Your hearing aids work hard for you every day. They sit in or behind your ears for hours at a time, exposed to earwax, moisture, and everyday wear and tear. To keep them working their best, regular cleaning isn't optional—it's essential.
Below, you'll find an easy-to-follow guide to keeping your hearing aids clean, dry, and long-lasting. We'll cover the right tools, tips for each device style, and when it's time to ask a professional for help.
Key Takeaways
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Cleaning your hearing aids daily helps maintain sound quality and prevent buildup.
Simple tools like wax loops and drying kits can make maintenance easier.
Professional cleanings every 6 months can catch deeper issues and extend device life.
Why Cleaning Hearing Aids Matters
Hearing aids are small but powerful devices—and they operate in a less-than-ideal environment: your ears. Between earwax, humidity, and skin oils, it's easy for buildup to interfere with sound quality or even cause long-term damage.
Dirty hearing aids can lead to muffled sound, feedback (whistling), and even skin irritation. Regular care not only keeps your devices functioning properly but also protects your investment and helps you hear clearly every day. Plus, cleaning helps reduce the risk of infections that can result from worn or blocked components.
How Often Should You Clean Your Hearing Aids?
Consistent maintenance ensures your devices stay in great shape. Most hearing care professionals recommend some form of daily cleaning, even if it’s just a quick wipe-down. However, different components of your hearing aids may need attention at different intervals.
Here is a basic maintenance schedule to follow:
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Daily: Wipe the surface and check for visible wax or moisture to prevent immediate buildup.
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Weekly: Clean earwax guards and brush vents or microphone openings to ensure unobstructed sound.
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Every 3-4 weeks: Replace wax filters and inspect tubing or domes for wear or discoloration.
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Every 6 months: Schedule a professional cleaning and maintenance check for deeper care and to replace worn components.
According to a survey from the American Academy of Audiology, two-thirds of hearing aid users clean their devices daily to several times a week—a habit that correlates with longer device life and better hearing outcomes.
Essential Hearing Aid Cleaning Tools
You don’t need a high-tech setup to care for your hearing aids. In fact, some of the most effective tools are simple, affordable, and easy to use at home. Having the right tools not only makes cleaning easier but also reduces the risk of damaging your device.
Here are the most common tools used for hearing aid maintenance:
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Cleaning brush: A soft brush to gently sweep away dust, wax, and debris from the device surface and sound port. Some come with a magnet to help remove batteries.
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Wax pick or loop: A small hook-shaped tool to remove stubborn earwax from crevices around the receiver or speaker.
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Wax guards/filters: Replaceable components that protect the receiver from earwax; typically swapped every few weeks, depending on your personal wax production.
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Multi-tool: A combination tool that includes a brush, wax loop, and sometimes a magnetic battery puller. This is a convenient, all-in-one option for everyday maintenance.
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Hearing aid dehumidifier: A storage container (some with UV light) that removes moisture overnight. Ideal for humid climates or active lifestyles.
- Desiccant Drying Capsule: Its job is to suck moisture out of the hearing aid as the hearing aid charges in a container like a charging case.
Be sure to follow your manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning tools and never substitute household items that could damage your devices.
How to Clean In-the-Ear (ITE) Hearing Aids
In-the-ear models sit entirely in your ear canal, making them more prone to wax and moisture buildup. Because of their location, they require more frequent and careful cleaning.
To clean ITE hearing aids properly:
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Brush off debris using a soft-bristle brush, especially around microphone ports. Do this over a towel or soft surface to protect the device if dropped.
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Hold the device downward as you clean to let loose debris fall out instead of lodging deeper inside.
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Use a wax pick to gently remove any buildup from sound outlets and crevices. Be very careful not to push wax further in.
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Wipe the surface with a clean, dry tissue or soft cloth to remove oils or residue.
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Replace wax guards every 3-4 weeks, or sooner if wax buildup is noticeable.
