How Often Should a Hearing Aid Be Cleaned for Optimal Use?

You’ve just received your hearing aids, a fantastic step toward better hearing health. But you might be wondering what comes next. You’ve made an important investment, and you want to make sure these little devices keep working for you. A big part of that is figuring out how often a hearing aid should be cleaned. The truth is, keeping your hearing aids clean is not complicated, but it is extremely important. Think about it: these devices spend all day in a pretty tough environment, facing wax, moisture, and dust.

Knowing the right frequency for cleaning can be the difference between clear sound and frustrating muffled noises. A consistent cleaning routine protects your hearing device and ensures you can hear your best for years to come. Pinnacle ENT emphasizes proper hearing aid care because even small amounts of wax or debris can impact performance. A few minutes each day, paired with a more thorough weekly clean, is all it takes to maintain optimal functionality. Reach out to a Chester County ENT for more information. 

Why Cleaning Your Hearing Aids Matters So Much

It might seem like a small task, but regular hearing aid cleaning is critical. Without it, you can run into problems that affect both the devices and your hearing. Cleaning is about more than appearances; it’s an essential part of at-home hearing aid care. The most common culprit is earwax, or cerumen. Everyone produces it naturally, but wax can easily clog the tiny ports and receivers in your hearing aids. When blocked, the sound output becomes weak or distorted, leaving you with muffled audio that can be frustrating. Pinnacle ENT notes that earwax buildup is the leading cause of hearing aid malfunction, making routine cleaning essential.

Moisture is another major issue. Sweat, humidity, or rain can find their way into the delicate electronics, potentially causing corrosion or damage. Regularly removing moisture helps prevent costly repairs. Similarly, dirt and dust from everyday life can accumulate in microphone ports, reducing the quality of sound transmission. Proper hygiene also protects the ear canal. Dirty hearing aids can cause skin irritation or even infections. Regular cleaning supports not just the device but your overall ear health, a priority emphasized by specialists at Pinnacle ENT.

Your Daily Cleaning Routine: The 5-Minute Habit

Making daily cleaning a habit is the best way to stay on top of maintenance. It shouldn’t take more than a few minutes—think of it like brushing your teeth, a simple routine preventing larger problems later.

1. Wipe the exterior: Use a soft, dry cloth or specially designed hearing aid wipes to clean the outer surface. This removes skin oils and debris from the day. Never use water, alcohol, or household cleaners, as these can damage delicate electronics.
2. Brush the microphone ports: A small, soft-bristled brush can clear debris from openings. Be gentle to avoid pushing dirt further inside.
3. Air out the battery compartment: For non-rechargeable models, open the battery door overnight to allow moisture to evaporate. Rechargeable aids should be clean before placing them in the charger.

Pinnacle ENT recommends performing these steps daily to maintain optimal sound quality and prevent buildup that may reduce performance. Even a short daily routine can make a big difference.

Weekly Deep Cleans: A More Thorough Check

Once a week, spend a little extra time on a deeper clean. This goes beyond your daily routine and addresses areas that require more attention. Pick a consistent day, like Sunday, to make it part of your schedule. Weekly maintenance helps catch minor issues before they affect performance. It also allows you to familiarize yourself with your hearing aid’s parts, so you’ll feel confident addressing problems quickly. Pinnacle ENT suggests combining this weekly clean with a visual inspection to check for damage or excessive buildup.

Changing the Wax Guard or Filter

Many In-The-Ear (ITE) and Receiver-In-Canal (RIC) hearing aids include a small filter called a wax guard. Its job is to prevent earwax from entering the receiver.

When the wax guard becomes clogged, sound quality diminishes or stops completely. With the right tools, the process of changing it is simple. Most specialists, including Pinnacle ENT, demonstrate this during your hearing aid fitting.

1. Use a removal hook to take out the old guard.
2. Flip the tool to insert a new one.

Replacing the wax guard regularly ensures clear, uninterrupted sound. Your user manual will provide specifics for your hearing aid model.

