How to Clean Your Hearing Aids

Let’s talk hearing-aid hygiene. Regular cleanings are a must for those using hearing devices (goodbye, wax and debris!) and the technique is simple. Your doctor should go over basic hygiene techniques when you get a new hearing aid, whether you’re using a traditional style or an earmold. But here’s our handy cheat-sheet reminder on how to clean hearing aids.

For standard hearing aids:

1. 1. Remove the hearing aid from your ear, and check for wax.
   2. Remove any wax buildup with a wax pick.
   3. Clean the outside with a soft cloth.
   4. Take your battery out, brush off any debris with a hearing-aid brush, and clean the battery holder.
   5. Return the battery and close its compartment. You’re done!

For earmold styles:

1. 1. 1. Remove the hearing aid from your ear, and check for wax.
      2. Remove any wax buildup with a wax pick.
      3. It’s time to take things apart: Take the earmold off the hook by twisting the tube where the two parts connect and carefully pulling.
      4. Wash your earmold in soapy water, and rinse clean.
      5. Put a hearing-aid tube blower on the end of the tube, and then squeeze the blower to send water out of the tube.
      6. Let the tube dry overnight, and reconnect it.
      7. Take your battery out, brush off any debris with a hearing-aid brush, and clean the battery holder.
      8. Return the battery and close its compartment. You guessed it…you’re done.

Along with good hearing-aid hygiene, remember to treat your ears themselves well. Never clean out earwax with cotton swabs — if you notice that excessive wax buildup is causing problems for your ears or your hearing aid, you can look into over-the-counter cleaning kits with wax softeners. Just don’t overuse those kits, or your ears could wind up itchy.

From our own Jessica B. Gordon, Director of Audiology:

Routine care of your hearing aids not only maintains optimal sound quality but also increases their life span.  Remember to clean them of wax and other debris daily!

If you have questions about cleaning your hearing aid, be sure to give us a call. Hearing aids are an important investment, and treating them right can help them work to their best potential for years to come.