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Simple Steps to Clean Your Hearing Aids at Home

By Shelby Garrison, Au.D.
Audiology Consultants, P.C.

Hearing aids are invaluable devices that significantly improve the quality of life for those experiencing hearing loss. Regular cleaning and maintenance ensure they function optimally, extending their lifespan and preserving their effectiveness. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to clean your hearing aids at home effectively.

1. Gather Your Cleaning Supplies Before you begin, assemble the necessary items. You’ll need a dry, soft cloth, a wax pick or loop, a soft-bristled brush, and either a cleaning tool provided by your Audiologist, or a cleaning kit specifically designed for hearing aids.
2. Wash Your Hands Clean hands are essential when handling hearing aids to prevent transferring dirt, oil, or germs. Washing your hands thoroughly helps maintain hygiene and prevents potential damage to the devices.
3. Wipe the Surface Gently wipe the exterior of the hearing aids using a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using water or cleaning solutions with the exception of hearing aid safe Audio Wipes directly on the devices as moisture can damage the sensitive electronics and break down the paint/coatings on the case of the hearing aid(s).
4. Clean the Microphone and Receiver Use a soft brush to remove any debris or wax from the microphone and receiver openings. Be delicate to avoid pushing debris further into the device. Use swiping motions across the device. Brush the microphones at an angle to allow the dust and debris to fall out of the hearing aid as opposed to falling back into the microphone ports.
5. Remove Earwax Buildup Wax buildup is a common issue that can affect the performance of your hearing aids. Use a wax pick or loop provided in your cleaning kit to carefully remove any wax buildup around the sound outlet and vents. Be cautious not to push the wax deeper into the device.
6. Inspect the Tubing (for BTE models) If you have a behind-the-ear hearing aid with tubing, check for any blockages or moisture inside the tubing. A gentle puff of air or using the provided cleaning tool can clear minor blockages.
7. Clean the Earpieces For custom-fit hearing aids, clean the earmolds or domes with a damp cloth. Ensure they are completely dry before reattaching them to the devices.
8. Check the Filters Some hearing aids have disposable wax filters that need regular replacement. If your devices have these filters, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for changing them. This prevents wax and debris from entering the internal components. Some individuals need to replace their filters more frequently than others, depending on the amount and consistency of the wax in their ears. A general rule of thumb is replacing the filter(s) every 2-4 months or as needed.
9. Store Your Hearing Aids Properly When not in use, store your hearing aids in a dry, protective case to prevent damage from moisture, dust, or accidental drops. If your hearing aid(s) are battery-powered, ensure to remove all batteries from the hearing aids prior to storing them.
10. Schedule Professional Maintenance While home cleaning is essential, periodic professional maintenance by your audiologist is crucial. They can perform more in-depth cleaning and address any issues you might have missed. At Audiology Consultants, P.C., we recommend having your hearing aids cleaned by our office approximately every 6 months.

Final Tips

• Clean your hearing aids daily or as often as needed to prevent wax buildup.
• Avoid using water, alcohol, or cleaning solutions directly on the devices.
• Handle your hearing aids with care to prevent damage to delicate parts.

Regular cleaning and maintenance at home are essential to keep your hearing aids functioning optimally. Following these simple steps can help preserve the lifespan of your devices and ensure you continue to experience the world with clarity and ease. If you encounter persistent issues or require assistance, don’t hesitate to contact one of our offices for assistance in scheduling an appointment.

Shelby Garrison is an audiologist at Audiology Consultants, P.C. For more information, visit audiologyconsultants.com. Stores are located in Davenport, IA, Muscatine, IA, Moline, IL, and Geneseo, IL.