Cleaning Earmolds and Tubing (for BTE models)

If you have a Behind-The-Ear (BTE) hearing aid, the earmold and tubing require regular washing since they sit directly in the ear. This step is essential to prevent sound blockage and maintain hygiene.

1. Detach the earmold and tubing from the hearing aid. Do not submerge the electronic components.
2. Wash the earmold and tube with warm water and mild soap.
3. Use a vent cleaner to push out stubborn debris.
4. Dry completely before reattaching. An air blower can help remove residual moisture.

Pinnacle ENT notes that moisture left in the tubing can distort sound and damage the device over time. Proper weekly cleaning of earmolds keeps BTE hearing aids performing at their best.

Tips for Different Hearing Aid Styles

Different styles of hearing aids require slightly different cleaning approaches. Knowing the needs of your specific device ensures proper care.

• BTE aids: Focus on the earmold and tubing, but remember to wipe the main body and brush microphone ports daily. Hair products and dust can accumulate here.
• Custom aids (ITE, ITC, CIC): These sit entirely in the ear canal, so they are more exposed to wax and moisture. Check wax guards frequently and consider using a dehumidifier daily to remove moisture. Use a wax pick to clean vents and sound outlets carefully.

Pinnacle ENT highlights that custom aids benefit most from consistent daily care due to their location in the ear canal and smaller size. An ENT doctor in Limerick can assist you further. 

So, How Often Should a Hearing Aid Be Cleaned?

To make cleaning easy, here’s a simple schedule you can follow. Individual needs may vary based on wax production, humidity, or other factors, but this is a solid starting point:

Pinnacle ENT emphasizes following a structured routine. Consistency is key to preventing problems and extending the life of your hearing aid.

The Right Tools for the Job

Having the proper tools makes cleaning easier and safer. Most hearing aids come with a starter kit, but a more complete set can streamline the process:

• Soft microfiber cloth for daily wiping
• Small soft-bristle brush for microphone ports
• Wax pick/loop for removing buildup
• Vent cleaner for earmolds
• Air blower for drying tubing
• Hearing aid dehumidifier/dry box

Specialist-recommended tools, like those suggested by Pinnacle ENT, protect the device while making daily and weekly routines more efficient.

What Not to Do: Common Cleaning Mistakes

Avoid these mistakes to protect your hearing aid:

• Never use water, alcohol, or household cleaners on the main device.
• Avoid sharp objects that can damage the receiver or microphone.
• Do not use heat sources like hair dryers, microwaves, or ovens.

High heat and moisture can cause irreversible damage. If your hearing aids get wet, air dry with the battery door open, and contact your hearing professional if issues persist. Pinnacle ENT warns that even brief exposure to water can cause long-term damage if not addressed properly.

When to See a Professional

Daily and weekly routines cover most maintenance, but some situations require professional help. Audiologists have specialized tools, including hearing aid vacuums, for a thorough cleaning.

• Schedule professional cleanings every six months to a year.
• Book an appointment if the sound is weak, distorted, or if feedback occurs.
• Professionals can check programming, performance, and fit.

Pinnacle ENT recommends routine professional maintenance alongside at-home care for optimal hearing aid performance. If in doubt, your hearing specialist is the best resource for guidance. 

Conclusion

Caring for your hearing aids doesn’t have to be overwhelming. A few minutes each day, paired with a weekly deep clean, can protect your investment and ensure clear sound. Following a simple routine answers the question of how often hearing aids should be cleaned. Daily wipes and weekly maintenance keep devices in top condition. Adding a professional cleaning every six to twelve months completes the regimen.

This small effort helps maintain your connection to the world and preserves your hearing health. Pinnacle ENT encourages consistent care and consultation with a specialist whenever you notice any changes. Your hearing aids are a bridge to better hearing, and with proper maintenance, they can serve you reliably for years. Book an appointment today!