Hearing Aid Cleaning and Maintenance Guide

Your hearing aids work hard every day. They sit in your ear canal, exposed to moisture, earwax, and the general wear and tear of daily life. Keeping them clean and well-maintained is one of the simplest ways to protect your investment and keep them performing their best.

Here's what you need to know.

Why Cleaning Matters

Moisture and earwax buildup are responsible for more than 75% of all hearing aid damage — and the majority of those repairs are entirely preventable. A few minutes of daily care can save you from costly repairs or the frustration of a device that stops working unexpectedly.

Daily Cleaning Habits

At the end of each day, take a moment to wipe down your hearing aids with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid anything that leaves residue or lint behind. This removes oils, moisture, and light debris before they have a chance to settle into the device.

If your hearing aids use wax guards — small filters that protect the receiver from earwax — check them regularly and replace them when they become clogged. A blocked wax guard is one of the most common reasons a hearing aid sounds muffled or stops producing sound altogether.

For the microphone ports, use a small brush (most hearing aid manufacturers include one with the device) to gently clear away any debris. Avoid inserting anything into the microphone opening itself.

Moisture Is the Enemy

Sweat, humidity, and even the natural moisture in your ear canal can work their way into hearing aids over time. Storing your devices in a dry box or dehumidifier kit each night helps draw out moisture and extend the life of the internal components. This is especially helpful during warmer months or for people who are physically active.

If your hearing aids are rechargeable, leave the charging port open overnight when not charging to allow air circulation.

Handling Earmolds and Domes

If your hearing aids use custom earmolds, remove them from the device and wash them separately with mild soap and water on a regular basis. Dry them completely before reattaching — never reconnect wet earmolds to your hearing aids.

For dome-style tips (the soft silicone pieces that sit in the ear canal), inspect them regularly for buildup or tearing. Domes should be replaced every few weeks, or sooner if they appear damaged or discolored.

What to Avoid

• Water and cleaning products — never rinse your hearing aids under the sink or use alcohol, solvents, or household sprays on them
• Extreme heat — don't leave them in a hot car or near a hair dryer; heat can damage internal components
• Cotton swabs — these can push wax deeper into openings rather than removing it
• Dropping them — while modern hearing aids are built to be durable, repeated drops can loosen internal parts or damage the casing

When to See Your Lufkin Audiologist

Even with consistent home care, your hearing aids benefit from professional cleaning on a regular basis. We can remove buildup that's difficult to address at home, inspect the components for early signs of wear, and make adjustments to keep your devices performing well.

If you're noticing that your hearing aids sound weak, distorted, or are cutting in and out, bring them in before assuming they need a full repair. In many cases, a thorough cleaning resolves the issue.

We also offer on-site hearing aid repairs for all makes and models — even those purchased elsewhere. For more significant issues, we'll send the device to the manufacturer on your behalf.

A Note on Earwax

Excessive earwax doesn't just affect your hearing aids — it can impact your hearing directly. If you're finding that your devices need more frequent cleaning or that your ears feel full or plugged, it may be worth having your ears checked for wax buildup. We offer professional earwax removal at our Lufkin office using safe, effective methods that protect your ear canal and eardrum.

Schedule a Cleaning and Check-Up in Lufkin, TX

Whether your hearing aids need a professional cleaning, a minor repair, or you just want to make sure everything is in good shape, we're here to help. Contact us at (936) 632-2252 or visit us at 601 Ellis Avenue, Lufkin, TX 75904 to schedule an appointment with our experienced team of Audiologists and Hearing Instrument Specialists.