Every hearing aid collects wax, skin oils, and moisture, and its tiny microphones and sound outlets don’t need much buildup before sound starts to suffer. A consistent cleaning routine keeps your devices working well and prevents that buildup from interfering with what you hear.
At Centrum Hearing & Audiology, clinical audiologist Ronald James Conlin, M.S., can demonstrate how to care for your specific devices at our Pocatello office or Soda Springs specialty clinic. He can also explain when your hearing aids need professional cleaning or maintenance, so your daily and weekly care removes buildup without making the problem worse.
Does Hearing Aid Cleaning Have to Happen Every Day?
Hearing aid cleaning does need to happen every day, because a gentle wipe each day 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.
Plan a closer inspection about once a week, following your model’s instructions. 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 Ron Conlin how often to return based on your devices, wax buildup, and previous maintenance needs.
Can Any Part of a Hearing Aid Go in Water?
A part of a hearing aid can go in water only if it contains no electronics and the manufacturer permits washing, as with some detachable behind-the-ear earmolds. Traditional behind-the-ear (BTE) 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 (RIC) 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.
What Routine Should Pocatello Patients Use to Clean Hearing Aids?
Pocatello patients should clean hearing aids each evening by turning them off, wiping and inspecting each device, brushing the microphone openings, and then drying, storing, or charging them. Wash and dry your hands first, and work over a clean towel on a stable surface. Handle one hearing aid at a time so you can keep track of its parts. Take these steps in order:
- 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.
How Do You Know a Dome or Earmold Tube Is Worn Out?
A dome or earmold tube is worn out when it looks worn, stiff, cracked, or discolored during your weekly inspection. That same weekly check is the time to look for persistent wax and blocked filters. 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 Ron Conlin has demonstrated.
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.
Is It Safe to Use Hydrogen Peroxide or a Pin on Hearing Aids?
Hydrogen peroxide and pins are not safe for hearing aids, and neither are water, other unapproved chemicals, or excessive heat. 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.
See Ron Conlin, M.S., for Hearing Aid Care in Pocatello
A short demonstration with your own devices can make hearing aid care far easier to manage. During your appointment, Ron Conlin can review your hearing aids, hearing concerns, health history, and goals for comfortable daily use.
Call 208-915-8574 to reach our Pocatello office on Yellowstone Avenue or our Soda Springs specialty clinic, or contact Centrum Hearing & Audiology to schedule a hearing aid care appointment.