Maintaining your hearing aids is crucial to ensure they provide clear sound and reach their expected lifespan. Key areas to focus on include earwax, moisture, and battery life. The following is a comprehensive guide to daily care and maintenance, but you should always follow the specific instructions of your hearing healthcare professional and your hearing aid user manual.
Daily Maintenance
1. Cleaning the Surface
After each use, gently wipe the surface of the device with a soft, dry cloth (or a microfiber cloth specifically designed for hearing aids) to remove sweat, earwax, and skin oils. Avoid using water, alcohol, or harsh cleaning agents, as these liquids can damage the electronic components and the casing's coating.
2. Cleaning the Openings
Use the small brush included with your hearing aid to gently brush away any visible earwax or debris from the microphone port, receiver, and vents. This prevents blockages that can cause weak or distorted sound. If your hearing aid has a sound tube, remove it from the device and use the cleaning wire from the maintenance kit to push out any earwax or debris from one end. You can also gently blow air through the tube to help remove small particles.
3. Battery Care
For disposable batteries, open the battery compartment overnight to extend battery life. For rechargeable hearing aids, place them in the charger overnight. This ensures the battery is fully charged and allows for proper ventilation.
Weekly and Monthly Maintenance
1. Check for Wear and Tear
Regularly inspect the casing, sound tube, and battery contacts for cracks, wear, or corrosion. Replace the sound tube immediately if it becomes discolored or hardened (usually every 3-6 months to maintain sound quality). Check the earpiece (for behind-the-ear hearing aids) for stiffness, discoloration, or cracks. Check the earplugs (small silicone ear tips) for tears or discoloration. Replace the earplugs if necessary, usually every 1-2 months.
2. Check and Replace Earwax Protectors/Filters
These are small filters located at the end of the receiver (sound output) to filter earwax. If the sound is weak or distorted, check the earwax protectors. Use the provided tools to remove the old protector and install a new one following the hearing aid supplier's instructions (usually every few weeks to a month).
3. Clean the Earmold And Cannula (For Behind-The-Ear Hearing Aids)
If you are using a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid with a removable earmold, remove it from the hearing aid body. You can clean only the earmold and cannula (do not clean the hearing aid body!) using mild soapy water. Use a hairdryer to dry the cannula and allow the earmold to air dry completely overnight before reinstalling. Never reinstall the earmold while it is still damp.
4. Clean the Battery Contacts
Use a dry cotton swab or small brush to wipe away dust and oxide from the battery compartment and contacts. Corrosion of the contacts can cause unstable power supply and decreased performance.
5. Moderate Disinfection (Suitable for Sensitive Skin)
If you have sensitive ear skin, you can gently wipe the earplugs or ear caps with hearing aid-specific disinfectant wipes. Avoid liquid seeping into the speaker and microphone interfaces, and do not immerse the entire device.
6. Keep Dry and Cool
Damp environments can damage internal components. At night, you can place the hearing aid in a drying box or dehumidifier (especially in humid areas). Avoid storing in bathrooms, cars, or in direct sunlight, as extreme temperature and humidity can significantly shorten the device's lifespan.
7. Use the Dedicated Protective Case
When not in use, always place the hearing aid in the provided protective case to prevent drops, scratches, or loss. Do not place it carelessly on a table or in a pocket to avoid compression or contamination. Remove the batteries if not used for more than one day to prevent leakage and corrosion of the battery compartment. Store batteries separately in a cool, dry place; do not refrigerate (the moisture in the refrigerator will damage the batteries).
8. Use Genuine Batteries
Always use batteries specified for the device (e.g., AAA, AAA, 312, 675). Expired or substandard batteries may cause malfunctions or sudden power outages. "Breath" new batteries: After unpacking a new battery, remove the insulating film and let it stand for 1-2 minutes to activate the internal chemical substances and ensure the battery outputs its full capacity.
9. Regular Professional Checkups
Prescription hearing aids should be professionally cleaned, calibrated, and have internal components checked by an audiologist every 6-12 months. Worn microphones, speakers, and other accessories may be replaced, and firmware updates may be performed. Prompt Repair for Malfunctions If your hearing aid experiences problems such as silence, static, or sound distortion, do not attempt to disassemble it yourself. Contact the brand's after-sales service or an audiologist for assistance. Unauthorized disassembly will void the warranty.
Important Safety and Storage Tips:
Remove your hearing aids before showering, swimming, or using a hairdryer. Apply hairspray, perfume, or lotion before wearing your hearing aids. Store your hearing aids in a safe, cool, dry place (e.g., in a dehumidifier/storage box) out of reach of children and pets. Schedule a professional cleaning appointment with your hearing healthcare professional every 3 to 6 months.
Do not use water, alcohol, or chemical cleaners (unless using hearing aid wipes) to clean electronic components. Do not use sharp objects such as needles, pins, or toothpicks to clean the opening—this may push debris deeper or damage the microphone. Do not expose the hearing aid to extreme temperatures (such as direct sunlight, a car dashboard, or an oven). Non-waterproof models should not be worn while swimming, showering, or sleeping.
If you still notice issues after cleaning—such as low volume, whistling/feedback, or unstable performance—it’s best to contact a hearing care professional for a thorough check. To provide you with more accurate guidance, could you let me know which type of hearing aid you’re using? For example: behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-the-canal (RIC), or in-the-ear (ITE). Knowing the exact model and style can help us give you more precise troubleshooting suggestions.
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