Cleaning Hearing Aids: A Comprehensive Guide to Care and Maintenance
Post on 14th November 2025
If you wear hearing aids, you’ll know just how important they are to your daily life. These sophisticated devices help you stay connected with the world around you, but like any piece of technology, they need proper care to function at their best. That’s why cleaning hearing aids correctly is essential for maintaining both performance and longevity.
At Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care, with more than 85 years’ experience as a leading hearing and eye care specialist in the UK, we often see customers with easily avoidable problems caused by poor maintenance or infrequent cleaning of hearing aids. With a few simple habits, your devices can last for years to come. Here are some practical hearing aid cleaning hacks to help keep your devices in top condition and prevent costly, unnecessary repairs.
Daily Cleaning Hearing Aids Routine
Throughout the day, your hearing aids are exposed to earwax, dust and moisture. Regular hearing aids cleaning prevents build-up that can affect sound quality or damage delicate internal components.
A quick daily clean before bed is best, use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down the exterior, and follow your audiologist’s specific cleaning instructions for your model.
Handle Hearing Aids with Care
Hearing aids are not only small but also contain sensitive electronics, so gentle handling is essential. Hold them securely when removing or cleaning hearing aids and avoid dropping or knocking them against hard surfaces.
Use a Soft Cloth or Towel When Cleaning Hearing Aids
When cleaning hearing aids or changing batteries, work over a soft cloth or towel. This simple precaution helps prevent damage if you accidentally drop them and saves time searching for a lost battery under the furniture.
Keep Personal Care Products Away from Hearing Aids
Hairspray, perfume, aftershave and face creams can damage your hearing aids by clogging microphone ports or wearing down plastic casings. Apply these products before putting in your hearing aids and allow them to dry completely.
Avoid Water
While some modern models are water-resistant, it’s best to remove them before showering, bathing, or swimming. Water damage is a most common causes of malfunction and is completely preventable.
Avoid Temperature Extremes
Do not leave your hearing aids in direct sunlight, near radiators or in freezing conditions. Heat or cold can damage both batteries and circuitry. Keep them away from windowsills, car dashboards and coat pockets exposed to the elements.
Never Use Sharp Objects for Cleaning Hearing Aids
It may be tempting to use a pin or needle to remove earwax, but this can puncture the receiver or damage components. Instead, always use the correct cleaning tools from your hearing aids cleaning kit, such as a wax loop or brush, designed for safe, effective maintenance.
Professional Cleaning and Maintenance
Daily care is vital, but professional maintenance is just as important. Visit your hearing aid audiologist when advised for professional cleaning and servicing. Regular checks ensure your hearing aids are performing optimally and can catch potential issues before they become serious.
How to Store Your Hearing Aids After Cleaning
When not wearing your hearing aids, proper storage keeps them clean, dry, and ready for use. Since we don’t wear them 24/7, this is as important as regular cleaning of hearing aids.
- Switch them off – to conserve battery life and prevent unnecessary wear of the components.
- Open the battery compartment door – this prevents battery drain and lets moisture evaporate, especially overnight.
- Use the protective case – store your hearing aids in the case provided by your hearing aid audiologist to protect against dust and accidental damage.
- Choose the right storage location – a cool, dry drawer away from direct sunlight is ideal.
- Keep them away from children and pets – small children and pets can mistake them for toys.
- Remove batteries during long breaks – if you won’t be using your hearing aids for several days, remove the batteries to prevent leakage.
Long-Term Care for Hearing Aids
The difference between hearing aids that last two years and those that last much longer often comes down to daily care. By implementing these simple hearing aids cleaning and maintenance steps, you’re not only protecting your investment but also preserving the quality of your hearing, so you can continue to live life to the fullest.
If you have any concerns about your hearing health, or hearing aids you will find help and advice on our website or alternatively visit your local Scrivens branch.
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