Hearing aids are life-changing devices for those with hearing loss and could benefit nearly 28.8 million Americans. They amplify sounds and reconnect people with loved ones. Just like any piece of technology that’s used daily, hearing aids require consistent care to ensure they continue working as intended.
Keeping your devices clean and well-maintained not only protects your devices but also sound clarity and comfort.
Why Cleaning Your Hearing Aids Matters
Because hearing aids sit either in or behind your ears, they’re constantly exposed to natural elements like earwax, moisture, body oils and dust. Over time, this exposure can clog the devices and even cause corrosion of internal components. When these parts are affected, you may notice your hearing aids aren’t performing as well, or they may even stop working altogether. By building regular cleaning and maintenance habits into your routine, you can prevent blockages, maintain sound clarity, reduce the chances of moisture damage and avoid premature repairs or replacements.
Daily Cleaning Tips
To keep your hearing aids in top condition, you should clean them at the end of each day. The tools you need, such as a small cleaning brush may be provided when you get your devices.
When cleaning daily, be sure to:
- Take out your hearing aids before applying hair spray, gels or makeup, as these substances can clog components
- Wipe down the device with a soft, dry cloth to remove skin oils and debris
- Gently brush around the microphone and receiver openings to dislodge any particles
- Inspect the sound openings for visible earwax buildup and clear it using a wax pick
- Open the battery door each night to allow moisture to escape and preserve battery life
Weekly and Monthly Maintenance
While daily cleaning handles surface-level debris, more in-depth maintenance is needed weekly or monthly to keep all components functioning smoothly. This is especially important if you wear your hearing aids for long periods or live in a humid climate.
Deeper maintenance tasks include:
- Removing and washing earmolds or domes with warm, soapy water (if your device design allows it) and drying thoroughly before reattaching
- Inspecting and replacing wax guards or filters as they become clogged
- Examining tubing (for behind-the-ear models) for signs of wear, such as cracks or discoloration
- Using a drying kit or dehumidifier overnight, especially if you exercise by walking through Leadbetter beach frequently or notice condensation inside the device
These extra steps help preserve internal electronics and ensure a longer functional lifespan.
Best Practices for Longevity
In addition to cleaning and maintenance, how you handle and store your hearing aids can affect their lifespan. Everyday precautions go a long way toward keeping your devices safe from accidental damage.
To protect your hearing aids:
- Store them in a clean, dry container when not in use, preferably in a dehumidifier case
- Keep them away from heat sources like radiators, direct sunlight or your car’s dashboard
- Avoid dropping them on hard surfaces by handling them over a soft towel
- Never use household cleaning products, alcohol or water directly on your devices
- Keep them out of reach of pets and young children, as hearing aids can be easily damaged or swallowed
Even with thorough home care, professional servicing remains an important part of hearing aid maintenance. Audiologists and hearing care specialists have tools that can clean more deeply and diagnose issues you might not notice. Schedule an appointment if you notice changes in clarity and volume, hear feedback sounds regularly or notice a sudden change in battery life.
To learn more about proper hearing aid care, contact Hearing Services of Santa Barbara to schedule an appointment today.
