Clean hearing aids work better and last longer. A few minutes of care each day keeps wax and moisture from clogging the parts that carry sound, so your devices stay clear and reliable. Here is how to clean and care for your hearing aids at home, and when to bring them to our Wapakoneta and Sidney, OH offices for a professional cleaning.
Your Daily Hearing Aid Cleaning Routine
Make this a habit, ideally at the end of the day when you take your hearing aids out:
- Wipe each hearing aid with a dry, soft cloth to remove wax, oil, and sweat. Never use water, alcohol, or cleaning wipes.
- Check the wax guard and the small openings for buildup, and brush them gently with the soft brush that came with your devices.
- Open the battery door overnight, or set rechargeable aids in their charger, so moisture can escape.
- Store them in a dry, safe spot away from pets and small children.
Your Weekly Hearing Aid Care Routine
- Replace the wax guard if sound is weak or muffled, following your model instructions.
- Check the domes or earmolds for wax and replace domes when they look worn or discolored.
- Use a drying kit or dehumidifier overnight if you live in a humid space or sweat a lot.
What to Avoid
A few simple rules protect your investment:
- Do not rinse hearing aids under water or drop them in cleaning solution.
- Do not use sharp objects to dig out wax, which can damage the microphone or receiver.
- Keep them away from heat, hair spray, and lotions.
- Take them out before showering, swimming, or using a hair dryer.
How to Clean Hearing Aids by Style
Cleaning steps vary depending on the type of hearing aid you wear. Using the wrong technique for your style can damage delicate components.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) and Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids
These styles have two parts to clean: the main body and the dome or earmold that sits in your ear canal.
Wipe the body with a dry cloth each night. Use the small brush to clear the microphone ports at the top of the device — this is where wax most commonly blocks sound. Remove the dome or earmold and inspect it separately. Domes can be wiped clean or replaced; earmolds can be washed with mild soap and warm water, but must be fully dry before reattaching to the receiver. Never let water contact the electronic body of the device.
In-the-Ear (ITE) and In-the-Canal (ITC) Hearing Aids
These sit directly in the ear canal, which means they collect more wax. Clean them face-down so any loose wax falls away from the opening rather than deeper into the device. Use your brush on the microphone and receiver ports, then follow with a wax pick to clear any debris the brush misses. Replace the wax guard on schedule — for most patients, every two to four weeks — or sooner if sound becomes weak or muffled.
How to Handle Moisture Damage
Moisture is the most common cause of hearing aid failure. Sweat, humidity, and condensation build up inside devices over time, corroding the electronics and degrading sound quality.
A drying kit solves this. Place your hearing aids in a drying container or electronic dehumidifier each night. Most drying kits use a desiccant capsule that draws moisture out of the device while you sleep. Electronic dehumidifiers use gentle heat and UV light for a deeper result. Replace desiccant capsules every one to two months, or when they change color.
If your hearing aids get wet — dropped in a sink or caught in rain — remove the batteries immediately, leave the battery door open, and place them in a drying kit overnight. Do not use a microwave, oven, or hair dryer to speed the process. Bring them to Auglaize and Sidney Audiology the next day if they still sound distorted or cut out.
Tools Every Hearing Aid Owner Should Have
A basic cleaning kit costs less than $15 and extends the life of devices worth thousands. The tools that matter:
- Soft-bristle brush — clears wax from microphone and receiver ports without scratching
- Wax pick or wire loop — removes compacted wax the brush cannot reach
- Wax guards — replaceable filters that protect the receiver; your audiologist can show you which type fits your model
- Drying kit or dehumidifier — removes overnight moisture accumulation
- Dry cloth or microfiber cloth — for daily surface wipe-downs; never paper towels, which shed fibers
If you are not sure which tools are compatible with your specific devices, ask at your next appointment. Our team stocks cleaning kits and wax guards for the brands we fit.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing Aid Cleaning
How often should hearing aids be cleaned?
Hearing aids need a quick wipe-down and brush every day. A deeper clean — checking domes, replacing wax guards, and using a drying kit — is a weekly task. Professional cleaning at an audiology clinic is recommended two to four times per year, or any time sound quality drops noticeably.
Can I use alcohol wipes or hand sanitizer to clean my hearing aids?
No. Alcohol degrades the plastic casing, seals, and tubing on hearing aids over time. It can also strip protective coatings on the microphone and receiver. Use only a dry cloth for surface cleaning. Some manufacturers sell hearing aid-specific cleaning sprays, but confirm compatibility with your model before using any liquid product.
What happens if I don’t clean my hearing aids regularly?
Wax and moisture accumulate in the microphone and receiver openings, reducing sound output and clarity. Left unaddressed, buildup causes permanent receiver damage — one of the most common and costly repairs in hearing aids. Regular cleaning prevents the majority of avoidable repairs and extends device lifespan by several years.
When to Come in for a Professional Cleaning
Even with good home care, hearing aids benefit from a professional cleaning a few times a year. Bring them to Auglaize Audiology in Wapakoneta or Sidney, OH if they sound weak, cut out, or feel blocked, and we will deep-clean the parts you cannot reach and check that everything is working. There is no charge to have your devices looked at, and most cleanings take just a few minutes.
