How to Clean and Maintain Your Hearing Aids: A Simple Guide
Hearing aids are small but powerful devices that make a difference in your daily life. Just like glasses or a phone, they need regular care to keep working their best. Earwax, moisture, and everyday dust can affect how your hearing aids perform. The good news is that cleaning and maintenance are simple once you know what to do.
In this guide, we’ll cover the essentials of hearing aid care so you can enjoy clear sound, longer device life, and fewer unexpected issues.
Key Takeaways
- Cleaning your hearing aids daily prevents earwax and debris from blocking sound.
- Never use water or household cleaners – make sure to stick to tools that are made for hearing aids.
- Earwax guards and filters should be checked and replaced regularly.
- A dry, safe storage case can help protect your hearing aids from moisture overnight.
- Daily at home care can extend the life of your hearing aids and keep the sound quality clear.
- Professional maintenance every few months also helps to ensure they are deep cleaned and fine-tuned how you want them.
- Common signs of trouble include muffled sound, feedback (whistling), or no sound at all.
- Simple care routines can save you from costly repairs or replacements.
- If cleaning doesn’t fix an issue, contact your hearing care provider for further support.
In this article
- How To Clean Hearing Aids
- How Often Do Hearing Aids Need to Be Cleaned
- How Do I Get Wax Out of My Hearing Aids
- Do Hearing Aids Need Maintenance
- How To Tell If a Hearing Aid is Working Properly
- Tips For Storing Your Hearing Aids
- Common Hearing Aid Problems and How to Fix Them
- When To Replace Your Hearing Aids
- Next Steps
How To Clean Hearing Aids
Cleaning your hearing aids only takes a few minutes every day but can make a big difference in how they’ll work.
The best way to start is by gently wiping the outside of the device with a soft, dry cloth to remove dirt, oils, and sweat. Use a small brush or pick, which is usually included with your hearing aids, to clear debris from the microphones and receiver openings.
You should avoid using water, or household cleaners, as those can damage the electronics. For in-the-ear (ITE) or receiver-in-the-ear (RIC/RITE) models, check the ear mold and tubing for moisture or wax buildup. Using the proper cleaning tools will help prevent blockages, reduce feedback, and maintain clear sound, all of which will help your hearing aids perform their best.
How Often Do Hearing Aids Need to Be Cleaned
How often you clean your hearing aids can make a big difference in their performance and longevity. Regular maintenance prevents sound blockages, moisture buildups, and costly repairs down the line.
Most hearing care professionals recommend the following routine:
- Daily – Wipe down your hearing aids with a dry, soft cloth to remove earwax, oil, and debris. Check the microphone ports and receiver openings for buildup. This quick habit helps prevent performance issues before they start.
- Weekly – Take a closer look at your hearing aids. Make sure to check the wax guards, filters, and domes for wax or dust and replace them if needed. You can also use a small cleaning brush or pick to clear away any buildup in vents or tubing.
- Monthly – Give your hearing aids a deeper clean. Check the earmolds and tubing for any trapped moisture or discoloration and open the battery compartment to ensure it stays dry. If you use rechargeable hearing aids, gently clean the charging contacts as well.
Staying consistent with this cleaning routine keeps your hearing aids working at peak performance, extends their lifespan, and reduces the likelihood of unexpected repairs later.
Cleaning Accessories and Tools You’ll Need
Having the right tools makes cleaning easier:
- Soft cloths for wiping devices.
- Small brushes and wax picks.
- Replacement wax guards or filters.
- Hearing aid dehumidifier (optional).
- Storage case.
How Do I Get Wax Out of My Hearing Aids
Earwax buildup is a very common issue with hearing aids. To remove it safely:
- Use the cleaning tools provided by your hearing aid manufacturer.
- Gently scoop or bush wax from the openings. Never insert sharp objects into the device.
- Replace wax guards or filters as recommended.
Regularly checking for and removing wax buildup helps keep sound clear and prevents unnecessary damage to your devices. A few minutes of care each week can go a long way toward keeping your hearing aids working like new.
Do Hearing Aids Need Maintenance
The short answer is yes. Regular maintenance is just as important as daily cleaning. Hearing aids are sophisticated devices with tiny microphones, receivers, and delicate electronic components that can’t always be cleaned at home. Over time, small amounts of wax, oil, or dust can build up in areas you can’t easily reach. Over time this can start to affect the performance of your devices. This is why routine check-ups with your hearing care professional is recommended every 6-12 months.
During these visits, your clinician can deep clean your devices, check for any worn or damaged parts, and fine-tune the settings to ensure you hear your best. Combining this care with your daily, weekly, and monthly care can help your hearing aids stay in top condition and last for years.
How to Tell If a Hearing Aid is Working Properly
Even with regular cleaning and maintenance, it’s important to pay attention to how your hearing aids are performing. Common signs that something may be wrong include muffled or distorted sound, feedback or whistling noises, intermittent sound cutting in and out, or no sound at all. These issues can be caused by wax buildup, moisture, worn parts, or battery problems.
