How to Clean and Maintain Your Hearing Aids (Step-by-Step Guide)

Hearing aids are small, sophisticated devices that sit in one of the dirtiest environments on your body - your ear canal. Earwax, moisture, dust and skin oils build up on them every single day.

The good news? A few minutes of care each day can dramatically extend the life of your devices and keep them sounding clear.

This step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about how to clean hearing aids properly, plus the longer-term hearing aid maintenance habits that prevent faults, feedback and costly repairs.

Why Hearing Aid Maintenance Matters

Hearing aids are exposed to conditions most electronics never face: body heat, humidity, sweat and earwax.

Without regular cleaning, you may notice:

•       Muffled, quiet or distorted sound

•       Whistling or feedback

•       Intermittent cut-outs

•       Faster battery drain

•       Shorter overall lifespan of the device

Most of these issues are not faults - they are a sign the device needs cleaning. If you're new to hearing aids, it helps to understand the technology behind them first: How Do Hearing Aids Work? A Simple UK Guide for First-Time Users.

What You'll Need to Clean Your Hearing Aids

Keep a small cleaning kit in a safe, dry spot at home. You'll typically need:

•       A soft, dry cloth or microfibre cloth

•       A cleaning brush (usually supplied with your hearing aids)

•       A wax pick or wire loop

•       Spare wax guards (filters) suited to your model

•       Spare domes or tips if you wear RIC or BTE devices

•       A drying container or electronic dehumidifier (especially useful in humid weather or if you're active)

Important: never use water, alcohol, baby wipes, household cleaners or solvents on your hearing aids. These can damage the microphones, receiver and internal electronics.

How to Clean Hearing Aids: A Daily Step-by-Step Routine

The best time to clean your hearing aids is at night, when you take them out. Here's a simple daily routine that takes just a couple of minutes.

Step 1: Wash and Dry Your Hands

Always start with clean, dry hands. Hand cream, oils and moisture transfer easily onto the device and can clog openings.

Step 2: Wipe the Shell

Use a soft, dry cloth to gently wipe the body of the hearing aid. This removes sweat, skin oils and general dust from the casing.

Step 3: Brush the Microphone and Receiver Openings

Hold the hearing aid with the openings pointing downwards so debris falls away, not inwards. Use the small brush from your cleaning kit to gently sweep across:

•       The microphone ports (usually on the top or side of the hearing aid)

•       The receiver opening (where sound comes out)

•       Any vent openings

Never push the brush into the openings — brush gently across the surface.

Step 4: Check and Change the Wax Guard

Wax guards are tiny filters that sit in the receiver to stop earwax reaching the electronics. They are the most common cause of a hearing aid that has suddenly gone quiet.

Check yours weekly. If it looks blocked, discoloured or if sound is muffled, swap it for a new one using the replacement tool provided with your wax guard pack. If you're unsure which wax guards your device uses, we can confirm this at your next appointment.

Step 5: Inspect the Dome or Earmould

The dome (the soft silicone tip) or custom earmould should be checked for wax, debris and any splits or tears. Wipe it with a dry cloth. Domes should typically be replaced every one to three months, depending on wax production and use.

Step 6: Store Them Correctly Overnight

Open the battery door (if your aids use disposable batteries) to let any moisture escape and preserve battery life. Place your hearing aids in their case, a drying pot or an electronic dehumidifier — away from direct heat, radiators and pets.

For rechargeable hearing aids, simply place them in their charger.

Weekly and Monthly Hearing Aid Maintenance

Alongside daily cleaning, a deeper check once a week keeps things running smoothly.

Weekly Checks

•       Inspect domes and tubing for cracks, stiffness or discolouration

•       Clear any visible wax from the receiver area with a wax pick

•       Wipe the charger contacts with a dry cloth (for rechargeable aids)

•       Test that both hearing aids sound equally clear and balanced

Monthly Checks

•       Replace wax guards and domes as needed

•       Check battery performance - if disposable batteries are lasting noticeably less time than usual, mention it at your next visit

•       Use a drying pot or dehumidifier overnight to remove any built-up moisture

•       Book a professional clean if you haven't had one in the last six months

Looking After Rechargeable Hearing Aids

Rechargeable hearing aids are increasingly popular because they remove the fiddle of tiny batteries, but they have their own maintenance quirks:

•       Keep the charging contacts clean and dry - a soft cloth is all you need

•       Don't leave the charger in direct sunlight or next to heat sources

•       Use only the charger supplied with your device

•       If your aids don't seat properly in the charger, check for wax or debris on the contact points

Lithium-ion batteries in rechargeable hearing aids generally last several years before they start to lose capacity. If you notice a full charge isn't getting you through the day the way it used to, it may be time for a battery service.

