A few minutes of care each day can keep wax and moisture from muffling the sound you rely on. A consistent hearing aid cleaning routine helps keep your devices working well, and the right tools and methods remove buildup without making the problem worse.
Audiologists Heather Dean, Au.D., FAAA, CCC-A, CH-TM, and Erin Washburn, Au.D., FAAA, see patients at our Ellison Street office in Burleson. They can demonstrate how to care for your specific devices and explain when they need professional cleaning or maintenance.
What Rhythm of Hearing Aid Cleaning Keeps Devices Working Well?
The rhythm of hearing aid cleaning that keeps devices working well is a gentle inspection and wipe every day, plus a closer check about once a week. Daily care removes surface residue before it builds up around the microphone openings, earpiece, and sound outlet. Choose a consistent time, such as after taking them out at night.
Follow your model’s instructions for the weekly inspection. You may need more frequent attention if you produce a lot of earwax, perspire heavily, or spend time in humid conditions. If wax builds up in the ear itself, professional earwax removal can help.
Wax filters, domes, and tubing have their own replacement schedules. Check them regularly and replace them as needed or as directed, rather than relying on a single universal calendar.
Professional cleaning should supplement home care. Ask Heather Dean or Erin Washburn how often to return for a clean-and-check based on your devices, wax buildup, and previous maintenance needs.
Does Each Hearing Aid Style Need Its Own Cleaning Method?
Each hearing aid style does need its own cleaning method, because tubing, speakers, and openings sit in different places on each design. Traditional behind-the-ear hearing aids may send sound through hollow plastic tubing to a separate earmold. Some earmolds without electronics can be detached and washed if the manufacturer permits it. Keep the electronic hearing aid body out of water.
Receiver-in-canal hearing aids have a speaker inside the earpiece, connected to the behind-the-ear body by a thin wire. Wipe these components carefully and follow the specific instructions for dome and wax-filter care.
In-the-ear, in-the-canal, and completely-in-canal devices sit partly or entirely inside the ear. Their surfaces, vents, and sound outlets are exposed to wax and skin oils. Small openings require gentle handling and the appropriate cleaning tools.
If you are unsure whether an earpiece contains electronics, ask before detaching or washing it. Similar-looking parts can require different care, and your model’s instructions should guide the process.
How Should You Clean Hearing Aids Before Putting Them Away?
Before putting them away, clean hearing aids by switching them off, wiping and inspecting each one, brushing the microphone openings, and then drying, storing, or charging them as directed. Wash and dry your hands, then work over a clean towel on a stable surface. Handle one hearing aid at a time so you can keep track of its parts. Use this routine:
- Turn the device off using its normal controls.
- Wipe the casing and earpiece with a soft, dry cloth.
- Inspect the dome, earmold, and sound outlet for visible buildup.
- Gently brush across microphone openings, directing debris downward.
- Check charging contacts or accessible battery areas as instructed.
- Follow the recommended drying, storage, or charging routine.
Wax may be easier to brush away after drying overnight. You can complete that step the next morning if needed.
For disposable-battery models, instructions may include opening the battery compartment overnight. Rechargeable aids follow a different routine; do not try to open a sealed battery compartment.
Before wearing the aids again, confirm that removable earpieces are securely attached and the devices are dry.
How Can You Tell a Wax Filter or Dome Needs Replacing?
A weekly look will tell you a wax filter or dome needs replacing when you see persistent wax, a blocked filter, or a worn dome, and the same check catches stiff, cracked, or discolored tubing. Weekly care gives you a chance to inspect areas that need more attention than a quick wipe. Damaged parts may need replacement rather than additional cleaning.
Change a wax filter when required, using the exact type specified for your device. Don’t assume every filter needs weekly replacement. Use a vent cleaner or wax loop only in the locations your audiologist has demonstrated.
If washing a detachable earmold is permitted, disconnect it as instructed, use the approved washing method, and let it and any washable tubing dry completely before reconnecting.
Inspect your charger and remove dust or residue according to its instructions. If buildup remains difficult to remove or sound stays weak, arrange professional service.
Which Cleaners and Tools Are Unsafe for Hearing Aids in Burleson?
The cleaners and tools that are unsafe for hearing aids include water for soaking, household chemicals, sharp or improvised tools, and high-heat dryers. Do not immerse the electronic hearing aid or a speaker-containing earpiece in water. A water-resistance rating does not automatically mean the device can be washed.
Avoid household detergents, rubbing alcohol, peroxide, and other chemicals unless your manufacturer explicitly approves a particular product and method. Even a cleaner marketed for hearing aids may not suit every component. Never spray cleaner directly into openings.
Do not insert needles, pins, or improvised tools into microphone ports or sound outlets. Pushing harder can drive wax inward or damage the parts you are trying to clean.
Keep hearing aids away from hair dryers, microwaves, and other excessive heat sources. Never dismantle the casing for a deeper clean. If a part will not detach easily or you are unsure what it is, stop and ask for guidance.
Get a Hands-On Hearing Aid Care Demo at Burleson Audiology Clinic
Seeing the steps once in person can make hearing aid care much easier at home. During an appointment, Heather Dean, Au.D., or Erin Washburn, Au.D., can review your devices, hearing concerns, health history, and goals for comfortable daily use.
Call or text 817-592-9632 or reach out online to schedule a hearing aid care appointment at Burleson Audiology Clinic in Burleson, TX.