The enemies of hearing aids

Earwax (cerumen)

Earwax is the leading cause of hearing aid repairs. It clogs the receiver (speaker) port, reducing sound output and eventually causing failure. It also blocks microphone ports, degrading sound quality. Regular wax guard replacement and cleaning are essential.

Moisture

Sweat, humidity, rain, and accidental water exposure corrode internal components and cause intermittent failures. Even hearing aids with high IP ratings benefit from dry storage. A hearing aid dehumidifier or drying kit removes moisture that accumulates during daily wear.

Physical damage

Drops, crushing (sitting on them), and pet damage are common. Always store aids in their case when not wearing them.

Daily routine

• Wipe with a soft, dry cloth after removing at the end of the day. Remove visible earwax from the body of the aid.
• Check the receiver port for wax buildup. If sound is muffled, the wax guard likely needs replacement.
• Store in the charging case or a dry storage case overnight. Do not leave on a bathroom counter where humidity is high.
• Open the battery door (if using disposable batteries) to allow moisture to escape and extend battery life.
• Never sleep in hearing aids — this causes excessive moisture buildup and accelerates wear.

Weekly routine

• Remove and clean eartips/domes. Detach from the receiver wire, rinse with warm water (not hot), allow to dry completely before reattaching. Never reattach wet domes.
• Clean the receiver wire with a dry cloth or the cleaning brush included with your aids.
• Inspect the microphone ports for debris. Use the cleaning brush to gently clear any blockage — never use a pin or sharp object.
• Check for physical damage — cracks, bent wires, or loose components. Address early before they worsen.

Wax guard replacement

Wax guards (also called wax traps or cerumen filters) are small filters that protect the receiver from earwax. They are the most commonly replaced hearing aid component. Replace them:

• Every 2–4 weeks as a routine matter
• Immediately if sound becomes muffled or quieter than usual
• If the hearing aid stops producing sound entirely (a clogged wax guard is the most common cause)

Wax guards are brand-specific — use the guards designed for your hearing aid model. They typically come in packs of 8 and cost $5–$15 per pack. Your audiologist or the manufacturer's website is the most reliable source.

Eartip and dome replacement

Silicone eartips and domes degrade over time — they become stiff, discolored, or develop small tears that affect the acoustic seal. Replace them:

• Every 1–3 months as a routine matter
• Immediately if they become stiff, discolored, or torn
• If you notice increased feedback (whistling) that was not present before

Moisture management

A hearing aid dehumidifier or drying kit removes moisture that accumulates during daily wear. Options:

• Desiccant jar: Place aids in a jar with silica gel overnight. Inexpensive ($5–$15). Replace desiccant every 2–4 weeks.
• Electronic drying kit: Uses gentle heat and UV light to dry and sanitize aids. More effective than desiccant alone ($30–$80). Recommended for users who sweat heavily or live in humid climates.

If your aids get wet (rain, sweat, accidental submersion), remove the batteries immediately (if applicable), dry the exterior with a cloth, and place in a drying kit for 24–48 hours before using. Do not use a hair dryer — heat damages the electronics.

Professional cleaning

Even with excellent home maintenance, annual professional cleaning by an audiologist is recommended. They have specialized tools to clean components that are difficult to access at home, and can identify early signs of wear before they become failures. Most audiology clinics offer cleaning as a standalone service ($25–$75) or include it in a service plan.

What not to do

• Never use water, alcohol, or cleaning sprays directly on the hearing aid body
• Never use a pin, toothpick, or sharp object to clear ports — use only the cleaning brush
• Never use a hair dryer or microwave to dry wet aids
• Never store in a car — temperature extremes damage batteries and electronics
• Never wear during showering, swimming, or in a sauna (even IP68-rated aids have limits)