Wax and moisture are part of daily life for hearing aids, and a little neglected buildup can leave your devices sounding flat. A consistent hearing aid cleaning routine helps keep them working well and prevents the frustration of wax and moisture interfering with sound.
At Colonial Center for Hearing Audiology on McLaws Circle in Williamsburg, VA, audiologists Jude Liptak, Au.D., Bethany Tucker, Au.D., and Theresa Council, Au.D., can demonstrate how to care for your specific devices and explain when they need professional cleaning or maintenance. Using the right tools and methods for daily and weekly care helps maintain comfortable listening and remove buildup without making the problem worse.
Should You Clean Hearing Aids Daily, Weekly, or Both?
You should clean hearing aids both daily and weekly: a gentle inspection and wipe every day, plus a closer check about once a week. Daily care removes surface residue before it builds up around the microphone openings, earpiece, and sound outlet. Choose a consistent time, such as after taking them out at night.
Follow your model’s instructions for the weekly inspection. You may need more frequent attention if you produce a lot of earwax, perspire heavily, or spend time in humid conditions.
Wax filters, domes, and tubing have their own replacement schedules. Check them regularly and replace them as needed or as directed, rather than relying on a single universal calendar.
Professional cleaning should supplement home care. Ask Jude Liptak, Bethany Tucker, or Theresa Council how often to return based on your devices, wax buildup, and previous maintenance needs.
What Makes Cleaning Receiver-in-Canal Aids Different From Custom Ones?
Cleaning receiver-in-canal aids differs from cleaning custom ones because a receiver-in-canal model carries its speaker in the earpiece, while a custom in-the-ear device places its vents and sound outlet inside the ear. Traditional behind-the-ear hearing aids may send sound through hollow plastic tubing to a separate earmold. Some earmolds without electronics can be detached and washed if the manufacturer permits it. Keep the electronic hearing aid body out of water.
Receiver-in-canal hearing aids have a speaker inside the earpiece, connected to the behind-the-ear body by a thin wire. Wipe these components carefully and follow the specific instructions for dome and wax-filter care.
In-the-ear, in-the-canal, and completely-in-canal devices sit partly or entirely inside the ear. Their surfaces, vents, and sound outlets are exposed to wax and skin oils. Small openings require gentle handling and the appropriate cleaning tools.
If you are unsure whether an earpiece contains electronics, ask before detaching or washing it. Similar-looking parts can require different care, and your model’s instructions should guide the process.
How Should Williamsburg Patients Clean Hearing Aids Each Night?
Williamsburg patients should clean hearing aids each night by switching them off, wiping and inspecting them, brushing the microphone openings, and finishing with drying, storage, or charging. Wash and dry your hands, then work over a clean towel on a stable surface. Handle one hearing aid at a time so you can keep track of its parts. Follow these steps:
- Turn the device off using its normal controls.
- Wipe the casing and earpiece with a soft, dry cloth.
- Inspect the dome, earmold, and sound outlet for visible buildup.
- Gently brush across microphone openings, directing debris downward.
- Check charging contacts or accessible battery areas as instructed.
- Follow the recommended drying, storage, or charging routine.
Wax may be easier to brush away after drying overnight. You can complete that step the next morning if needed.
For disposable-battery models, instructions may include opening the battery compartment overnight. Rechargeable aids follow a different routine; do not try to open a sealed battery compartment.
Before wearing the aids again, check that removable earpieces are securely attached and the devices are dry.
What Extra Hearing Aid Care Does a Weekly Check Add?
A weekly check adds hearing aid care that a quick wipe misses: clearing persistent wax, replacing blocked filters, and spotting worn domes or damaged tubing. Look for stiff, cracked, or discolored tubing in particular. Damaged parts may need replacement rather than additional cleaning.
Change a wax filter when required, using the exact type specified for your device. Don’t assume every filter needs weekly replacement. Use a vent cleaner or wax loop only in the locations your audiologist has demonstrated, often during your hearing aid fitting.
If washing a detachable earmold is permitted, disconnect it as instructed, use the approved washing method, and let it and any washable tubing dry completely before reconnecting.
Inspect your charger and remove dust or residue according to its instructions. If buildup remains difficult to remove or sound stays weak, arrange professional service.
Which Cleaning Products and Tools Should Never Touch Hearing Aids?
Hearing aids should never be soaked in water, probed with sharp tools, or exposed to high heat, and most household cleaners are off-limits without your manufacturer’s approval. Do not immerse the electronic hearing aid or a speaker-containing earpiece in water. A water-resistance rating does not automatically mean the device can be washed.
Avoid household detergents, rubbing alcohol, peroxide, and other chemicals unless your manufacturer explicitly approves a particular product and method. Even a cleaner marketed for hearing aids may not suit every component. Never spray cleaner directly into openings.
Do not insert needles, pins, or improvised tools into microphone ports or sound outlets. Pushing harder can drive wax inward or damage the parts you are trying to clean.
Keep hearing aids away from hair dryers, microwaves, and other excessive heat sources. Never dismantle the casing for a deeper clean. If a part will not detach easily or you are unsure what it is, stop and ask for guidance.
Get a Cleaning Demonstration at Colonial Center for Hearing Audiology
Watching the steps on your own devices makes hearing aid care easier to manage. During an appointment, Jude Liptak, Bethany Tucker, or Theresa Council can review your hearing aids, hearing concerns, health history, and goals for comfortable daily use.
Call 757-279-7363 or send us a message to schedule a hearing aid care appointment at our Williamsburg office.