How to Properly Clean and Maintain Hearing Aids

Knowing how to properly clean and maintain hearing aids helps them last longer, sound clearer, and stay comfortable on your ears. A few minutes of daily care can prevent expensive repairs, reduce breakdowns, and keep your devices working at their best.

This guide covers essential hearing aid cleaning tips, simple tools you can use at home, how to remove wax from hearing aids safely, and when to consider a hearing aid dryer and dehumidifier or professional cleaning.

Why Cleaning and Maintenance Matter

Hearing aids sit inside or behind your ears all day, exposed to earwax, sweat, oils, and moisture. Over time, these can clog tiny parts and affect performance.

Regular cleaning and a basic hearing aid maintenance schedule can help:

• Improve sound clarity by keeping microphones and receivers clear
• Prevent weak sound, feedback, or sudden shut-offs
• Reduce the risk of skin irritation or infection around the ear
• Extend the life of your hearing aids and reduce repair needs

Daily Hearing Aid Cleaning Tips

A few simple steps every day can keep your hearing aids in good shape. Always wash and dry your hands first, and clean your devices over a soft surface, such as a towel, in case you drop them.

Basic Tools for Cleaning Hearing Aids

Most hearing aids come with a small cleaning kit. Common tools include:

• Soft, dry cloth – for wiping the outer shell
• Soft brush – for gently brushing away wax and debris
• Wax loop or pick – for carefully removing wax from openings
• Vent cleaner or small wire – for cleaning air vents (if your model has them)

Use only tools made for hearing aids. Household items like pins, toothpicks, or paperclips can damage delicate parts.

Daily Cleaning Steps

At the end of each day:

• Turn your hearing aids off and remove the batteries if recommended for your model.
• Wipe the entire device with a soft, dry cloth to remove moisture, oils, and dirt.
• Use the brush to gently clean around microphones, sound openings, and seams.
• Check for visible earwax and remove it carefully with the wax loop or pick.

Avoid using water, alcohol, or cleaning wipes not designed for hearing aids, as moisture and chemicals can damage internal components.

Cleaning Behind-the-Ear Hearing Aids

Cleaning behind-the-ear hearing aids (BTEs) is usually straightforward because most of the electronic parts sit behind the ear, while sound travels through a tube or ear mold.

Steps for BTE Hearing Aids With Ear Molds

For traditional BTEs with custom ear molds:

• Wipe the outer shell behind the ear with a soft, dry cloth.
• Brush the microphone ports gently to remove dust and debris.
• Inspect the ear mold and sound opening for earwax buildup.
• Use a wax loop to remove visible wax from the ear mold opening.

Your hearing care professional may show you how to remove the ear mold and tubing for deeper cleaning if your device is designed for this. Follow their instructions closely and allow parts to dry completely before reattaching.

Tips for Thin Tubes and Domes

Some BTE-style devices use thin tubes and soft domes:

• Detach the tube and dome only if your instructions say it is safe to do so.
• Use the provided cleaning wire to gently pass through the tube to remove moisture or debris.
• Inspect domes for tears, stiffness, or discoloration and replace them as directed by your provider.

Cleaning In-the-Ear Hearing Aids

Cleaning in-the-ear hearing aids (ITE, ITC, and CIC styles) is especially important because they sit fully or partly inside the ear canal, where they are more exposed to wax and moisture.

Daily Cleaning for ITE Devices

To clean in-the-ear hearing aids:

• Wipe the outer surfaces with a soft, dry cloth.
• Use the small brush to gently clean around microphone openings.
• Carefully remove wax from the sound outlet using the wax loop or pick.
• Check the wax guard (if your device has one) and replace it if clogged, following your manufacturer’s instructions.

Handle in-the-ear devices over a soft surface, and avoid brushing so hard that debris is pushed into the openings.

How to Remove Wax From Hearing Aids Safely

Earwax is one of the most common reasons hearing aids sound weak or stop working. Learning how to remove wax from hearing aids correctly can prevent many issues.

Safe Wax Removal Steps

• Use only the wax loop, pick, or tools supplied with your hearing aids.
• Gently scoop wax away from openings instead of pushing into them.
• Brush the wax guard or filter lightly; if it stays clogged, replace it.
• Never insert sharp objects into the sound outlet, microphone, or vents.

If you notice heavy wax buildup or wax that is hard to remove, contact your hearing care provider. They can clean your devices safely and also check for excess earwax in your ears.

Using a Hearing Aid Dryer and Dehumidifier

Moisture from sweat, humidity, and daily wear can affect sound quality and reliability. A hearing aid dryer and dehumidifier can help remove this moisture, especially if you live in a humid climate, sweat heavily, or have allergies or sinus issues that increase moisture around your ears.

Types of Drying Systems

• Passive drying jars or pods – Use a desiccant (drying) material to absorb moisture overnight.
• Electric hearing aid dryers – Use gentle heat and air movement; some models also offer UV light for surface disinfection.

How to Use a Hearing Aid Dryer

• Remove batteries if recommended by your device instructions.
• Place your hearing aids in the dryer as directed by the manufacturer.
• Run the full cycle, usually overnight.
• Store your hearing aids in the dryer when not in use, if suggested for your model.

Always follow the instructions for both your hearing aids and the drying device to avoid damage.

Suggested Hearing Aid Maintenance Schedule

A simple hearing aid maintenance schedule can make care easier and more consistent. Your hearing professional may recommend a plan tailored to your devices and lifestyle, but the following is a common starting point.

Daily

• Wipe hearing aids with a soft, dry cloth after wearing.
• Brush away wax and debris from openings.
• Store hearing aids in a safe, dry place or in a dryer/dehumidifier if recommended.

Weekly

• Inspect domes, ear molds, and tubing for cracks, discoloration, or stiffness.
• Check wax guards and replace if blocked.
• Look for signs of moisture, such as intermittent sound or distortion.

Every Few Months

• Have tubing or domes replaced as recommended by your hearing care provider.
• Ask your provider to check programming and fit if you notice changes in hearing or comfort.

At Least Once or Twice a Year

• Schedule a professional cleaning and inspection with your hearing care provider.
• Discuss any problems with sound quality, battery life, or comfort.

When to Seek Professional Hearing Aid Cleaning

Home care is important, but it does not replace expert maintenance. If you search for professional hearing aid cleaning near me, you will usually find hearing clinics and audiology offices that offer thorough cleaning and checks.

Consider professional service if:

• Sound is weak, distorted, or cutting in and out even after cleaning.
• You see heavy wax buildup you cannot remove safely.
• Your devices have been exposed to water or excessive moisture.
• You notice redness, soreness, or irritation where the hearing aid sits.

During professional cleanings, providers can use specialized tools to clean microphones, receivers, tubing, and internal components without damaging them.

Practical Tips to Protect Your Hearing Aids

In addition to regular cleaning, a few habits can help protect your devices:

• Remove hearing aids before showering, swimming, or using hair products like sprays, gels, or dyes.
• Take devices out during MRI or other procedures if your doctor or provider instructs you to.
• Store hearing aids out of reach of children and pets.
• Keep devices away from extreme heat, such as inside a parked car or near a heater.

Putting It All Together

Understanding how to properly clean and maintain hearing aids is one of the best ways to protect your investment and keep your hearing as clear as possible. Daily wiping and brushing, careful wax removal, regular use of a dryer or dehumidifier when recommended, and routine professional checkups all work together to keep your hearing aids performing well.

If you are ever unsure about cleaning a specific part of your device, ask your hearing care professional to demonstrate the process and confirm which tools and products are safe for your model.