Moisture: The Hidden Enemy of Hearing Aids

Moisture is one of the biggest causes of hearing aid faults. Sweat from exercise, humid weather, steam from cooking or showering, and simple condensation can all affect performance.

To protect your devices:

•       Remove hearing aids before showering, bathing or swimming

•       Take them out before applying hairspray, perfume or sun cream

•       Dry them thoroughly after a sweaty workout

•       Use a drying pot or electronic dehumidifier overnight, especially in warmer months

Looking after your hearing aids is just one side of protecting your hearing health. Everyday listening habits matter too — see our guide to Safe Listening Tips for Everyday Life.

Common Hearing Aid Problems and Quick Fixes

Before assuming your hearing aid is faulty, run through these quick checks. Most issues can be solved at home.

No Sound or Very Quiet

•       Replace the wax guard

•       Check the dome for blockage

•       Replace or recharge the battery

•       Make sure the volume hasn't been accidentally turned down

Whistling or Feedback

•       Check the dome or earmould is fitted correctly

•       Inspect for a cracked or worn dome

•       Check for wax in the ear canal — excess earwax can cause feedback

Distorted or Crackly Sound

•       Wipe the microphone area with a dry brush

•       Replace the battery

•       Dry the hearing aid overnight in a dehumidifier

Hearing Aid Won't Turn On

•       For disposable batteries: check the battery is inserted the correct way up

•       For rechargeable aids: make sure the charger is plugged in and the contacts are clean

•       Try the charger with the other hearing aid to rule out a charger issue

If the problem doesn't resolve, bring your hearing aids in for a professional check. Many issues are simple to fix in clinic.

When to Book a Professional Hearing Aid Service

We generally recommend a professional service every six months. A full service goes further than home cleaning and includes:

•       Deep cleaning with specialist tools

•       Performance testing of microphones and receivers

•       Replacement of worn tubing, domes and filters

•       Fine-tuning of the settings to match any changes in your hearing

If your hearing has changed, a service visit is also a good time for a retest. Not sure what that involves? Here's what to expect: How to Prepare for Your First Hearing Test in the UK.

Hearing Aid Care Do's and Don'ts

Do

•       Clean them every evening

•       Store them in a cool, dry place

•       Open the battery door overnight (for non-rechargeable aids)

•       Keep a cleaning kit and spare wax guards at home

•       Attend regular servicing appointments

Don't

•       Don't use water, alcohol or cleaning sprays

•       Don't put hearing aids in or near a microwave, oven or radiator to dry

•       Don't wear them in the shower, pool or sauna

•       Don't leave them within reach of children, dogs or cats - they're a surprisingly common casualty

•       Don't ignore a drop in sound quality - it's usually fixable if addressed early

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Hearing Aids

How often should I clean my hearing aids?

A quick daily clean with a cloth and brush, plus a more thorough weekly check and a professional service every six months.

Can I use alcohol wipes or water to clean hearing aids?

No. Water, alcohol, baby wipes and household cleaners can damage the electronics and coating. A dry cloth and the tools in your cleaning kit are all you need.

Why does my hearing aid sound muffled after cleaning?

The most likely cause is a blocked wax guard or a dome full of debris. Replace the wax guard and dome - sound clarity usually returns immediately.

How long should hearing aids last with good maintenance?

With consistent cleaning and regular servicing, most modern hearing aids last between five and seven years. Poor maintenance can reduce this significantly.

Can I clean my hearing aids if I have arthritis or reduced dexterity?

Yes - there are larger cleaning tools, magnetic battery changers and simplified cleaning accessories available. Ask your audiologist to recommend the right kit for you.

Keep Your Hearing Aids Performing at Their Best

Looking after your hearing aids doesn't need to be complicated. A few minutes each evening, the right cleaning kit and a regular professional service will keep them performing at their best for years to come.

If your hearing aids aren't sounding quite right, or you'd like them checked, cleaned and fine-tuned, we're happy to help. Book a service appointment with James & Son Hearing and we'll make sure your devices - and your hearing - are in top condition.