Daily cleaning keeps your hearing aids working and prevents ear infections
Hearing aids collect earwax, moisture, and dust every day you wear them. A few minutes of daily cleaning prevents buildup that can block sound, damage the speaker, or cause feedback. You do not need special tools — a soft cloth, a wax pick, and a brush usually come with your hearing aids, and that is all you need.
The goal is to wipe away visible debris and clear the sound outlet and microphone openings. Most people can do this at home without sending the hearing aids away. If you notice corrosion, a cracked case, or sound that does not improve after cleaning, contact your hearing aid provider or audiologist.
Key Takeaways
- Clean your hearing aids every evening with the soft cloth that came with them, wiping the case and removing any visible earwax.
- Use the wax pick or brush to clear the sound outlet and microphone openings, which are the most common places debris blocks sound.
- Never use water, alcohol, or cleaning solutions on hearing aids unless the manufacturer says they are waterproof — moisture damages the electronics.
- Store your hearing aids in the case with the battery door open overnight so moisture can evaporate and batteries can rest.
- Replace the wax filter or dome every one to three months, or sooner if you notice reduced sound or feedback.
What to clean and how often
The parts that need cleaning most often are the sound outlet (the opening where sound comes out into your ear), the microphone openings (usually on the back or side of the hearing aid), and the case itself. Earwax and dust collect in these spots and reduce how well the hearing aid works.
Clean the case and exterior every evening with the soft cloth. Wipe gently in all directions to remove earwax, skin oils, and dust. Then use the wax pick or brush to clear the sound outlet — insert the pick gently into the opening and rotate it to dislodge any wax, then brush it away. Do the same for the microphone openings. This takes about two minutes and prevents most problems.
If your hearing aids have a wax filter or dome (a small piece that sits in the sound outlet), check it daily and replace it when it looks discolored or clogged. Most hearing aid providers give you replacement filters at your appointment, or you can order them from the manufacturer. Replacement usually costs between five and fifteen dollars per filter.
Tools you need and where to find them
Your hearing aid case should include a cleaning kit with a soft cloth, a wax pick (a small tool with a loop or hook at one end), and a brush. If you have lost these, ask your hearing aid provider for replacements — they are usually free or cost a few dollars.
Do not use paper towels, tissues, or cloth napkins, because they can leave fibers behind. Do not use toothpicks, needles, or other sharp objects, because they can scratch the case or damage the speaker. Stick to the tools that came with your hearing aids.
If you wear behind-the-ear hearing aids with a tube, you may also need a tube cleaning tool — a small wire or brush designed to clear the tube without damaging it. Your audiologist can show you how to use it, or you can watch a video on the manufacturer's website.
What not to do: moisture and chemicals
The most common mistake is cleaning hearing aids with water or cleaning solutions. Water and moisture damage the electronics inside, even if the hearing aid looks fine afterward. The damage often shows up days or weeks later as crackling sound, no sound at all, or feedback that will not stop.
Never soak your hearing aids, rinse them, or use alcohol, vinegar, or household cleaners. If your hearing aids are not waterproof (check your manual or ask your provider), do not expose them to any liquid at all. Even waterproof hearing aids should be dried with a soft cloth, not rinsed.
If your hearing aids do get wet by accident, remove the batteries right away and leave the case open overnight. Do not try to use them until they have dried completely — usually 24 hours. If they still do not work after drying, contact your hearing aid provider.
Storage and overnight care
Every night, place your hearing aids in their case with the battery door open. This lets moisture evaporate and gives the batteries a rest. Do not store them in the bathroom, where humidity is high, or in a car, where heat can damage them.
If you live in a very humid climate or sweat heavily, consider a drying container — a small case with silica gel or another drying agent that pulls moisture out of the air. These cost between fifteen and fifty dollars and can extend the life of your hearing aids by preventing corrosion inside.
Never leave your hearing aids on a windowsill, near a heater, or in direct sunlight. Heat warps the plastic case and damages the battery. Keep them in a cool, dry place — a bedroom nightstand is ideal.
When to replace filters, domes, and tubes
Wax filters and domes are replaceable parts that wear out and should be changed regularly. If you notice reduced sound, feedback, or a filter that looks dark or clogged, replace it. Most people need a new filter every one to three months, depending on how much earwax they produce.
Tubes on behind-the-ear hearing aids can crack, discolor, or become stiff over time. If the tube looks yellow or brittle, or if sound is muffled even after cleaning, ask your audiologist to replace it. Tube replacement usually costs between twenty and fifty dollars and takes a few minutes.
Your hearing aid provider can show you how to replace filters and domes yourself, or they can do it for you at an appointment. If you are not sure whether something needs replacing, bring your hearing aids to your next visit and ask.
Signs your hearing aids need professional service
If cleaning does not fix the problem, your hearing aids may need professional service. Contact your hearing aid provider or audiologist if you notice crackling or distorted sound that does not go away after cleaning, no sound from one or both hearing aids, feedback that will not stop even after cleaning the microphone, or visible cracks, corrosion, or damage to the case.
Also contact them if the battery door is stuck, the volume control does not work, or the hearing aid feels loose in your ear. These are signs of wear or damage that you cannot fix at home. Most providers offer repair or replacement under warranty, depending on how old your hearing aids are and what caused the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I clean my hearing aids with a damp cloth?
No. Use only a dry soft cloth. Even a damp cloth can push moisture into the electronics and cause damage that may not show up for days. If your hearing aids are waterproof, check your manual for the manufacturer's cleaning instructions — some allow a slightly damp cloth, but most do not.
How do I clean the tube on behind-the-ear hearing aids?
Use the tube cleaning tool that came with your hearing aids — a small wire or brush designed for this purpose. Insert it gently into the tube and rotate it to loosen any wax or debris, then blow through the tube to clear it. Never use water or soak the tube. If the tube is cracked or stiff, ask your audiologist to replace it.
What should I do if my hearing aid gets wet?
Remove the battery when ready and leave the case open overnight to dry. Do not try to use the hearing aid until it has dried completely — usually 24 hours. If it still does not work after drying, contact your hearing aid provider. Some providers offer accidental damage coverage that may cover water damage.
How often should I replace the wax filter?
Most people need a new filter every one to three months. If you produce a lot of earwax or notice reduced sound or feedback, replace it sooner. Your hearing aid provider can show you how to do this yourself, or they can replace it at your appointment.
Can I use rubbing alcohol to clean my hearing aids?
No. Alcohol can damage the electronics and the plastic case. Use only the soft cloth and wax pick that came with your hearing aids. If you need to disinfect them, ask your hearing aid provider what method is safe for your specific model.