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How To Clean Hearing Aids

Care Tips for Keeping Your Hearing Aids in Good Condition
Last update on Jun, 18, 2024

Regularly caring for your hearing aids can help extend their longevity and ensure optimal performance when in use. Similar to how we need to brush our teeth every morning and night to achieve a healthy smile and avoid costly trips to the dentist, your hearing aids require special attention to maintain their best sound quality and help you avoid expensive repairs.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll discuss the importance of cleaning and maintaining your hearing aids and provide simple steps to making it a part of your daily routine.

Hearing Aid Cleaning Tools

Before you get started, you'll need the right tools to ensure you don't damage your hearing aids and are able to remove ear wax effectively. If you've never assembled a hearing aid cleaning kit, we have you covered. 

We recommend having the following supplies on hand:

  • Soft, dry cloth
  • Pick and brush
  • Bulb blower
  • A dehumidifier or drying jar 

Hand cleaning hearing aid

What do all these tools have in common? They help you combat the two leading causes of hearing aid repairs: moisture and wax. For example, the soft, dry cloth removes moisture and debris from the day. If you have behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, the bulb blower helps remove moisture from its tubing. 

Hands cleaning hearing aids

How to take care of your hearing aids

Cleaning Hearing Aids

A Step-by-Step Guide

Watch our video on how to clean hearing aids with expert guidance from our in-house audiologist and director of clinical programs, Dr. Carrie Meyer. Below, we've also outlined steps for cleaning hearing aids at home.

Clean regularly

Using a soft cloth or special hearing aid brush, clean your hearing aids on a daily basis. Be sure to also follow all instructions provided by your hearing care provider for your type of hearing aid.

Dehumidify

To avoid moisture buildup, you'll need to dehumidify your hearing aids periodically (at least once a week). Place them in a dryer jar or electronic dehumidifier.

Remove ear wax

Use a brush to remove ear wax and change the wax filters regularly to manage the bulk of wax buildup.

Remove batteries at night

If you don't wear rechargeable hearing aids, remember to remove batteries at night. You'll also want to open the battery door when not in use. Doing so helps evaporate moisture that may build up in the battery compartment. 

Charge hearing aids

If you're using rechargeable hearing aids, remember to charge them before you go to sleep, so they'll be ready to use in the morning.
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Other Hearing Aid Care Tips

In addition to cleaning hearing aids every day, be sure to follow these essential care tips.

  • Replace earmolds or disposable "domes" when worn out (this applies to behind-the-ear or receiver-in-canal aids).
  • Protect your hearing aids from the elements, including precipitation, extreme heat, or cold.
  • Remove your hearing aids while showering, washing your face, shaving, or using hair care products.
  • Avoid dropping hearing aids and keep them out of the reach of children or pets.
Hearing aids in dehumidifier
Man inserting hearing aids

Setting a Cleaning Schedule

It's important to set up a consistent daily routine to make cleaning hearing aids feel second nature. Here's what we recommend:

  • Each morning, use a brush to remove any wax.
  • Before bed, wipe down hearing aids with a soft, dry cloth, then remove the batteries or place the hearing aids in their charger.
  • Store in a cool, dry place (or use a dehumidifier or drying jar).

Protecting Your Hearing Aids

Remember to take off your hearing aids before stepping into a shower, pool, or walking outside in the rain.

Forget to remove them before washing your hair? Don’t worry—it actually happens a lot. Just take them off right away and use a hearing aid dryer or desiccant to dry them.

How Do You Clean Hearing Aids of Wax?

Did you know that earwax buildup is one of the most common reasons for hearing aid repairs?

Ear wax can block your ears (and ability to hear), hearing aid receiver, and other essential parts of your hearing aid device while the moisture in ear wax can pose the most risk of damage to your device's delicate electrical components.

So, how do you clean hearing aids of ear wax?

  • Wipe them down with a soft, dry cloth.
  • Visit your hearing care provider, who should be able to help clean any wax from your hearing aids or send them out for repairs, if needed.

Always remember to follow your hearing care provider's instructions for your type of hearing aid.

Cleaning tip

Dry wax is easier to remove from hearing aids than wet, sticky wax. We recommend taking off your hearing aids at night, then waiting until the next morning to remove the wax. Doing so will allow time for the wax to dry out—and make cleaning easier.

Hearing aids in dehumidifier

What To Do When Hearing Aids Get Wet

Whether you get caught outside in a storm or forget to remove your hearing aids before a shower, regular users of hearing aids will get their devices wet from time to time. The best thing to do is not panic and follow these tips.

Turn your hearing aids off

If your hearing aids have been exposed to moisture, be sure to turn them off right away. 

Remove the battery if applicable

Once your hearing aids are turned off, carefully remove the batteries. If your hearing aids are rechargable, be sure to wipe them carefully and put them into a dehumidifier.

Shake off any excess moisture

Remove any excess moisture you can by vigorously shaking the device and dabbing it with a dry cloth. Doing so will help speed up the overall process of drying out your hearing aids.

Dehumidify

There are several ways you can dehumidify your hearing aid after water exposure.

  • Like a smartphone, you can place your hearing aids in a sealed container of uncooked rice. The rice acts as a desiccant to draw out the moisture.
  • If you have one, you can also put your hearing aids in a dryer jar or electronic dehumidifier.
  • You can also leave your hearing aid out overnight to dry. 

Avoid excessive heat

Avoid any direct heat sources when drying out your hearing aids. Excessive heat can severely damage the inner workings of your devices. Never put your hearing aid in the oven, microwave, or near a lightbulb to dry it. This will damage your hearing aid.

Play it safe

Only replace your batteries when you are absolutely sure your hearing aids are completely dry. If you’re not 100% positive they are dry, it’s better to wait a little bit longer than to risk further damage. 

Why You Can't Afford to Skip Regular Cleanings

If you don't prioritize cleaning hearing aids every day, you will eventually experience a buildup of ear wax and debris, which can negatively affect the performance of your hearing aids.

The buildup can lead to reduced sound quality, distorted sounds, or even complete sound blockage. Neglecting regular cleanings can also shorten the lifespan of your hearing aids and lead to more frequent repairs. Therefore, it's important to adhere to a consistent, daily routine to ensure that your hearing aids continue to function optimally so you can enjoy the sounds around you.

Hand holding hearing aid

Need more help with your hearing aids?

If you need more help with your hearing aids, our team can help you find a provider close to you for support.

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