Hearing aids are powerful tools that can dramatically improve your quality of life. But to work properly, they need consistent care. One of the most common issues affecting hearing aid performance is earwax buildup. Even small amounts of wax can block sound, reduce clarity, or damage sensitive components.
Thankfully, maintaining your devices isn’t complicated. In this guide, we’ll walk you through five easy steps to keep your hearing aids clean and functioning at their best.
To clean your hearing aids safely and effectively, it’s important to use the right tools. A high-quality hearing aid cleaning kit should include:
· A soft-bristle cleaning brush
· A wax loop or pick
· Cleaning cloth or wipes
· A vent cleaner or blower
· Replacement wax guards or filters
Avoid using household items like tissues, paper towels, or pins—these can cause damage. Instead, purchase a proper kit from a hearing care provider. Many audiology offices carry reliable kits designed specifically for delicate hearing aid components.
Pro Tip: Make cleaning your hearing aids part of your nightly routine. Just like brushing your teeth, a few minutes of maintenance can prevent long-term issues.
Use a well-lit area to inspect your hearing aids. Look closely at the microphone ports and sound outlets for any signs of wax, dirt, or debris.
· Use the small brush to gently sweep away loose particles.
· For hardened wax, use the wax loop or pick to lift debris without pushing it further inside.
· Be especially careful around microphone and speaker areas—these are easy to damage.
If you’re unsure about removing buildup or feel like you're forcing anything, it’s best to stop and consult a professional.
If your hearing aids come with detachable tubing or earmolds, they’ll also need routine cleaning.
· Carefully detach the tubing or earmold from the main unit.
· Rinse with warm, soapy water—just make sure no electronics come into contact with liquid.
· Use an air blower or vent cleaner to clear out moisture and wax from inside the tubing.
· Let everything dry completely before reattaching it to the device.
Important: Never use alcohol, harsh soaps, or cleaning agents not designed for hearing aids. These can degrade the materials and cause premature wear.
Modern hearing aids often include wax filters or guards that protect the receiver from buildup. Over time, these filters become clogged and need to be replaced.
· Locate the wax filter, typically found at the sound outlet.
· Remove the old one using the tool that came with your replacement filters.
· Insert the new filter carefully, making sure it’s secure.
Replacing wax guards every month or two helps maintain sound quality and extends the life of your hearing aid.
Once your device is clean and reassembled, do a quick quality check:
· Turn the device on and test sound clarity.
· Make sure all parts are properly connected and fit comfortably in your ear.
· Listen for any distortion, muffling, or low volume.
If issues persist despite proper cleaning, it may be time to schedule a professional hearing aid tune-up.
Regular cleaning not only improves sound clarity but also protects your investment. Hearing aids are sophisticated medical devices, and neglecting maintenance can lead to expensive repairs or reduced performance.
By following these five simple steps, you can keep your hearing aids in top shape and enjoy better, clearer hearing every day.
Need Help with Maintenance?
If you need professional assistance or are looking for wax guard replacements, visit the experts at Roger Clark Hearing. Their team offers personalized care, device check-ups, cleaning supplies, and wax removal services tailored to your specific hearing needs.