Rachel will be the first to tell you — she learned the hard way that you need to clean your hearing aids every day. Early on, she skipped a week of cleaning, and her left hearing aid started sounding muffled. Turned out earwax had completely clogged the speaker opening. It cost her a trip to the audiologist and a week without the device while it was being repaired.
The thing is, cleaning hearing aids really doesn’t take long. We’re talking two to three minutes a day, and it can literally double how long your devices last. Most hearing aid failures aren’t from defective parts — they’re from wax and moisture buildup that could have been prevented with a quick daily routine.
We put this guide together because we kept getting emails from readers asking how to properly care for their hearing aids. The instructions that come in the box are usually too short to be useful, and the audiologist demonstrations go by too fast. So here’s everything you need to know, step by step, for every type of hearing aid.
If you have questions about caring for a specific brand or model, drop us a line at [email protected].
Why Cleaning Matters
Earwax is the number one cause of hearing aid malfunction. It is sticky, accumulates quickly in the warm environment of the ear canal, and can block the tiny speaker openings and vents that hearing aids rely on. Once wax penetrates the receiver, it often requires professional repair or replacement.
Moisture is the second major threat. Sweat, humidity, and condensation from temperature changes work their way into hearing aid electronics over time. A quality dehumidifier or drying case mitigates this daily.
Essential Cleaning Tools
Soft-bristle cleaning brush: Gently removes surface wax and debris from the body, microphone ports, and speaker openings. Use a dry brush — never wet.
Wax loop or pick: A thin wire or plastic tool designed to dislodge wax compacted in small openings. Essential for canal-style hearing aids with small vent openings.
Vent cleaner: A thin filament that passes through the vent tube on BTE and RIC devices to clear blockages.
Wax guard / wax filter: A small replaceable screen that sits over the speaker opening on most receiver-in-canal and in-the-ear hearing aids. When sound becomes muffled, replacing the wax guard often restores it immediately.
Dehumidifying storage case: A small case with desiccant beads or an electronic drying element that draws moisture from the hearing aids while they charge or rest overnight. Strongly recommended for all hearing aid wearers.
Microfiber or soft cloth: For wiping down the surface of the hearing aid each day.
Cleaning Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
BTE hearing aids have a processor that sits behind the ear and a thin tube or wire running to an earmold or dome in the ear canal.
- Remove the earmold or dome from the ear hook. Wipe the hearing aid body with a soft dry cloth.
- Brush the microphone ports on the top of the device using a soft brush. Brush downward so dislodged particles fall away from the microphone opening.
- Detach the tubing. Submerge the earmold in warm, soapy water and rinse thoroughly. Allow it to dry completely — at least eight hours — before reattaching.
- Run a vent cleaner through the vent tube to clear any blockage.
- Reattach when dry and check that the tube is not kinked.
Cleaning Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids
RIC hearing aids have a small receiver wire that runs from the processor to a speaker placed in the ear canal.
- Wipe the processor body behind the ear with a soft cloth.
- Brush the microphone ports gently with the cleaning brush.
- Inspect the wax guard at the tip of the receiver. If sound is muffled or weak, replace it using the provided replacement tool and wax guard cartridge.
- Wipe the receiver wire with a dry cloth or hearing aid wipe.
- Check the dome or earmold for wax buildup. Replace silicone domes when they become discolored or misshapen.
Cleaning In-the-Ear (ITE) and Completely-in-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids
These styles sit inside the ear canal and have the highest wax exposure of any hearing aid design.
- Use a soft brush to clean the faceplate and openings. Hold the hearing aid with the openings facing downward so loosened wax falls free.
- Use a wax loop or pick to remove wax from the vent and microphone opening.
- Check the wax guard and replace it when clogged. This is the most important maintenance step for in-canal hearing aids and should be checked daily.
- Wipe the shell with a dry soft cloth or hearing aid cleaning wipe.
- Never immerse these hearing aids in water unless they carry a minimum IP68 rating (e.g., Eargo 8).
Storing Your Hearing Aids
When not wearing your hearing aids, store them in a dry, clean case away from direct sunlight, heat, and humidity. A bathroom shelf is not ideal — the steam from showers accelerates moisture damage.
A dehumidifying case is the single best accessory investment for any hearing aid wearer. Many models are available for under $30 and will pay for themselves many times over in extended device lifespan.
Pairing Hearing Aids After Cleaning
If you remove your hearing aids from Bluetooth pairing after cleaning or battery replacement, most devices reconnect automatically when powered back on. If they don’t, open your smartphone’s Bluetooth settings, select the hearing aid name, and re-pair as prompted. Consult the user guide for your specific model if you experience persistent pairing issues.
When to See a Professional
Even with daily cleaning, professional maintenance is recommended every six to twelve months. An audiologist or hearing aid dispenser can:
- Deep clean the hearing aids with specialized equipment
- Replace tubing, domes, wax guards, and filters
- Test and recalibrate the devices if sound quality has changed
- Inspect for any developing mechanical issues