Routine maintenance of hearing aids is essential to preserve their functionality and ensure consistent sound quality. These complex electronic devices operate in the challenging environment of the ear canal, where they are constantly exposed to earwax (cerumen) and moisture. Earwax is the most common culprit behind hearing aid malfunctions, as it can quickly clog the delicate sound ports and microphone inlets. Implementing a straightforward, daily cleaning regimen is the best defense against performance degradation and the need for costly repairs. This proactive approach ensures the device performs reliably.
Necessary Tools and Preparation
Before starting any cleaning procedure, gather the necessary specialized tools designed for hearing aids. The basic kit should include a soft-bristled cleaning brush, which often comes with a small magnetic tip for battery handling, and a dedicated wax removal pick or loop. A soft, dry, lint-free cloth, such as a microfiber cloth, is also needed for wiping down the casing. If your manufacturer recommends them, specialized, alcohol-free cleaning wipes or sprays can be used, but water or household cleaners must be avoided. Always perform the cleaning over a soft, stable surface, like a towel placed on a table, which prevents damage should the device accidentally be dropped.
Daily Cleaning Procedures
The routine steps for cleaning should be performed every evening to allow the device to air out overnight. The process differs slightly depending on the hearing aid style.
For custom-molded In-the-Ear (ITE) or Completely-in-Canal (CIC) models, gently brush the entire shell and the faceplate to clear any superficial debris. Hold the device with the sound opening facing downward during this step so that gravity helps dislodge wax outward instead of pushing it deeper. Use the specialized cleaning brush to lightly sweep over the microphone port and the sound outlet to keep them clear of light wax deposits.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) and Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) styles require similar attention to the main body and the attached dome or earmold. Wipe the casing that sits behind the ear with the soft, dry cloth to remove accumulated perspiration and oils. For BTE earmolds, use the brush to clean the sound bore opening, which is the part that sits deepest in the ear canal. If your device uses a removable soft dome, gently wipe the dome with the dry cloth as well, ensuring that the sound tube connecting to the speaker is free of visible obstruction.
Clearing Stubborn Wax and Filters
When sound becomes weak or distorted despite routine brushing, it often indicates a blockage deeper inside the device, typically at the receiver or speaker port. Many modern hearing aids, especially RIC and ITE types, utilize a small, disposable wax guard or filter to protect the internal speaker from cerumen intrusion. To replace this component, you first need to remove the soft dome, if one is present, to expose the tiny filter.
Wax guard replacement kits include a specialized tool, often a stick with two ends: one for removal and one for insertion. Push the empty removal end straight into the center of the soiled wax guard until it locks slightly, then pull it out to extract the old filter. Next, flip the tool to the side with the new filter and gently press it into the now-empty port until it sits flush with the casing. For stubborn wax lodged in vents or sound tubes that lack a removable filter, use a thin, flexible wax pick or wire loop to carefully scrape or push the material out. It is important to work gently and avoid forcing the wire, as excessive pressure can damage the internal microphone or receiver components.
Recognizing When Professional Help Is Needed
While home maintenance can address most wax-related issues, there are specific signs that indicate the need for professional intervention from an audiologist or hearing care specialist. If the hearing aid suddenly stops working completely after a deep cleaning, or if the sound remains muffled or distorted even after successfully replacing the wax guard, the blockage may be too deep. A persistent, loud whistling or feedback sound that cannot be resolved by reseating the device can also indicate an internal component issue or a deep wax buildup affecting the sound path.
Any visible damage, such as a crack in the casing or tubing, or a strong suspicion of moisture inside the device after accidental exposure, warrants immediate professional attention. Specialists have access to powerful vacuum tools and drying chambers that can safely remove deeply impacted cerumen and moisture without damaging the delicate circuitry. Most manufacturers recommend a professional clean-and-check appointment every six months, which serves as a preventative measure.