Hearing aids play an important role in helping you stay connected to conversations, activities, and the sounds around you. To perform their best, however, these small devices require regular care.
One of the most common causes of hearing aid problems is also completely natural: earwax. While earwax helps protect your ears, buildup on your hearing aids can interfere with their performance. Fortunately, a simple maintenance routine can help keep your devices clean, clear, and working properly.
How Earwax Affects Hearing Aids
Earwax, also known as cerumen, is naturally produced by the ear canal. It helps trap dirt and debris while protecting and lubricating the skin inside your ears.
For hearing aid users, however, earwax can sometimes become a problem. Because hearing aids sit inside or near the ear canal, wax can collect around receivers, microphones, vents, and other small openings.
Over time, this buildup may cause:
- Reduced volume or muffled sound
- Distorted sound quality
- Feedback or whistling
- Intermittent performance
- Blocked receivers or sound openings
- Complete loss of sound from the device
Regular cleaning can help prevent these problems before they interfere with your hearing.
Clean Your Hearing Aids Every Day
A few minutes of daily maintenance can go a long way toward keeping your hearing aids functioning properly.
At the end of each day, gently wipe the exterior of your devices with a clean, soft, dry cloth. Pay particular attention to areas that come into contact with your ear.
Avoid cleaning your hearing aids with water, household cleaners, alcohol, or other liquids unless your hearing care professional or the device manufacturer specifically recommends a particular product. Hearing aids contain delicate electronic components that can be damaged by moisture.
Check for Earwax Buildup
Before putting your hearing aids in each morning, take a moment to inspect them. Look closely at the receiver, microphone openings, vents, domes, and earmolds for visible wax or debris.
Many hearing aids use replaceable wax guards or wax filters to prevent earwax from reaching sensitive internal components. If your devices use these filters, your hearing care professional can show you how to recognize when they need to be replaced.
A clogged wax guard can sometimes make a properly functioning hearing aid seem as though it has stopped working altogether.
Use the Right Hearing Aid Cleaning Tools
Your hearing aids may have come with cleaning tools designed specifically for routine maintenance. Depending on your devices, these may include:
- A small cleaning brush
- A wax loop or pick
- A vent-cleaning tool
- Replacement wax guards
- A soft cleaning cloth
- A hearing aid drying or dehumidifying system
Use these tools gently and according to the instructions for your particular hearing aid model. Never insert sharp household objects into your hearing aids, as doing so could damage sensitive components.
If you’re unsure how to clean a specific part of your device, ask your hearing care professional for guidance.
Protect Your Hearing Aids From Moisture
Earwax isn’t the only thing that can affect hearing aid performance. Sweat, humidity, and other sources of moisture can also cause problems.
Remove your hearing aids before showering, swimming, or participating in activities that could expose them to more moisture than they’re designed to tolerate.
A hearing aid dehumidifier or drying system may also help remove accumulated moisture overnight. Rechargeable hearing aids may have specific storage and drying requirements, so follow the recommendations provided for your particular devices.
Don’t Try to Remove Earwax From Your Ears With Objects
Cleaning your hearing aids and cleaning your ears are two different things.
Avoid inserting cotton swabs, hairpins, or other objects into your ear canal in an attempt to remove earwax. These methods can push wax deeper into the ear or potentially injure the ear canal or eardrum.
If you suspect you have excessive or impacted earwax, contact an appropriate healthcare professional. They can examine your ears and recommend a safe approach based on your individual situation.
When Should Your Hearing Aids Be Professionally Cleaned?
Even with excellent home maintenance, hearing aids can occasionally require professional attention.
Consider scheduling a hearing aid service appointment if you experience:
- A noticeable decrease in volume
- Persistent feedback or whistling
- Distorted or unclear sound
- Intermittent operation
- Excessive wax buildup
- A hearing aid that stops producing sound
Your hearing care professional can thoroughly inspect and clean areas of the device that may be difficult to access safely at home. They can also determine whether the problem is caused by earwax or if the hearing aid needs an adjustment or repair.
Make Hearing Aid Maintenance Part of Your Routine
Regular maintenance doesn’t have to be complicated. A few minutes of care each day can help prevent earwax, moisture, and debris from interfering with your hearing aids.
By keeping your devices clean, replacing wax guards when necessary, storing your hearing aids properly, and scheduling professional maintenance when needed, you can help protect your investment and enjoy more consistent hearing performance.
At Best Hearing Aid Solutions, we’re here to help you get the most from your hearing technology. Whether you need a professional cleaning, troubleshooting assistance, or advice on caring for your devices at home, our team can provide personalized support.
Contact Best Hearing Aid Solutions today to schedule an appointment and keep your hearing aids performing their best.
