How to clean your hearing aids

Hearing aids are a lifesaver for people with some degree of hearing loss. Once you know it’s it’s time to buy new hearing aids — or invest in your very first pair — one thing you may notice is the delicacy (and sometimes Dear) hearing aids are. If you think your hearing aids are beyond repair, we’ve rounded up some of the most trusted brands below to help you find your next pair. And when you’re ready to clean them, we’re here to help you get started, too.

Because hearing aid technology is complex, the cleaning tools and solutions you use are important. Buildup of earwax or moisture can damage your hearing aid over time, leading to telltale signs of damage like weakened, choppy, or distorted sound.

Your hearing aids can also cause debris to build up in the ear canal, such as bacteria or excess earwax, which can lead to health problems like irritation or even infection.

For these reasons, it is important to clean your hearing aids regularly and be sure to occasionally see a licensed audiologist or hearing specialist for professional cleaning. Check out our guide below for tips and proper tools for cleaning hearing aids.

How to clean your hearing aids

If you want your hearing aids to last a long time, it is important to clean them regularly. Many devices come with a hearing aid cleaning kit and manufacturer recommendations with tips on how to clean your hearing aid safely and effectively. Refer to these instructions first to avoid unnecessary damage or voiding your warranty. Most manufacturer warranties, like the one offered by MDHearing, do not cover damage caused by excessive moisture.

You might be tempted to use water or a damp cloth to clean your hearing aid, but we recommend sticking to cleaning solutions and tools approved for use with hearing aids. This is due to the delicate nature of these devices and the technology they contain.

Want to keep your hearing aid clean and in tip-top condition? Disinfect and wipe away wax or debris buildup with a microfiber cloth every evening. We also recommend regularly storing your hearing aid in a dehumidifier overnight to easily prevent moisture buildup.

We also recommend performing a more thorough cleaning of the hearing aids once a week. Professional cleanings performed by a licensed hearing care professional can also make daily maintenance easier and also give you the opportunity to discuss any problems or adjustments. Schedule a professional cleaning once every six months.

What are the best tools for cleaning hearing aids?

If you don’t already have a dedicated cleaning kit for your hearing aid, we’ve got you covered. There are tools you can purchase yourself – separately or as part of a hearing aid cleaning kit – to keep your devices in good condition.

Some common tools that will get the job done for most, if not all, types of quality hearing aids include:

• Hearing aid brush: Commonly found in cleaning kits, this brush is ideal for cleaning the surface of hearing aids to remove any wax, dirt or debris.
• Fine tube cleaning tool: A bit like pipe cleaners, these tools are intended to clean and dust the inside of hearing aid tubes. For smaller devices, there are small-scale NanoClean cleaners that can do the job for small tubes.
• Disinfectant spray: These products usually contain ingredients that break down wax buildup. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations before purchasing to ensure a spray solution is safe for your hearing aid.
• Wax curls: These tools can be used to clean earwax from the earpiece in the ear canal, which can block sound transmission over time.
• Microfiber cloth: This type of cloth is ideal for wiping everything down after cleaning to remove any remaining wax, dust, or debris.
• Dryers and dehumidifiers: There are a variety of drying devices you can purchase that are intended to protect hearing aids from moisture buildup. Some dryers are fully automatic and use UV lamps for quick cleaning, like the Kapak Efficient Disinfection Dryer.

How to clean different types of hearing aids

You may be wondering if there is anything specific you should do to your hearing aid based on device type you have. There are a variety of hearing aid types, from tiny, discreet devices that fit in your ear (similar to a pair of wireless headphones) to bulkier hearing aids that house all the important technology in a plastic case which wraps around the ear. .

Let’s divide it into two categories: in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids and behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids. Most hearing aids generally fall into one category or another. Here are some cleaning tips for both types.

ITE hearing aids are pretty simple: use a hearing aid brush to wipe down the outside, switch to a wax loop tool to remove any stubborn wax buildup, then finish with a thin tube cleaning tool. Thread it carefully through all the ventilation tubes. Don’t forget to take a look at your device with a microfiber cloth afterwards. Also store your hearing aid in its original case or in a dehumidifier overnight.

BTE hearing aids can be a little more involved when it comes to proper cleaning and maintenance. You should always start with a brush for the exterior of the receiver and microphone cover, followed by the wax loop. Also be sure to brush out any extra microphones that may be on the back of the hearing aid. If your hearing aid has an earmold, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning it: this will likely include a brief soak in warm, soapy water. Make sure the mold is completely dry before reassembling and using (or storing) the device.

Can I use alcohol wipes on hearing aids?

Although it may be tempting to use basic household cleaning products like alcohol wipes to clean and disinfect your hearing aid, we do not recommend doing so. Abrasive chemicals containing ammonia or bleach can damage the plastic housing, which is usually fragile. The technology inside your hearing aid is also very vulnerable to moisture, which can seep into the tiny devices from an alcohol wipe, cloth, or ill-advised spray of a chemical cleaner.