Keeping your hearing aids clean is one of the easiest ways to ensure they work well and last longer. Because hearing aids sit in or behind your ears, they naturally come into contact with earwax, moisture, and dust, which can affect sound quality or even damage the device over time.
In this guide, VR Speech and Hearing Clinic explains how and when to clean your hearing aids, which tools to use, and why regular maintenance is essential.
Why Is Cleaning Hearing Aids Important?
Regular cleaning keeps your hearing aids functioning properly. Earwax, sweat, or dust buildup can:
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Block sound and reduce clarity
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Cause feedback (whistling)
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Damage internal components
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Shorten the lifespan of your hearing aids
A few minutes of care each day can prevent these problems and ensure optimal hearing performance.
How Often Should You Clean Your Hearing Aids?
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Daily: After a full day of use, gently wipe your hearing aids with a soft, dry cloth to remove moisture, oils, and wax.
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Weekly: Perform a deeper clean using specialized tools from a hearing aid cleaning kit. Avoid alcohol wipes or household cleaners—they can damage delicate components.
Essential Tools for Cleaning Hearing Aids
A good cleaning kit can make maintenance simple and effective:
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Soft-bristled brush: Removes dust and wax from the device exterior without scratching.
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Wax pick or loop: Clears stubborn wax from small openings.
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Vent cleaner: Keeps vents in in-the-ear devices free from blockages.
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Multitool: Many kits combine a brush, pick, and magnet for handling batteries.
Ask your hearing care provider for trusted cleaning kits or purchase reliable options online.
Cleaning Hearing Aid Domes
For open-fit or receiver-in-canal (RIC) devices, dome cleaning is crucial:
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Gently remove the dome from the slim tube or receiver wire.
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Use a lint-free cloth or soft brush to remove wax and debris.
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Reattach the dome securely.
Tip: Replace domes every 3–6 months, or sooner if they become discolored or stiff.
Using a Hearing Aid Dehumidifier
Moisture is one of the biggest threats to hearing aids. A dehumidifier helps remove trapped moisture, extending device life.
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Remove the batteries and open the battery door before placing devices inside.
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Both electric and non-electric models are available; some even use UV light for added sanitation.
Extra Tips for Cleaning
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Turn your hearing aids upside down during cleaning to let debris fall out.
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Never poke the microphone or receiver openings with sharp objects.
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Wash your hands before cleaning.
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Replace wax guards every 1–2 months or when blocked.
Professional Hearing Aid Cleaning
Even with daily care, a professional cleaning every few months is recommended. Audiologists can:
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Remove wax from internal components
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Clean microphones and receivers
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Restore optimal performance
If your hearing aids sound quieter, distorted, or stop working, wax buildup could be the cause—professional cleaning often resolves this.
TIP: Many clinics, including VR Speech and Hearing Clinic, offer free in-office cleaning every 6 months.
What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Hearing Aids?
Skipping cleaning can lead to:
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Reduced sound quality
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Feedback or whistling
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Shortened device lifespan
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Possible permanent damage
Regular cleaning protects your investment and keeps your hearing aids performing at their best.
Take Better Care of Your Hearing Aids Today
Adding a hearing aid cleaning routine to your day only takes a few minutes, but it makes a big difference. Ask your audiologist at VR Speech and Hearing Clinic for recommended cleaning tools, kits, and professional maintenance tips to keep your devices working perfectly.
📍 Visit us: Pune | Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar | Ahmednagar
📞 Call: 9112717179
Clean hearing aids = clear hearing every day!