If you wear hearing aids, you know how important it is to keep them in top shape. Cleaning them might sound like a hassle, but it’s pretty easy—and it makes a big difference in how well they work. Here’s a quick, simple guide to help you clean your hearing aids at home.
What You’ll Need:
- A soft, lint-free cloth (an old t-shirt or microfiber cloth works great)
- A small brush (usually provided with your hearing aids)
- A wax pick or wire loop (for earwax buildup)
- A drying kit (optional, especially if you live in a humid area)
Step-by-Step Cleaning:
- Take Out the Battery: Start by removing the battery. It’s the safest way to clean your hearing aids without damaging the electronics. Do not remove a rechargeable battery. Simply clean those with the battery in the aid.
- Wipe the Exterior: Use your soft cloth to gently wipe down the outside of your hearing aids, removing any dust, oil, or moisture.
- Brush the Microphone and Speaker: Grab the small brush and clean the microphone and speaker openings. This will help prevent any wax or dirt from blocking the sound.
- Clear Wax from the Canal: Use the wax pick or wire loop to gently remove any earwax from the sound outlet or tubing. Just be careful not to push it deeper in.
- Check the Battery Compartment: If do not have rechargeable batteries, wipe around the battery compartment with your cloth to remove any buildup of dust or moisture.
- Store Properly: When you’re done, make sure to store your hearing aids in a safe, dry place. A drying box is ideal if you live in a humid area.
Bonus Tip: If you find that moisture builds up in your hearing aids, a dehumidifier or drying kit is a great investment to keep them dry and in good condition.
Here are some helpful videos to show how to complete these steps!
How to Clean a RIC (Receiver-in-the-canal) Hearing Aid
How to Clean a BTE (Behind-the-ear) Hearing Aid
How to Clean an ITE (In-the-ear or custom) Hearing Aid
Cleaning your hearing aids only takes a few minutes a day, but it really helps them perform better and last longer. If you’re ever unsure or notice something’s not quite right, don’t hesitate to reach out to us, we’re always happy to help! Proper upkeep and cleaning will keep your hearing aids working at peak performance for as long as possible. We also recommend a professional cleaning with an Audiologist Assistant every 6 months. Call Gardner Audiology today to schedule your service visit at one of our 9 locations in the Tampa Bay Area of Florida. Call us to get scheduled for a bi-yearly cleaning now at 800-277-1182. Email info@gardneraudiology.com for more information.
