3 Hearing Aid Cleaning Mistakes That Could Damage Your Device

Properly caring for your hearing aids is the best way to ensure they work clearly and last for years. While cleaning them seems straightforward, a few common missteps can accidentally cause serious damage. This guide will walk you through three frequent mistakes people make and show you the correct way to maintain your investment.

Mistake 1: Using Water or Harsh Cleaning Agents

It can be tempting to grab a household cleaner or even just water to wipe down your hearing aids, but this is one of the most damaging things you can do. Hearing aids are sophisticated electronic devices that are extremely vulnerable to moisture and harsh chemicals.

Why This Is a Problem: Your hearing aid contains a delicate microphone, receiver (speaker), and a digital chip. Exposing these components to liquids can lead to corrosion, short circuits, and complete failure. Even small amounts of moisture can get trapped inside the casing and cause long-term damage.

What to Avoid at All Costs:

Water: Never run your hearing aids under a tap or submerge them.
Rubbing Alcohol: Alcohol can dry out and crack the plastic casing and tubing of your hearing aids.
Hydrogen Peroxide: This is far too aggressive and can damage the internal electronic components.
Household Cleaners: Wipes, sprays, and solvents contain chemicals that will degrade the materials of your hearing aid.
Wet Wipes: Unless they are specifically formulated for hearing aids, avoid baby wipes or antibacterial wipes, as they leave behind residue and moisture.

The Correct Way: The safest and most effective way to clean the body of your hearing aid is with a soft, dry cloth. A microfiber cloth, like one you would use for eyeglasses, is perfect. Gently wipe down the entire surface of the device at the end of each day to remove skin oils and debris. For any stubborn spots, you can slightly dampen the cloth with a cleaning spray specifically designed for hearing aids, but never spray liquid directly onto the device itself.

Mistake 2: Ignoring the Small But Critical Parts

Simply wiping the outer shell of your hearing aid is not enough. Earwax and debris naturally build up in the small openings of the device, which can block sound, cause feedback, or even damage the receiver. The two most commonly neglected areas are the wax guard and the microphone ports.

The Wax Guard (or Filter): This is a tiny, often white, piece that sits at the tip of the hearing aid where the sound comes out. Its job is to prevent earwax from getting inside the device and damaging the sensitive receiver. When it gets clogged, sound becomes weak, muffled, or stops completely.

The Microphone Ports: These are the very small openings on the body of your hearing aid where sound enters. If they become clogged with dust, hairspray, or other debris, the hearing aid cannot pick up sound properly, which significantly reduces its effectiveness.

The Correct Way:

Use the Right Tools: Your hearing aids likely came with a small cleaning kit containing a brush and a wax pick. Use the brush end to gently clean debris away from the microphone ports. Use the wax pick to carefully remove any visible wax from the crevices of the device and around the sound outlet.
Inspect and Change the Wax Guard: Check the wax guard daily. If you can see that it is clogged with wax or discolored, it’s time to change it. Most manufacturers, such as Oticon, Phonak, and Widex, have simple, disposable wax guard systems. Follow the instructions provided with your specific hearing aid model to replace it. A good rule of thumb is to change it at least once a month, or more often if you produce a lot of earwax.

Mistake 3: Storing Them Improperly After Cleaning

Where you store your hearing aids is just as important as how you clean them. Tossing them onto a nightstand or into a sealed container immediately after wearing them all day can trap moisture from humidity and perspiration, leading to corrosion and electronic failure.

Why This Is a Problem: Moisture is the primary enemy of hearing aid electronics. A humid environment, like a bathroom, is the worst place to store them. Even in a dry room, a sealed case can prevent any accumulated moisture from evaporating, creating a damaging micro-environment inside the hearing aid.

The Correct Way:

Open the Battery Door: For hearing aids with disposable batteries, the best practice is to open the battery door completely every night. This allows air to circulate through the device and helps evaporate any moisture that has built up inside. It also has the added benefit of preserving your battery life.
Use a Dehumidifier: For maximum protection, invest in a hearing aid dehumidifier or drying box. These are essential for anyone living in a humid climate or who is physically active. There are two main types:
- Desiccant Jars: These are simple, non-electronic containers with a special drying puck (desiccant) that absorbs moisture. Brands like Hal-Hen have popular and affordable options. You place your hearing aids (with battery doors open) in the jar overnight.
- Electronic Dryers: These units, like those from the brand Dry & Store, use gentle heat and circulating air to actively remove moisture. Many also have a UV light sanitation cycle that helps kill germs. These are highly effective and are the gold standard for hearing aid care.
Rechargeable Hearing Aids: If you have a rechargeable model, its charging case often acts as a dehumidifier. Check your user manual, but typically, placing the hearing aids in their charger overnight is sufficient for proper drying and storage.

By avoiding these three common mistakes, you can significantly improve the performance and extend the life of your hearing aids, ensuring you continue to hear your best for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I clean my hearing aids? You should perform a light cleaning every day. This includes wiping the device with a soft, dry cloth and brushing the microphone ports. A more thorough cleaning, including checking the wax guard, should be done at least once a week.

What should I do if my hearing aid accidentally gets wet? Act quickly. Immediately turn it off and, if it has a disposable battery, remove the battery. Gently pat the outside dry with a soft cloth. Do not use a hairdryer or microwave, as heat can warp the casing. Place the hearing aid in a hearing aid dehumidifier for at least 8-10 hours before attempting to turn it back on. If it still doesn’t work, contact your audiologist.

Can I use a Q-tip to clean my hearing aid? It is not recommended. Cotton fibers from a Q-tip can easily break off and get stuck in the microphone ports or receiver opening, causing a blockage that is difficult to remove. Stick to the specialized brushes and tools designed for hearing aid maintenance.