To clean hearing aids, wipe the shell daily with a dry cloth, brush the microphone ports and receiver, and replace the wax guard when sound gets weak. Do it every night before bed, and never use water, alcohol, or wipes, which damage the electronics.
Hearing aids are delicate devices that can easily malfunction if not properly taken care of. Given their role in helping people with hearing loss communicate and navigate the world around them, it is important to be familiar with how to handle them with care. If necessary, the hearing aids should be brought to a professional who is trained in how to service hearing aids.
How To Clean Hearing Aids
The best way to clean hearing aids is a short daily wipe-and-brush plus a weekly wax-guard change, all done with dry tools. Moisture and earwax cause most of the performance problems we see, so a two-minute nightly habit prevents the muffled sound and dead-out failures that send devices in for repair. Here’s the routine our audiologists teach every patient.
Your daily cleaning routine (do this at night):
- Wash and dry your hands, then take the hearing aids out over a soft towel so a drop won’t crack a shell.
- Wipe the whole device with a dry, soft cloth or a hearing-aid cleaning wipe made for electronics. Skip water, alcohol, and household disinfectant wipes, which damage the coating and internal parts.
- Brush the microphone ports and the receiver (speaker) opening with the soft brush from your care kit, holding the aid so debris falls out and away.
- Check the wax guard at the tip. If it looks clogged or sound is weak, replace it (see the weekly step below).
- Leave the battery door open, or set the aids in a drying container or dehumidifier, overnight. Rechargeable models can sit in their charging case.
Your weekly cleaning routine:
- Change the wax guard, or change it sooner the moment volume drops or sound cuts out. For a step-by-step walkthrough, read our guide on cleaning and changing hearing aid wax guards.
- For custom earmolds or domes, detach them if your model allows and wipe them down. Earmolds with tubing can be rinsed and fully air-dried; never reattach anything damp.
- Inspect the tubing and shell for cracks, discoloration, or stiffness, and note anything odd to mention at your next visit.
Tools to keep on hand:
- A soft, dry cloth and hearing-aid cleaning wipes
- The soft-bristle brush and wax-pick/loop tool from your care kit
- Replacement wax guards that match your brand and model
- A drying jar or electric dehumidifier for humid Texas months
A quick word on what not to do: water, rubbing alcohol, and baby wipes leave residue and moisture that corrode the electronics, so keep cleaning dry. If your hearing aids still sound faint after a fresh wax guard and a good brushing, that’s your cue to have them looked at rather than digging deeper yourself.
How To Service Hearing Aids: Basic Troubleshooting
Just like any electronic device, hearing aids can encounter technical problems that can affect performance.
Below are some basic troubleshooting steps you can take before taking your hearing aids to someone who is trained in how to service hearing aids.
- Check the battery: If your issue involves power, it could be due to a low power or dead battery. Replacing the battery with a fresh one usually resolves the issue.
- Check the volume controls: If the batteries are newly replaced, the issue may be with the volume controls. In some instances, the volume may be accidentally turned down.
- Dirty or blocked hearing aids: Feedback or whistling sounds may occur when earwax builds up on the device or the hearing aid is not properly inserted into the ear. Make sure the ear canal and the hearing aid are clean and free from any blockage before reinserting it.
If the above hearing aid basic troubleshooting does not work, it is time to seek professional help. An audiologist or hearing aid specialist can check and repair any technical problems with your hearing aids.
We discourage attempting to fix the device yourself, as this could only cause further damage and potentially void the warranty of the device.
When to get more help for a repair
While basic hearing aid troubleshooting can often resolve common issues, there may be instances when more extensive repairs are necessary. When this happens, it is essential to seek professional help from an audiologist or any other qualified hearing healthcare provider.
Below are some instances when you should seek professional help for hearing aid repair:
- Physical damage. Exposure to moisture or accidental drops can cause significant damage to the internal components of the hearing aid. If you notice any cracks or chips on the hearing aid casing, this can also be a sign of physical damage and should be addressed by a professional promptly.
- The hearing aid is not responding to basic troubleshooting: If the device continues to have no power, feedback, or distortion after cleaning or adjusting the volume controls, there may be a bigger or more complicated issue at hand that requires a hearing healthcare provider’s expertise.
- Significant decrease in hearing aid performance: If you notice big changes in hearing performance, such as needing to adjust the volume more frequently, difficulty hearing in noisy environments, or experiencing sound distortion, this could be a sign that the hearing aid needs to be repaired, reprogrammed, or replaced. An audiologist or hearing aid specialist can best assess the device and give recommendations for the next steps..
Preventing the Need for Hearing Aid Repairs
Taking proper care of your hearing aids can help in preventing the need for repairs and replacements.
Below are some tips to keep your hearing aids in good condition:
- Clean your hearing aid regularly: You can clean your hearing aid with a soft, dry cloth or a hearing aid cleaning kit from your audiologist. Keep dirt, wax, and other debris from polluting your device.
- Avoid using water or cleaning solutions that can damage the hearing aid.
- Keep hearing aids dry: Moisture is the number one enemy of hearing aids because it can damage the internal components and other delicate parts.
- Store hearing aids in a dry, cool place.
- Consider using a drying kit or dehumidifier to remove any moisture from your hearing aids.
- Handle your hearing aids with caution. Hearing aids are delicate devices which means that you should avoid dropping, hitting, or squishing your hearing aids. Most hearing aids come with a carrying or protective case, place your hearing device inside when not in use.
- Be careful when inserting or removing hearing aids from your ears.
- Turn off your device before removing it from your ear to avoid distortion and feedback.
By following these tips, you can help extend the life of your hearing aids and prevent the need for repairs.
Hearing Aid Cleaning Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my hearing aids?
Wipe and brush them every night, and change the wax guard weekly or whenever sound gets faint. A professional cleaning once or twice a year clears buildup you can’t reach at home.
Can I use water or alcohol to clean hearing aids?
No. Water, alcohol, and cleaning wipes damage the electronics and the protective coating. Clean with a dry cloth and a soft brush, and use only wipes labeled safe for hearing aids.
How do I know the wax guard needs changing?
Sound turns weak, muffled, or cuts out entirely, and you’ll often see wax on the guard at the tip. Swap in a fresh guard that matches your model. Our wax guard guide shows each step.
What if cleaning doesn’t fix the sound?
If a new wax guard and a good brushing don’t restore clear sound, the receiver or internal parts may need service. Bring your hearing aids to our Abilene or Brownwood office and an audiologist will diagnose it.
Hearing Aid Repair in Abilene, TX and Brownwood, TX
By properly maintaining and caring for your hearing aids, you can enjoy clear and uninterrupted hearing for many years to come. Addressing any hearing aid issues promptly can help ensure that the hearing aid is functioning appropriately, giving you the best possible hearing experience.
Abilene Audiology Co. provides professional hearing aid repair in Abilene, TX and Brownwood, TX as part of our comprehensive hearing care and audiology services.
Contact us today to book an appointment!