Your hearing aids are helpful tools that allow you to hear and communicate with the world around you. If you don’t take proper care of them, they won’t help you as much as they should, and they likely won’t have a long lifespan. Below is a guide for properly cleaning your hearing aids so you can maximize their benefit.
The Tools You Need 
When you first purchased your hearing aids, your audiologist may have provided you with a multitool or cleaning kit. If not, you can purchase one inexpensively at the drug store or online. The tools you need to keep your hearing aids pristine include:
- A wax removal brush
- A soft, clean cloth
- A wax pick or wire loop
- A vent cleaner
Other tools you can use include:
- A soft-bristle children’s toothbrush for removing wax
- Disinfectant wipes that are made for hearing aids
- Alcohol-free cleaner designed for earmolds
Cleaning Instructions
Your routine for cleaning your devices will vary slightly based on what style of devices you have, but the basics include:
- Gently brushing the microphone cover to remove debris (daily, in the mornings)
- Wiping the entire hearing aid with a soft cloth (daily, in the mornings)
- Using a wax pick/wire loop to remove stubborn buildup (weekly)
- Checking and replacing wax guards (weekly/as needed)
Cleaning In-the-Ear Devices
When cleaning ITE hearing aids, you should…
- Gently brush the microphone cover, receiver and vent openings to remove debris
- Use the wax pick/wire loop to remove debris from the air vent
- Run a vent cleaner carefully through the opening in each direction (larger vents only)
- Wipe down entire hearing aid with soft cloth
Never use water, alcohol or chemical wipes to clean ITE aids.
Cleaning Behind-the-Ear Devices
When cleaning BTE hearing aids…
- Gently brush the hearing aid until it’s clean
- Remove the earmold from the hook
- Brush the earmold clean, then use the wax pick/loop to remove stubborn debris
- Wipe down the hearing aid and earmold with a soft cloth
- As needed, wash the earmold with soap and water. Make sure it dries completely before reattaching it
Do not use chemical cleaners unless specifically formulated for earmolds.
For more information or to talk to a provider about cleaning other types of hearing aids, call the experts at PDX ENT today!
