Do I Store My Hearing Aids When I Take a Nap?

A: If you remove your hearing aids for a nap, place them in their case and switch them off to prevent high-pitched feedback or whistling.

You can also place them in the charging station if it’s easier to access.

Need an Upgrade or Advice?

If you have questions about caring for your hearing aids or are considering upgrading your devices, our hearing care professionals are here to help.

Find your nearest hearing care center to speak with one of our experts.

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Q: How Should I Store My Hearing Aid Batteries?

A: Hearing aid battery storage differs depending on whether your devices use rechargeable or disposable batteries.

Storing Rechargeable Hearing Aid Batteries:

Place hearing aids in their charging station every night. Most modern chargers are ‘smart’ and will stop drawing power once the battery capacity has reached its limit.

Ensure the charging contacts on both the hearing aids and the dock are clean and dry to prevent corrosion and ensure a stable connection².

Use a drying capsule regularly to protect your hearing aids from moisture. Place the devices in the charger (if space allows) or store the hearing aids in an airtight container (dry aid kit) after exposure to sweat or water. Dehumidify them weekly by leaving the devices switched off in the dry aid kit for a few hours or overnight.

Storing Disposable (Zinc-Air) Batteries:

Always open the battery compartment at night. This turns the device off and allows trapped moisture to evaporate, which is vital as zinc-air batteries are highly sensitive to environmental moisture³. Switching off your hearing aid when not in use helps extend the battery life.

If you will not be using your hearing aids for several days, remove the batteries entirely to prevent potential acid leakage or corrosion⁴.

Keep spare batteries in their original packaging at room temperature, away from heat and sunlight⁴. Never store them loose with metal objects like coins or keys, as this can cause them to short-circuit. Only remove the sticker from the battery when you are ready to use it, as this activates the battery and starts reducing its lifespan. Always check the batteries for the expiry date as they may not be effective after that.

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Q: Should I Use a Hearing Aid Dehumidifier or a Special Drying Case?

A: Yes. If you live in a humid climate, sweat heavily, or are active outdoors, a specialized drying kit or dehumidifier is highly recommended to extend the life of your hearing aids. This is because moisture is the leading cause of hearing aid repairs, and proper dehumidification is essential for maintaining internal circuitry.

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Types of Hearing Aid Dehumidifiers

Passive Dehumidifiers

Also referred to as a ‘dry aid kit’ consist of a simple airtight jar with a desiccant drying capsule (silica gel). Passive dehumidifiers are easy to use, cheaper and portable.

Electronic Dehumidifiers

Electronic dryers use gentle heat or UV-C light to sanitize and dry your hearing aids.

Cleaning Hearing Aids Before Storing Them in a Dehumidifier

Before placing your hearing aids in a case or dryer, gently wipe or brush them with the cleaning tools provided to remove earwax. This prevents debris from causing ear canal irritation or microbial growth⁵.

Only removable plastic molds or domes should be cleaned with a slightly damp cloth; the main body of the hearing aid must always remain completely dry.

How Should I Store My Hearing Aids When I Travel?

Travel often brings new adventures, but it also means your hearing aids may encounter different environments and unexpected situations.

Take these simple precautions before travelling with hearing aids:

Tip #1

Always pack hearing aids, chargers, and spare batteries in your carry-on luggage. Checked bags are subject to extreme temperature shifts that can destabilize battery chemistry⁶.

Tip #2

Use a dedicated, padded travel bag to keep all components, including extra domes and wax guards, in one organized place.

Tip #3

Never put loose hearing aids in your pocket or purse. A case will protect them from being crushed, lost, or contaminated by lint and debris.

By building these habits into your daily routine, you can help ensure your hearing aids continue to support clear hearing and communication for years to come.

Need Additional Support?

A little extra care can go a long way in protecting your devices. If you need additional support, we’re here to help, no matter how big or small your question. Visit us at one of our hearing care centers, or speak to your hearing care professional.

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Sources:

1 American Journal of Audiology: Factors associated with self-reported hearing aid management skills and knowledge. (2018): https://pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2018_AJA-18-0053

2 DTU Orbit: Improving robustness and performance of Li-ion systems for hearing aids. (2024): orbit.dtu.dk/en/publications/improving-robustness-and-performance-of-li-ion-systems-for-hearin/

3 Frontiers in Chemistry: Recent progress in electrolytes for Zn–air batteries. (2020): frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fchem.2020.00372/full

4 The Battery Tips: Can I leave hearing aids battery in when not wearing? Essential storage tips for longevity (2025): https://thebatterytips.com/battery-specifications/can-i-leave-hearing-aids-battery-in-when-not-wearing/

5 Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences: The clinical implications of ear canal debris in hearing aid users. (2014): pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4048490/

6 Audiology Online: A quick reference for hearing aid battery troubleshooting (2013): https://www.audiologyonline.com/files/event/23100/23184/aquickreferenceforhearingaidbatterytroubleshooting.pdf