What you'll need

• Soft, dry cloth or microfiber cloth
• Hearing aid cleaning brush (usually included with your aids)
• Wax pick or loop tool
• Wax guards (replacement filters for the receiver port)
• Hearing aid dehumidifier or drying kit (optional but recommended)

Never use water, alcohol, cleaning sprays, or household cleaners on hearing aids — moisture and chemicals damage the electronics. Dry cleaning only.

Cleaning RIC (receiver-in-canal) hearing aids

Daily

1. Wipe the body and wire with a soft, dry cloth to remove oils and debris.
2. Brush the microphone ports (on the body, behind the ear) gently with the cleaning brush.
3. Inspect the dome tip for wax buildup. If wax is visible, replace the dome.
4. Check the wax guard (the small filter at the tip of the receiver). If it looks discolored or blocked, replace it.

Weekly

1. Remove the dome tip and clean the receiver nozzle with the wax pick.
2. Replace the dome tip if it's discolored or misshapen.
3. Inspect the wire for kinks or damage.

Monthly

1. Replace the wax guard even if it doesn't look blocked — preventive replacement is better than waiting for failure.
2. Have your audiologist perform a professional cleaning and check.

Cleaning BTE (behind-the-ear) hearing aids

Daily

1. Wipe the body with a soft, dry cloth.
2. Brush the microphone ports gently.
3. Inspect the earmold or dome for wax.

Weekly

1. Detach the earmold from the tubing.
2. Wash the earmold with mild soap and warm water. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely before reattaching — never reattach a wet earmold.
3. Check the tubing for cracks, discoloration, or hardening. Replace if needed (your audiologist can do this).

Cleaning ITE and IIC/CIC hearing aids

Daily

1. Hold the aid with the opening facing downward and brush away wax with the cleaning brush — gravity helps debris fall out rather than deeper in.
2. Use the wax pick to gently clear the sound port opening.
3. Wipe the shell with a soft, dry cloth.

Weekly

1. Replace the wax guard if present.
2. Inspect the vent (if your aid has one) for blockage.

ITE and IIC/CIC aids are more susceptible to wax damage because they sit deeper in the canal. More frequent wax guard replacement (every 2–4 weeks) is often needed.

Moisture management

Even IP68-rated hearing aids accumulate moisture from sweat and humidity during daily wear. A hearing aid dehumidifier — either an electronic drying box or a simple desiccant jar — removes this moisture overnight. This single habit can significantly extend the life of your aids and prevent intermittent failures caused by moisture in the electronics.

What not to do

• Never use water, alcohol, or cleaning sprays
• Never use cotton swabs — they push wax deeper into ports
• Never use a hairdryer or microwave to dry hearing aids
• Never wear hearing aids in the shower, pool, or sauna (even IP68 aids)
• Never store hearing aids in the bathroom — humidity is high