Clean your hearing aids every day with a dry cloth and remove earwax weekly
Hearing aids collect earwax, moisture, and dust from your ear canal and the air around you. A quick daily wipe with a dry, soft cloth removes surface debris and keeps the sound clear. Once a week, use the small brush or pick that came with your hearing aids to gently clear earwax from the speaker opening and microphone ports — this is the single most important maintenance task you can do, because earwax buildup is the most common reason hearing aids stop working.
Never use water, alcohol, or cleaning solutions on the hearing aid itself unless the manufacturer says it is waterproof. Most hearing aids are not. If moisture gets inside, it can damage the circuitry and battery contacts. If your hearing aids do get wet by accident, open the battery door and let them air-dry for at least 24 hours before using them again.
Store your hearing aids in their case with the battery door open when you are not wearing them. An open battery door lets moisture escape overnight and extends battery life. Keep the case in a cool, dry place — not in a bathroom where steam builds up, and not in direct sunlight or a hot car.
Key Takeaways
- Wipe your hearing aids daily with a dry cloth and use the provided brush or pick weekly to remove earwax from the speaker and microphone openings.
- Never use water or cleaning solutions on standard hearing aids; moisture inside the device can damage the electronics and battery contacts.
- Store hearing aids in their case with the battery door open to allow moisture to evaporate and to extend battery life.
- Replace the wax guard or filter every one to three months, depending on how much earwax you produce and what your hearing aid model requires.
- Have your hearing aids professionally cleaned and serviced once or twice a year, or sooner if sound quality drops or feedback starts.
Replace wax guards and filters on schedule
Most hearing aids have a small wax guard or filter that sits between your ear canal and the speaker. This guard catches earwax before it reaches the delicate internal parts. Over time it clogs and needs to be replaced. How often depends on how much earwax you naturally produce — some people need a new guard every month, others every three months.
Your hearing aid manual or the paperwork from your audiologist will tell you which type of guard your model uses and how to replace it. The process usually takes less than a minute: you pop out the old guard with a small tool, drop in a new one, and you are done. Replacement guards are inexpensive and come in packs. Ask your audiologist for extras so you always have them on hand.
If you notice the sound getting quieter or muffled, a clogged wax guard is often the reason. Try replacing it before calling for service. If the sound returns to normal, you have solved the problem yourself.
Handle batteries correctly and keep them dry
Hearing aid batteries are small and sensitive to moisture. When you open a new battery, wait about one minute before putting it in your hearing aid — this lets the zinc-air battery set up fully. Store unused batteries at room temperature in a dry place, not in the refrigerator or freezer, and not in a humid bathroom.
If a battery dies before you expect, moisture may be the cause. Make sure you are opening the battery door every night and storing the hearing aids in their case. If you live in a very humid climate or sweat a lot, consider using a hearing aid dehumidifier — a small electric device that pulls moisture out of the case overnight. These are not expensive and can add months to your battery life.
Never leave dead batteries in your hearing aids. Remove them right away so they do not leak and damage the contacts inside.
Protect your hearing aids from damage during daily wear
Hearing aids are small and fragile. Avoid dropping them, and be careful when putting them in and taking them out — do this over a soft surface like a bed or towel so if you fumble, they do not hit a hard floor. Keep them away from extreme heat and cold, which can damage the battery and electronics. Do not leave them in a hot car or near a heating vent.
If you use hairspray, explore it before you put your hearing aids in, and let it dry completely. Hairspray can clog the microphone and speaker. The same goes for other aerosol products like deodorant or insect spray. If you wear glasses, put your hearing aids in before your glasses so the earpiece does not catch and pull the hearing aid out of your ear.
If you have pets, keep your hearing aids out of reach. Dogs and cats have chewed through hearing aid tubing and damaged the casing. Store them in a closed case on a shelf or nightstand where pets cannot get to them.
Know when to get professional cleaning and repair
Once or twice a year, have your audiologist or hearing aid provider do a professional cleaning. They have tools that can reach inside the device and remove buildup you cannot get to yourself. They can also check that all the parts are working correctly and replace any components that are wearing out.
If your hearing aids start to whistle or feedback constantly, if the sound cuts out, or if one side stops working, do not wait. Call your provider. These are signs that something inside needs attention — it may be earwax, it may be a loose connection, or it may be a part that needs replacing. The sooner you get it checked, the sooner you can use them again.
Most providers offer a warranty that covers repairs for a set period, usually one to three years. Ask what your warranty covers and whether there is a fee for repairs. Some providers also offer loss and damage coverage for an extra cost, which can be worth it if you are worried about dropping or losing your hearing aids.
Troubleshoot common problems before calling for help
If your hearing aids are not working, run through these steps before you contact your provider. First, check that the battery is in correctly — the flat side should face down. If the battery is in, take it out, wait 30 seconds, and put it back in. Sometimes this resets the device. Next, replace the wax guard or filter if your model has one. Then, use the small brush to clean the microphone and speaker openings. Finally, make sure the battery door is closed all the way — a door that is not fully shut can interrupt power.
If sound is coming out but it is very quiet, the wax guard is probably clogged. If you hear feedback or whistling, the earpiece may not be seated properly in your ear, or earwax may be blocking the sound from flowing out. If one hearing aid works but the other does not, swap the batteries between them — if the problem moves to the other hearing aid, you know the battery is bad, not the device.
Write down what you tried and what happened. This information helps your provider figure out what is wrong faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I clean my hearing aids with rubbing alcohol?
No. Rubbing alcohol can damage the electronics and corrode the battery contacts. Use only a dry cloth and the brush or pick provided by your hearing aid maker. If your hearing aids are labeled waterproof or water-resistant, check the manual for the specific cleaning method the manufacturer recommends.
How long should hearing aid batteries last?
Battery life depends on the size of the battery, how many hours a day you wear your hearing aids, and how much power your hearing aids use. Most batteries last between three and ten days. Keeping the battery door open at night and storing the hearing aids in a dry case will extend battery life.
What should I do if my hearing aid gets wet?
Open the battery door when ready and remove the battery. Let the hearing aid air-dry for at least 24 hours with the battery door open. Do not try to use it while it is wet. If it still does not work after drying, contact your provider — water damage may require professional repair.
Is it normal for hearing aids to whistle?
Occasional whistling when you first put them in is normal, but constant feedback means something is wrong. The earpiece may not fit snugly, earwax may be blocking the speaker, or there may be a loose connection. Try reinserting the hearing aid, clean the speaker opening, and check that the battery door is fully closed. If whistling continues, call your provider.
Do I need to clean the tubing on behind-the-ear hearing aids?
Yes. The tubing that connects the hearing aid to the earpiece can collect earwax and moisture. Once a week, use the small brush to gently clean the outside of the tubing. If the inside gets clogged, your provider can replace the tubing or clean it with special equipment.