If you notice any of these signs, start by checking the battery or charging your device and performing a basic cleaning. Often, this solves minor issues, however if the problem persists, it’s a good idea to schedule a checkup with your hearing care provider. They can inspect the device, perform professional cleaning, replace worn components, and adjust settings as needed to restore the performance.
Regularly monitoring your hearing aids helps ensure you continue to get clear, reliable sound and prevents small problems from becoming bigger repairs.
Tips For Storing Your Hearing Aids
Proper storage is just as important as regular cleaning when it comes to keeping your hearing aids in good working order. Storing them correctly helps protect them against moisture, dust, and accidental damage.
Always keep your hearing aids in a dry, ventilated case when not in use (i.e. overnight). This simple first step helps prevent exposure to sweat or humidity that could cause damage.
If you live in a humid environment, you might consider using a hearing aid dehumidifier or drying box. These devices gently remove moisture and help extend the lifespan of your hearing aids. Additionally, if you plan to leave your hearing aids unused for several days, it’s a good idea to remove the batteries to prevent corrosion or leakage.
Common Hearing Aid Problems and How to Fix Them
Even with regular cleaning and maintenance, hearing aids can still experience issues. Some of the more common problems you may notice are:
- Feedback (whistling) – This high-pitched noise is often caused by earwax buildup, a poor fit, or a loose device. Try cleaning the microphones and checking the fit of your hearing aid. If the problem persists, it is recommended to contact your hearing care professional so they can take a closer look and adjust the device for optimal performance.
- Weak or Distorted Sound – Reduced volume or unclear sound can be caused by low batteries, clogged microphones, or wax in the receiver. Start by replacing the battery or recharging the device, then carefully clean the microphones and receiver openings.
- Moisture Issues – Sweat, humidity, or accidental exposure to water can affect your hearing aid’s performance. Dry the device thoroughly and store it in a ventilated case or hearing aid dehumidifier overnight to prevent damage.
- Intermittent Sound or Device Not Turning On – This can be due to battery issues, moisture, or internal problems. Check and replace the battery first, and check to make sure the device is dry.
As with all issues noted above, persistent problems should be evaluated by your clinician. While most of the problems are simple to fix at home with regular cleaning and proper care, other issues may require more specialized attention.
When to Replace Your Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are designed to last for several years, typically between 3 and 7, depending on how often they are used and how well they are cared for. Even with regular cleaning and maintenance, there may come a time when replacement is the best option.
You should consider replacing your hearing aids if you notice the sound quality has noticeably declined or become inconsistent, even after cleaning and battery replacement. Frequent or costly repairs can also be an indicator that your device is due for an upgrade. Additionally, if you’re interested in newer technology such as Bluetooth streaming, advanced noise reduction, or improved rechargeable batteries, upgrading can enhance your listening experience and make everyday tasks easier.
Regular maintenance can maximize the lifespan of your hearing aids, but eventually, even the most maintained devices may no longer meet your needs. Recognizing the signs that it’s time to replace them ensures you continue to enjoy clear, reliable sound and the full benefits of modern hearing technology.
For more information on when to know if it’s time to upgrade your hearing aids, check our full guide here.
Next Steps If You Need Further Support
Hearing aids are an important investment in your quality of life, helping you stay connected, confident, and engaged in everyday conversations. With daily care, regular inspections, and professional maintenance you can keep your devices performing their best for years.
If you’re ever experiencing problems with your hearing aids that are difficult to troubleshoot or fix at home, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our hearing care professionals can provide guidance, perform professional cleaning, make necessary repairs, or adjust your devices to ensure you continue to enjoy the best hearing experience possible.
References:
Hearing Solutions (11, March 2025) How Long Do Hearing Aids Last? Tips to Extend Their Lifespan. https://www.hearingsolutions.ca/hearing-aids/types-of-hearing-aids/rechargeable-hearing-aids/
Hearing Solutions (25, September 2025) When to Upgrade Your Hearing Aids and Why It’s Important. https://www.hearingsolutions.ca/when-to-upgrade-your-hearing-aids-and-why-its-important/
Audiologists (3, September 2025) An audiologist’s guide to cleaning your hearing aids. https://audiologists.org/resources/hearing-wellness/cleaning-hearing-aids
Stanford Hearing Aids (n.d.) How to Clean Your Hearing Aids: Do’s and Don’ts. https://stanfordhearingaids.com/blog/dos-and-donts-of-cleaning-hearing-aids/
Hearing Health Center (n.d.) How To Clean Your Hearing Aids: 7 Top Tips. https://hearinghealthcenter.com/ask-the-audiologist/how-to-clean-your-hearing-aids-7-top-tips/
Professional Audiology (n.d.) 8 Common Hearing Aid Issues and How to Fix Them. https://professionalaudiology.com/hearing-aid-issues-and-fixes/
