After some time of using hearing aids, most people face the same question: "Hearing aids don't sound as good as at first. Can there be anything wrong with my device?" Actually, in many cases, it is not about malfunction. It can happen due to something more obvious and simple – the accumulation of dust. 

Differing from many other electronic devices, hearing aids have a really unusual workplace. They come into contact with the skin and sometimes even the inner ear every day, which means constant contact with earwax, sweat, sebaceous secretion, moisture, dust, and other particles that can gather while working.

This article will show you how to clean hearing aids properly, which parts to clean first, peculiarities of cleaning different types of hearing aids, and what else needs to be done for the protection of your device.

1. What Occurs if You Fail to Clean Your Hearing Aids?

• Poor Sound Quality: Build-up of wax or other materials in the microphone or sound port can hinder the transfer of sound and affect the quality of sounds emitted by your hearing aid. In some instances, you will be unable to comprehend conversations easily.
• Increase in feedback: Since the dirt build-up changes how sound flows through your hearing aids, there is an increased likelihood of developing feedback that will produce a whistling effect.
• Inconvenience while using your hearing aids: The build-up of dirt, wax, or moisture in your hearing aids makes it uncomfortable to wear the device in your ear.
• Shorter life span of your device: Moisture and dirt buildup in your hearing aids affects the internal components of the hearing aids. This decreases reliability and increases the chances of malfunctioning of the devices.
• Increased repair and maintenance costs: Little inconveniences due to failure to clean your hearing aids can result in bigger inconveniences in future.

2. The Right Way to Clean Hearing Aids Step by Step

Hearing aids are sensitive electronic devices, and therefore should only be cleaned using hearing aid-specific cleaning equipment. This implies that one should avoid using items such as tissues, wipes, any sharp items, or household cleaners because these may leave fibers on your hearing aids. The regular cleaning kit of hearing aids normally consists of the following items: hearing aid brush, cleaning cloth, wax guard, wax removal tool, and an air blower.

Step 1: Clean the External Surface

First of all, clean the outer surface of the hearing aids by rubbing a soft and dry cloth on the devices. By doing this, you will get rid of any sweat, sebum, dust or any other dirt that may accumulate on the device. In case there is any dirt present in the area surrounding the buttons, microphone and vent of the hearing aid, a hearing aid cleaning brush can be used to remove it.

Step 2: Cleaning the Microphone

The cleaning of the microphone has to be done very carefully because the microphone of the hearing aid is very sensitive. For the cleaning of the hearing aid, one has to put it upside down and clean it with a soft brush. The hearing aid should always be kept upright so that any dust falls off. It is advised that you should not use sharp objects like pins to clean the microphone.

Step 3: Cleaning of the Sound Output and Inspection of the Wax Guard

One of the most frequent reasons for decreased functionality of hearing aids is the presence of earwax. Although only a slight amount of wax may interfere with the functionality of the sound output port, it may result in poor audibility of speech. The sound output should be cleaned using a provided brush or tool for the removal of earwax. In case you have wax filters/guards in your hearing aids, you need to inspect and change them frequently if necessary.

Step 4: Make Sure Your Hearing Aids Are Dry Before Storage

It is important to clean your hearing aids to remove any obvious dirt, but not the moisture that forms due to their regular use. Prior to storing your hearing aids, it is crucial that they be completely dry. It may be useful for you to have a hearing aid dryer to get rid of moisture, and UV-C dryers will help kill any bacteria present on the hearing aids as well.

3. More Hearing Aid Maintenance Tips

Cleaning is an essential part of the care for hearing aids, but there are a few more tips which will help you to ensure that your hearing aids work properly and last longer.

Change Wax Guards

The wax guards protect the receiver from wax. You should change the wax guards in case of lowered volume, muffled sounds, if wax builds up in them, or if cleaning them does not fix the problem.

Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry

Moisture may impair the quality of sound and damage your hearing aids. Remove your hearing aids when you take a shower, go swimming, use a hot tub, or experience excessive sweating. It is better to dry your hearing aids if you wear them for long periods, live in a humid area, or sweat a lot.

Check Ear Tips and Domes Regularly 

Ear tips and domes can wear out or lose their shape over time, affecting comfort, fit, and sound quality. Replace them as needed to maintain a secure fit and optimal performance.

Maintain Clean Rechargeable Devices

For those who have rechargeable hearing aids, make sure you maintain the cleanliness of the charging contacts, the charging case should always be kept in a dry place, and always ensure that the hearing aids charge appropriately.

Be Gentle With Your Hearing Aids

Hearing aids have electronic parts, which are fragile and could easily get damaged when accidentally dropped. Always remove them while seated, over soft surfaces like bed or towel.

Prevent the Entry of Any Personal Care Product Into the Hearing Aids

When applying your hairspray, perfume, and any makeup sprays, make sure that you have already worn your hearing aids. The hearing aids have tiny holes, where the above personal care products could easily get in.

Remove Your Hearing Aids at Night

Everyone should remove their hearing aids before sleeping. This makes it easier for your ear to rest as well as the hearing aids to dry naturally.

4. Final Thoughts

Cleaning your hearing aids is one of the easiest things you can do to preserve the life of your hearing aids investment. By simply taking the time to keep them clean and dry, you will be contributing to your clearer hearing experience.

Every day your hearing aids work for you and allow you to participate in conversations with friends and family members, and even in the outside world. Taking a little time to ensure that they remain healthy will help to increase their efficiency and longevity.