ITE devices should never be exposed to water. Even mild humidity can interfere with microphone function or internal wiring.
How to Clean Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
Behind-the-ear devices have external tubing and domes or earmolds that can accumulate wax, dust, or moisture over time. These parts are sometimes detachable and should be cleaned based on whether or not they house the device's speaker.
To clean BTE hearing aids:
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Wipe the outer casing with a dry cloth daily, especially where it contacts skin.
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Clean domes with a soft cloth and replace them every 1–2 months or when they show signs of wear.
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Remove the earmold from the hook if detachable. For earmolds without speakers, rinse in warm soapy water, then dry overnight.
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Use a bulb blower to force moisture out of the tubing before reconnecting it to the device.
If the earmold contains a speaker, do not rinse it. Use only dry cleaning tools and store in a drying kit if exposed to moisture.
How to Keep Hearing Aids Dry
Moisture is one of the most common culprits behind malfunctioning hearing aids. Whether it comes from sweat, humidity, or accidental exposure to water, it can interfere with the sensitive electronics inside.
Here are some proven ways to reduce moisture exposure:
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Remove hearing aids before showering, swimming, or washing your face.
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Store them in a dry, ventilated space away from steam-heavy areas like bathrooms.
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Open battery doors overnight to allow air to circulate and dry the internal compartment (for non-rechargeable models).
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Use a dehumidifier box or drying kit overnight, especially in humid climates or for users with active lifestyles.
Moisture control is one of the most important aspects of hearing aid care. Consider UV dehumidifiers, which offer both drying and sanitizing benefits, or desiccant drying capsules.
Rechargeable Hearing Aids: Cleaning Tips
Rechargeable hearing aids are increasingly popular, and while they require less battery maintenance, regular cleaning is still important to ensure optimal performance. Because they typically dock in a charging station, it’s essential to clean both the device and the charger.
Here’s how to maintain rechargeable devices:
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Wipe down the exterior with a dry cloth before docking each night.
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Inspect microphone ports and receivers for wax or debris. Use a brush or loop if needed.
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Keep the charging station clean and dry, wiping it weekly to avoid dust and grime buildup.
Avoid inserting a wet or dirty device into the charger—doing so can cause moisture damage or reduce charging effectiveness over time.
When to Seek Professional Help
Even with diligent at-home care, some tasks are better handled by professionals. Hearing aids contain delicate components that can degrade or become misaligned with time.
It may be time for a professional cleaning if:
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Sound quality is distorted or weak, even after cleaning.
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Wax buildup continues despite filter replacement.
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You notice physical wear like cracks, clogged vents, or discoloration.
Professional services like Audicus Clean & Care go beyond surface cleaning and include full inspection, filter replacement, new batteries and domes, and express return shipping. Most providers recommend a deep clean every 6 months.
If you have questions about your specific device model, reach out to your hearing specialist for personalized guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my hearing aids?
Wipe them daily and do a more thorough cleaning weekly. Replace wax filters every 3–4 weeks and schedule professional cleanings twice a year for optimal performance.
Can I use alcohol or wipes to clean my hearing aids?
Avoid alcohol-based wipes, as they can damage the casing. Use a dry cloth or hearing-aid-specific cleaning wipes that are safe for electronics.
What happens if I get my hearing aids wet?
Dry them immediately with a soft cloth. Open battery compartments or place the device in a drying kit overnight. Avoid using heat, such as a hair dryer.
Do I need a dehumidifier for my hearing aids?
Yes, especially if you live in a humid climate, sweat frequently, or wear your devices during long days. Dehumidifiers extend the life and performance of your hearing aids.
What’s the best way to clean wax out of hearing aids?
Use a wax pick or loop tool gently. Replace wax guards regularly and be careful not to push debris further into the device.
Find the Hearing Aid That's Right For You
Need more tips or tools for better hearing aid care?
Visit our support center or browse hearing aid accessories to find everything from wax guards to dehumidifiers designed to keep your devices clean and performing their best.
