How to Clean and Maintain Your Hearing Aids at Home
Why Hearing Aid Maintenance Matters
Hearing aids are exposed to earwax, moisture, dust, oils, and environmental debris every day. Without proper care, these elements can affect sound quality, reduce battery life, and increase the risk of repairs.
Routine cleaning and maintenance can help:
• Improve sound quality
• Extend the lifespan of your hearing aids
• Reduce repair costs
• Prevent moisture damage
• Improve wearing comfort
• Maintain reliable performance
Just a few minutes of care each day can make a significant difference in how well your hearing aids function.
Daily Hearing Aid Cleaning Routine
Establishing a simple daily cleaning routine is one of the best ways to protect your investment.
Step 1: Wash and Dry Your Hands
Before handling your hearing aids, wash and thoroughly dry your hands.
This helps prevent dirt, oils, and moisture from transferring to the device.
Step 2: Wipe the Hearing Aid Exterior
Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe the outer surface of your hearing aids.
Pay attention to areas that come into contact with your skin, as oils and perspiration can accumulate throughout the day.
Step 3: Inspect for Earwax
Earwax is one of the most common causes of hearing aid performance issues.
Check:
• Microphone openings
• Speaker openings
• Wax guards
• Ear molds or domes
Remove visible buildup using tools recommended by your hearing care professional.
Step 4: Store Properly Overnight
When not in use, store your hearing aids in a clean, dry location.
Avoid:
• Bathrooms
• Humid environments
• Direct sunlight
• Hot vehicles
Proper storage helps reduce moisture-related damage.
Weekly Hearing Aid Maintenance
In addition to daily cleaning, a more thorough inspection should be performed weekly.
Clean Ear Domes and Ear Molds
Removable domes and ear molds may collect earwax and debris.
Depending on your hearing aid model, these components may be:
• Wiped clean
• Washed with mild soap and water
• Replaced periodically
Always follow manufacturer recommendations before washing any hearing aid components.
Inspect Tubing
If your hearing aids use tubing, examine it for:
• Cracks
• Discoloration
• Blockages
• Moisture buildup
Damaged tubing can affect sound quality and should be replaced as needed.
Check Wax Guards
Wax guards help prevent earwax from entering sensitive hearing aid components.
If sound becomes weak or distorted, replacing the wax guard may restore performance.
Recharge or Replace Batteries
Rechargeable hearing aids should be placed in their charger each night.
For battery-powered devices:
• Check battery condition
• Remove expired batteries promptly
• Keep spare batteries available
What Cleaning Products Should You Use?
Not all cleaning products are safe for hearing aids.
Recommended cleaning tools include:
• Soft microfiber cloths
• Hearing aid cleaning brushes
• Wax picks provided by your hearing care professional
• Hearing aid dryers or dehumidifiers
Avoid using:
• Alcohol wipes
• Household cleaners
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Bleach
• Excessive water
• Abrasive cleaning materials
These products may damage sensitive electronic components.
Protecting Hearing Aids from Moisture
Moisture is one of the leading causes of hearing aid repairs.
To minimize moisture exposure:
Remove Hearing Aids Before:
• Showering
• Swimming
• Using hot tubs
• Applying hair products
• Applying lotions
Consider a Hearing Aid Dehumidifier
A hearing aid dehumidifier removes excess moisture that accumulates during daily use.
These devices are particularly beneficial for individuals who:
• Live in humid climates
• Exercise regularly
• Sweat heavily
• Spend time outdoors
Common Hearing Aid Cleaning Mistakes
Many hearing aid issues result from avoidable maintenance mistakes.
Avoid the following:
- Using Water Directly on Hearing Aids
- Most hearing aids are water-resistant, not waterproof.
- Never submerge hearing aids in water.
- Using Sharp Objects
- Pins, needles, and other sharp tools can damage microphones and internal components.
- Ignoring Wax Buildup - Small amounts of earwax can significantly impact performance. Regular inspection helps prevent blockages.
- Storing Hearing Aids Improperly - Leaving hearing aids in hot cars, bathrooms, or humid locations may shorten their lifespan.
Signs Your Hearing Aids Need Professional Service
Even with proper maintenance, hearing aids occasionally require professional attention.
Schedule service if you notice:
• Distorted sound
• Weak volume
• Intermittent operation
• Excessive feedback or whistling
• Physical damage
• Moisture inside the device
Routine professional cleanings can also help maintain peak performance.
How Often Should Hearing Aids Be Professionally Cleaned?
Most hearing care professionals recommend professional maintenance every six to twelve months.
Professional service may include:
• Deep cleaning
• Component inspection
• Software updates
• Performance verification
• Wax guard replacement
• Microphone maintenance
Regular appointments can help identify small issues before they become costly repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I clean my hearing aids with alcohol wipes?
No. Alcohol-based products can damage hearing aid materials and sensitive electronic components.
How often should I clean my hearing aids?
A quick cleaning should be performed daily, with more thorough maintenance completed weekly.
What causes hearing aids to stop working?
Common causes include earwax buildup, moisture exposure, clogged wax guards, dead batteries, or damaged components.
Do rechargeable hearing aids require maintenance?
Yes. Rechargeable hearing aids still require regular cleaning, inspection, and proper charging practices.
Should I remove hearing aids at night?
Yes. Removing hearing aids overnight allows your ears to rest and gives the devices time to dry and recharge if applicable.
Final Thoughts
Proper hearing aid care is one of the easiest ways to protect your investment and ensure consistent hearing performance. By establishing a simple daily cleaning routine and scheduling regular professional maintenance, you can help your hearing aids perform their best for years to come.
At Hearing Corp, we're committed to helping patients get the most from their hearing technology. If you have questions about hearing aid maintenance or need professional cleaning and service, our team is here to help.
REFERENCES
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
https://www.asha.org/public/hearing
Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA)
https://www.hearingloss.org