Spring Cleaning Your Hearing Aids
If you wear hearing aids, you already know how much of a difference they can make in your daily life. But like any small device, they need a little care to keep performing well. After regular hearing checks and programming updates, the biggest thing that affects how they work is cleanliness.
Here’s a simple, practical guide to keeping your hearing aids clean so they continue to sound clear and feel comfortable.
Keeping your hearing aids clean helps them work their best
Why Cleaning Matters
Hearing aids sit in a warm, moist environment (your ear canal), and over time they can collect:
Earwax
Skin oils
Moisture
Dust and debris
All of these can build up and cause sound to become muffled or completely blocked. These problems are usually preventable with regular cleaning.
The Daily Cleaning Routine
Think of this as your hearing aid “quick wipe” - something you can do in just a minute each day.
Wipe down the entire device with a clean, dry cloth or tissue
Avoid using water or cleaning solutions unless your audiologist has recommended one specifically for your hearing aids
Store them in a dry place overnight (a dehumidifier is great if you have one, but if not - just don’t store them in the bathroom!)
Monthly (Or Weekly) Cleaning Tasks
Once a month, do a deeper clean. You might even need to do this weekly if wax builds up in your ears quickly or if you work somewhere with a lot of dust and debris. This will help prevent wax buildup and keep sound clear.
What to check:
Wax guards (the small white or yellow filter where sound comes out)
Domes (the little silicone tips on the end of the hearing aid)
Vents (for custom earpieces)
What to do:
Replace wax guards if they look dirty or sound muffled
Change domes regularly (unless you have custom earpieces)
Clean vents if you have custom earpieces
Common Cleaning Mistakes
❌ Using water or cleaning solutions
Moisture can damage the electronics. Stick to a dry cloth unless otherwise instructed.
❌ Poking around inside the device
Avoid using sharp objects, as you can accidentally push wax further in or damage the speaker.
❌ Skipping regular checks
A little buildup may not seem like a big deal at first, but it can affect sound quality quickly.
When to Ask for Help
If your hearing aids:
sound muffled
have whistle or feedback
feel uncomfortable
seem quieter than usual
…it’s probably time for a professional clean and check. Sometimes a quick service visit can make a big difference.
Need a Hand with Cleaning?
If you’re not sure how to clean your hearing aids, or you just don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, we’re always here to help. We can walk you through the process or schedule a quick cleaning appointment. Click here to set up an appointment.
Keeping your hearing aids clean doesn’t need to be complicated, but it can make a big difference in how well they work and how comfortable they feel.
