Hearing aids are sophisticated electronic devices constantly exposed to moisture, skin oils, and earwax in the ear canal. Regular, consistent cleaning is essential for maintaining their optimal performance and longevity. Ignoring maintenance can lead to muffled sound, feedback, and premature component failure. Establishing a simple cleaning schedule protects this technology and ensures clear, reliable amplification.
Daily Maintenance Routine
The most important maintenance actions are performed daily, preventing the accumulation of earwax and moisture that cause most hearing aid issues. Each evening, after removing the devices, gently wipe the entire shell or earmold with a soft, clean, and dry cloth to remove the day’s buildup of skin oils, moisture, and loose debris. Use the small brush provided in your cleaning kit to clear debris from the microphone ports and the sound outlet. For devices using disposable batteries, leaving the battery door open overnight allows moisture to evaporate, preventing corrosion and extending battery life. Storing the hearing aids in a dedicated dehumidifier or drying box overnight is highly recommended for all models, as this actively draws out moisture that can degrade the delicate electronics.
Weekly and Monthly Deep Cleaning Tasks
While daily maintenance focuses on surface cleaning, weekly and monthly tasks target parts susceptible to deeper blockage. Once a week, use specialized tools, such as a wax pick or wire loop, to carefully remove stubborn deposits from vents and sound openings. Hold the hearing aid with the opening facing downward so dislodged particles fall out. For Behind-The-Ear (BTE) models with detachable earmolds, remove the mold and wash it in warm, soapy water; ensure the earmold and tubing are completely dry before reattaching them. On a monthly basis, check and replace the disposable wax guards or filters designed to catch earwax before it reaches the receiver.
Cleaning Techniques by Hearing Aid Type
Cleaning methodologies must be adjusted based on the specific style of the hearing aid, as each type presents unique points of vulnerability to moisture and debris.
Behind-The-Ear (BTE) Aids
BTE aids have a durable plastic case housing the electronics behind the ear, connected to an earmold by a tube. The electronic unit should only be wiped with a dry cloth. The plastic earmold can be detached and washed with soap and water, using an air blower to clear moisture from the tubing.
Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) Devices
RIC devices are structurally different, with the receiver located inside the ear canal at the end of a thin wire. Cleaning the RIC style requires extreme care around the receiver wire and the dome or tip. Focus on gently wiping the wire and replacing the wax guard located directly over the sound outlet.
In-The-Ear (ITE) Models
ITE models sit entirely inside the outer ear. They are cleaned by using a small brush and a wax pick to clear the microphone ports and the vent opening. Because the electronics are fully enclosed within the custom shell, no part of an ITE device should ever be exposed to water or submerged.
When to Seek Professional Service
Home cleaning resolves most minor performance issues, but certain problems require specialized professional intervention. If your hearing aid sounds muffled, weak, or produces no sound after cleaning the wax guard and replacing the battery, a deeper blockage is likely present, often requiring specialized tools for removal. You should also contact your hearing specialist if the device is physically damaged, such as a cracked shell, a loose component, or a visibly frayed receiver wire. If you notice excessive feedback or whistling that cannot be resolved by reinserting the device, the fit may have changed, or an internal microphone issue may be present. Most manufacturers recommend a professional clean and check every four to six months, as specialists can use vacuum tools and other equipment to safely clean sealed components inaccessible at home.