The Importance of Regular Hearing Aid Maintenance and Cleaning

Like all devices, hearing aids require regular cleaning and maintenance. These little devices work in a lot of different conditions which are not the most ideal for electronics, like inside of your ear canal where there is wax and moisture. Regular cleaning is needed to ensure longevity and proper function and performance. During your fitting appointment, your audiologist will teach you how to maintain your hearing aid, which includes regular and professional cleaning, to keep them working for as long as possible. There are a few different areas of the hearing aid to clean.

Here is how you can maintain your hearing aids regularly:

• Wiping down the body of the hearing aid and the ear moulds: custom hearing aids or the mould or domes of Behind the Ear (BTE) style hearing aids can be wiped with a dry cloth or tissue. Detachable moulds on a BTE can be taken off and wiped and soaked in soapy water (remember to make sure the mould is completely dry before putting it back on). Some hearing aid models are coated with a hydrophobic layer that is sensitive to alcohol, so for these models it is important not to wipe with an alcohol or chemical wipe or water which may potentially damage the hearing aids.
• Brushing the Microphones: sometimes wax and dust can block the microphone ports on the hearing aids, and this can cause the hearing aid sound quality to reduce and become softer. This can be prevented by cleaning the microphone ports with a cleaning brush.
• Changing wax filters/guard and domes (every 3 months or less): wax filters and domes sit within the ear canal so they are more prone to wax blockages and debris getting stuck in them. If the wax filters and domes get clogged with wax, it can block sound entering the hearing aid and cause the hearing aid to stop working. To change the wax filter and dome, take off the dome first and change the wax filter, and replace a new dome on the hearing aid. It is good to change the wax filters and dome regularly to ensure that the hearing aids are producing a good level of sound in your ears, as wax blockages can reduce the sound output of the hearing aid and may sometimes cause feedback to occur.
• Battery: If you have battery hearing aids it is good to make sure the contact point where the battery is clean and dust free so your hearing aid can keep working well. Similar with the contact point with the rechargeable hearing aids to the charger, make sure to keep that area clean. You can brush this area with the cleaning tools/brush.
• Dry Caps/Dehumidifier: as hearing aids are electronic devices and not waterproof, excess moisture and humidity can damage the hearing aids, especially if it gets into the device internally. If you get the hearing aid wet, it is important to wipe the hearing aids dry and allow the hearing aid to dry for 48 hours in a container with dry caps or in a dehumidifier before turning it on again so that the electronics inside do not get ruined. Alternatively, it is good to keep the hearing aids in the container with dry caps or a dehumidifier at least weekly to keep the hearing aids dry so that they will last longer.

Essential Tips for Hearing Aid Care and Maintenance: A Complete Guide

Proper maintenance of your hearing aids is crucial for their longevity and performance. Whether you’re new to hearing aids or a long-time user, these simple care tips will help protect your investment and ensure optimal sound quality.

1. Establish a Daily Cleaning Routine
Make hearing aid maintenance part of your nightly routine. Set aside a few minutes each evening when removing your devices to perform basic cleaning and maintenance tasks. This consistent habit helps prevent wax buildup and extends the life of your hearing aids.

2. Protect Against Moisture Damage
While most modern hearing aids are water-resistant, they are not waterproof. To prevent water damage:

• Remove hearing aids before showering or swimming
• Keep them away from hair products and facial creams
• Avoid using alcohol-based wipes or chemical cleaners
• Use a dehumidifier case overnight if you live in a humid climate

3. Store Safely When Not in Use
Protect your investment by:

• Using the original charging case or storage container
• Keeping aids away from heat sources and direct sunlight
• Storing them out of reach of children and pets
• Placing them in a consistent location to avoid misplacement

4. Practice Good Hygiene
Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before:

• Handling your hearing aids
• Performing cleaning procedures
• Inserting or removing devices

5. Use Professional Cleaning Tools
Invest in proper cleaning supplies designed specifically for hearing aids:

• Soft-bristled cleaning brush
• Wax pick or loop
• Microfiber cleaning cloth
• Specialised cleaning solutions recommended by your audiologist

Tip: Schedule regular professional cleanings with your hearing care provider to maintain optimal performance and catch potential issues early.

Professional cleaning can be done by your audiologist, such as retubing hearing aids, additional cleaning of molds to get hard wax, out of molds, vents and microphones of the hearing aid, and replacing components of the hearing aids, such as receivers to make sure that all the components are functioning properly. If your hearing aids are not working, the first step to take is to clean your hearing aids to make sure everything is functioning adequately.

By performing regular maintenance, you can help to extend the life of your hearing aids and keep them working efficiently for as long as possible. If you are ever unsure how to clean or maintain your hearing aids, always ask the front of house receptionist or your audiologist for help.

Hearing Aid Support from Knox Audiology

At Knox Audiology our team of university-qualified and experienced audiologists are committed to helping you prepare for the festive season. We provide trusted, friendly, and professional hearing services tailored to your unique needs. To learn more, don’t hesitate to reach out to us, call 03 9800 5697 or book online.