Tips for Caring for Your Hearing Aids

One of the first things I tell patients after their hearing aid fitting is this: how you look after your devices matters just as much as which model you choose. Hearing aids are an investment—not just financially, but in your quality of life. With the right care, they can last for years and keep performing at their best.

In this blog, I’ll share the same practical advice we give our patients at The Hearing World to help keep their hearing aids clean, protected, and working like new.

A Quick Story to Start With

Mark, a 67-year-old retired chef, came in recently saying one of his hearing aids had started “cutting out.” He thought it was faulty. When we checked it, it was just clogged with wax and moisture. A quick clean and a new wax guard, and it was back to normal within minutes. Mark laughed and said, “If only everything in life was that easy to fix.”

Most issues we see with hearing aids are avoidable—and simple care goes a long way.

Daily Tips to Keep Your Hearing Aids in Top Shape

1. Wipe them down every night

Before bed, use a soft, dry cloth or tissue to gently clean your hearing aids. This removes earwax, oil, and moisture from the surface. Avoid using water, alcohol wipes, or any household cleaners.

2. Open the battery door (if applicable)

If your hearing aids use disposable batteries, open the battery door overnight to let moisture escape and extend battery life.

3. Keep them dry

Moisture is the enemy of electronics. Avoid wearing your hearing aids in the shower, bath, or sauna—and take them out before applying hairspray or aftershave. We recommend using a hearing aid dehumidifier overnight, especially in humid conditions.

4. Clean the microphone and receiver areas carefully

Use a small brush (usually provided with your aids) to gently clear wax from the mic and receiver ports. Never poke anything into the openings—this can damage delicate components.

5. Change wax guards regularly

If your hearing aid has a wax guard (especially in RIC or custom models), change it every few weeks or when sound starts to feel muffled. We’ll show you how during your fitting, and we’re happy to do it for you in clinic if you’re unsure.

Weekly and Monthly Maintenance

• Inspect the tubing and domes (for RIC or BTE aids)

If you notice cracks, stiffness, or discolouration in the tubing or domes, let us know—it might be time to replace them.

• Check for any sound issues

If your hearing aid suddenly sounds quieter or distorted, it’s often a wax or moisture issue. Try changing the wax guard or drying the device before booking a repair.

• Rechargeable aids? Clean the contacts.

If you have rechargeable hearing aids, use a dry cloth to wipe the contact points on both the hearing aids and the charger once a week.

Storage Tips

• Always store in a dry, protective case when not in use.

• Keep them away from heat—don’t leave hearing aids on a radiator or in a hot car.

• Store them out of reach of pets and children—we’ve had more than one patient come in after their dog mistook a hearing aid for a chew toy!

When to Book a Check-Up

Even with great care, it’s a good idea to pop into the clinic every 6 to 12 months for a hearing aid service. We’ll check the fit, deep clean the devices, and make sure they’re still programmed for your hearing needs.

If you notice any of the following, book an appointment:

• Sudden drop in sound quality

• Unusual feedback or whistling

• Physical damage to the shell or tubing

• Your hearing has changed

At The Hearing World, we’re always happy to help—whether it’s a quick clean, a new wax filter, or a full service.

FAQs

How long do hearing aids last if you look after them properly?

With good care, most hearing aids last 5–7 years, though some last even longer.

Can I clean my hearing aids with alcohol wipes?

It’s best not to. Alcohol can damage the delicate plastic and internal components. Stick to a dry cloth or specialist hearing aid wipes.

What if I lose a wax guard or dome?

No problem—just give us a call or stop by. We keep spare parts in stock and can help you replace them safely.

Final Thoughts

Looking after your hearing aids doesn’t have to be complicated—but it is important. A few simple habits can keep your devices working beautifully and avoid unnecessary repairs or replacements.

If you’d like a quick hearing aid clean or need replacement parts, book a service with The Hearing World today. We’ll make sure your hearing aids are as sharp as the day you got them.