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Home ⟩ Hearing Health ⟩ How to clean hearing aids

How to clean hearing aids

Marta Silva, Professional Services Manager and Hearing Aid Dispenser at The Hearing Care Partnership. Marta Silva  |  Published 06 January 2025  | Updated 13 January 2025  | 5 mins read

An elderly grandfather carefully cleaning his hearing aids over a table.

Hearing aids are essential devices that help individuals with hearing loss improve their quality of life by restoring access to sounds and enhancing communication. However, like most technology, they require consistent maintenance to deliver clear sound and remain comfortable to wear. 

You might be wondering how to clean hearing aids, and understanding proper cleaning techniques is essential for regular maintenance, helping to prevent performance issues and costly repairs. 

Keep reading to learn more about how to clean hearing aids, from cleaning schedules to handy tips and even step-by-step instructions. 

How often should hearing aids be cleaned?

Maintaining a regular cleaning schedule is crucial for extending the lifespan of your hearing aids and ensuring they deliver the best performance.

Daily cleaning

Daily cleaning of hearing aids involves simply wiping them with a soft, dry cloth to remove dirt, sweat, or earwax and prevent build-up. Be sure to also inspect the microphone ports and sound outlets for any daily debris. 

Weekly cleaning

On a weekly basis, you can use a hearing aid cleaning kit to address wax buildup in vents or tubes and to check for signs of wear or damage, such as cracks and loose parts.

Monthly cleaning

Depending on the level of build-up, conduct a thorough deep clean monthly, or bi-monthly. Ensure that you also seek professional hearing aid maintenance from your audiologist at least once a year.

Things to keep in mind when cleaning your hearing aids

Follow these general tips step-by-step to safely clean hearing aids:

  • Utilise the tools in your hearing aid cleaning kit, such as a wax pick or soft brush, to gently clean small parts.
  • Wipe hearing aids with a soft, dry cloth. For tougher grime, use a slightly damp cloth.
  • Avoid sharp objects that could damage delicate internal components.
  • Ensure hearing aids are completely dry before reinserting.
  • Store them in your charger or in a clean, dry case when not in use.

Cleaning different hearing aid fitting styles

Each hearing aid model has unique components and specific cleaning requirements, making it essential to understand the needs of your particular device.

A collection of hearing aid maintenance tools, including cleaning brushes, wax removal tools and hearing aids.

How to clean in the ear (ITE) hearing aids

In the ear (ITE) hearing aids fit snugly in the ear canal. Although these hearing aids are desirable due to their comfort, they’re more prone to wax buildup than other types. 

Follow these general steps to clean in-the-ear hearing aids: 

  1. Gently wipe the surface of the device with a dry (not damp) cloth.
  2. Use a wax pick or a small brush to clean the vent and microphone ports carefully.
  3. Inspect for debris in the sound outlet and clean it delicately.
  4. Store the hearing aids in your charger or in a case to protect them from dust.
A Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aid connected to a custom earmold, showing the full device configuration.

How to clean behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids

Behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids are chosen due to their durability, and versatility. However, they require regular cleaning of the earmold and tubing. 

Follow these general steps on how to clean hearing aid tubes and behind-the-ear hearing aids:

  1. Detach the earmold and tubing from the hearing aid.
  2. Wash the earmold and tubing in warm, soapy water. Ensure it is not hot. 
  3. Rinse thoroughly and let dry completely.
  4. Use a specialised hearing aid cleaning wire to clear any debris from the tubing.
  5. Reattach the parts once they are dry.
  6. Store the hearing aids in a case.
A compact storage case for a Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) hearing aid, opened to show its interior.

How to clean receiver in canal (RIC) hearing aids

Receiver in canal (RIC) hearing aids feature a receiver placed internally, sitting snugly in the ear canal. As they’re connected by a thin wire, it can feel a bit daunting to clean them. 

Here’s how to clean receiver-in-canal hearing aids: 

  1. Wipe the hearing aid and receiver wire with a soft, dry cloth.
  2. Use a brush to clean the microphone openings and sound outlets.
  3. Check and replace wax guards as needed.
  4. Store them in a dehumidifier case overnight to remove moisture.

Get more out of your hearing aids with proper care

Proper care extends far beyond daily, weekly, monthly or even annual deep cleans. 

Extra tips to ensure your hearing aids remain in good condition include: 

  • Remove hearing aids before applying makeup, hair products, or sunscreen.
    These substances can clog the microphone or sound outlet, potentially affecting the device’s performance. Additionally, the oils and chemicals in these products can damage the delicate components of your hearing aids over time.
  • Always dry your ears thoroughly before inserting hearing aids.
    Moisture trapped in your ears can seep into the hearing aids, potentially leading to malfunctions or damage to the internal components. Damp ears are also a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to ear infections. By ensuring your ears are completely dry before inserting your hearing aids, you protect both your hearing health and your hearing aid.
  • Remove hearing aids before swimming, showering, or using a sauna.
    Water can cause significant damage to hearing aids. Even waterproof or water-resistant models are not designed for prolonged exposure to water, especially in high-moisture environments like saunas or steam rooms.

Schedule regular check-ups with your audiologist.
Regular check-ups with your audiologist are essential for maintaining the performance and durability of your hearing aids. During these visits, the audiologist can perform a professional cleaning, check for any signs of wear or damage, and ensure the settings are optimised for your hearing needs. It’s the perfect chance to also address any concerns you may have and make adjustments as necessary.

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your hearing aids are essential to ensure they remain reliable, comfortable, and perform at their best. 

If you’re unsure about any aspect of cleaning your hearing aids or need professional assistance, the audiologists at The Hearing Care Partnership are always ready to help. Find your nearest hearing centre for expert guidance, or book a free hearing aid review today to keep your devices in top shape and enjoy uninterrupted hearing support.