A daily wipe with a soft, dry cloth, a slightly deeper weekly check of domes, wax guards and vents, and dry, careful overnight storage are the three habits that do the most to keep hearing aids working well and extend their lifespan. Avoid water, alcohol and household cleaning products entirely, since these can damage the electronics, and never submerge your hearing aids in water unless your specific model is rated for it. The whole daily routine takes about two to three minutes and is the single biggest factor in how long your hearing aids last.

If your hearing aids need a professional clean or you have any questions about caring for them, we’re happy to help. Book at Bridgnorth, Church Stretton, Kingswinford or Wombourne, or call 01746 572572.

Contents

• What you’ll need
• Your daily cleaning routine
• Your weekly deeper clean
• What to avoid
• When to get a professional clean
• How long should hearing aids last?
• FAQs

What you’ll need

Most of what you need comes with your hearing aids or is available from us at a low cost:

• A soft, dry cloth (similar to a glasses cleaning cloth)
• The small brush that comes with your hearing aids
• A wax pick or wax loop tool
• Replacement wax guards for your specific device
• Replacement domes or ear tips in your fitted size
• A drying case, dehumidifier, or your charging case

If you are not sure which wax guards or domes your model uses, bring your hearing aids to your next appointment and we can confirm this and provide a fresh supply.

Your daily cleaning routine

The best time to clean your hearing aids is at night when you take them out, since this gives them time to dry overnight before you wear them again.

1. Start with clean, dry hands. Hand cream, oils and moisture transfer easily onto the device and can clog the small openings.
2. Wipe the body with a soft, dry cloth. This removes sweat, skin oils and general dust from the casing.
3. Hold each hearing aid with the openings facing downwards so any loosened debris falls away rather than further into the device.
4. Gently brush the microphone ports and receiver opening, using light sweeping strokes across the surface. Never push the brush into the openings, as this can push debris further in rather than removing it.
5. Check the dome and wax guard for visible wax or debris.
6. Open the battery door overnight if your hearing aids use disposable batteries, to let any moisture escape and help preserve battery life. If your hearing aids are rechargeable, simply place them in the charger.
7. Store them safely overnight, either in their case, a drying pot, or an electronic dehumidifier, away from direct heat, radiators and pets.

Your weekly deeper clean

Alongside your daily routine, a slightly more thorough check once a week helps catch problems before they affect your hearing.

• Check and replace the wax guard if needed. These are tiny filters that stop earwax reaching the internal components. If a wax guard looks blocked or discoloured, or sound seems muffled, replace it using the tool provided in your wax guard pack. Most people need to replace theirs roughly every two to four weeks, though this varies depending on how much wax you produce.
• Inspect the dome or earmould. Check for wax, debris, or any splits or tears, and wipe it with a dry cloth. Domes are typically replaced every one to three months depending on wear and use.
• Clean the tubing or vent. For behind-the-ear devices, gently thread the tubing wire cleaner or vent cleaner tool that came with your hearing aids through the tube a few times to clear any build-up.
• Wipe the charging contacts. For rechargeable hearing aids, gently wipe the contacts on the devices and inside the charging case with a dry cloth or soft brush. A small amount of wax or debris on the contacts is one of the most common reasons a device that has been charging overnight is still flat in the morning.

What to avoid

A few simple rules prevent most of the damage that shortens a hearing aid’s working life:

• Never use water, alcohol wipes, baby wipes, household cleaning products or solvents. These can damage the casing and internal components. Only use cleaning products specifically formulated for hearing aids, or a plain dry cloth.
• Remove your hearing aids before showering, bathing, swimming, or using a hairdryer, hairspray or perfume, unless your specific model is rated for water resistance, in which case your audiologist can confirm exactly what it can safely tolerate.
• Do not push cleaning tools or brushes into the openings. Gentle sweeping across the surface is enough; pushing debris inward can compact it rather than remove it.
• Keep hearing aids away from direct heat sources, including radiators, car dashboards, and direct sunlight, as excess heat can damage the electronics and battery.
• Never attempt to open the casing yourself. If something feels wrong internally rather than simply needing a clean, it is always safer to bring your hearing aids to us.

When to get a professional clean

Most day-to-day maintenance can be done at home, but it is worth having your hearing aids professionally checked and cleaned every few months, particularly if sound still seems muffled or reduced after cleaning and replacing the wax guard yourself. A professional clean can reach areas that are difficult to access safely at home, and gives us the chance to check for any wear, moisture damage, or performance issues before they become bigger problems.

How long should hearing aids last?

With good daily care, most hearing aids last between three and seven years before replacement is needed, though this varies depending on how well they are looked after, how much wax and moisture they are exposed to, and advances in technology. Regular cleaning is consistently the single biggest factor within your control.

Book a professional clean or check-up

• Call us on 01746 572572 
• Find your nearest clinic: Bridgnorth, Church Stretton, Kingswinford, Wombourne, or a home visit

FAQs

How often should I clean my hearing aids? A quick daily wipe and check, ideally at night when you remove them, is recommended, along with a slightly deeper weekly check of the domes, wax guards and vents. This routine takes about two to three minutes a day.

How often should I replace the wax guard? Most people need to replace their wax guard roughly every two to four weeks, though this depends on how much wax you produce. Replace it sooner if it looks blocked or discoloured, or if sound suddenly seems muffled.

Can I use alcohol wipes to clean my hearing aids? No. Alcohol, baby wipes and household cleaning products can damage the casing and internal components of hearing aids. Only use a plain dry cloth or cleaning products specifically formulated for hearing aids.

Can I wear my hearing aids in the shower or rain? Unless your specific model is rated as water resistant, hearing aids should be removed before showering, bathing, swimming, or heavy rain exposure. Ask your audiologist to confirm exactly what your model can safely tolerate.

Why do my hearing aids sound muffled even after cleaning? This is often caused by a blocked wax guard, a damaged dome, or debris in the vent or tubing. If sound remains muffled after replacing the wax guard and checking the dome, it is worth booking a professional clean and check-up.

How do I book a professional clean or check-up at Second Sense? You can book online through our booking page, or call us directly. Appointments are available at our Bridgnorth, Church Stretton, Kingswinford and Wombourne clinics, as well as home visits.