Theos Audiology Solutions recommends a professional clean and check every six months, but what you do at home in between matters every single day. Wax and moisture can interfere with sound quickly, and a consistent hearing aid cleaning routine helps keep your devices working well and prevents that frustration.
With offices in Peru, Galesburg, and Streator, IL, audiologist Kendra Theodosopoulos, Au.D., and licensed hearing instrument specialist Tyler Swedeen can demonstrate how to care for your specific devices and explain when they need professional cleaning or maintenance. Using the right tools and methods for daily and weekly care helps maintain comfortable listening and remove buildup without making the problem worse.
Is Once a Day Too Often for Cleaning Hearing Aids?
Once a day is not too often for cleaning hearing aids; a gentle daily wipe, plus a closer inspection about once a week, is the routine most devices need. Daily care removes surface residue before it builds up around the microphone openings, earpiece, and sound outlet. Choose a consistent time, such as after taking them out at night.
Follow your model’s instructions for the weekly inspection. You may need more frequent attention if you produce a lot of earwax, perspire heavily, or spend time in humid conditions.
Wax filters, domes, and tubing have their own replacement schedules. Check them regularly and replace them as needed or as directed, rather than relying on a single universal calendar.
Home care works alongside your professional clean and check, not in place of it. Ask Kendra Theodosopoulos or Tyler Swedeen how often to return based on your devices, wax buildup, and previous maintenance needs.
Does a BTE Model Need Different Care Than a Custom Hearing Aid?
A behind-the-ear (BTE) model does need different care than a custom hearing aid, because the two designs place their tubing, speakers, and openings in different spots. Traditional behind-the-ear hearing aids may send sound through hollow plastic tubing to a separate earmold. Some earmolds without electronics can be detached and washed if the manufacturer permits it. Keep the electronic hearing aid body out of water.
Receiver-in-canal hearing aids have a speaker inside the earpiece, connected to the behind-the-ear body by a thin wire. Wipe these components carefully and follow the specific instructions for dome and wax-filter care.
In-the-ear, in-the-canal, and completely-in-canal devices sit partly or entirely inside the ear. Their surfaces, vents, and sound outlets are exposed to wax and skin oils. Small openings require gentle handling and the appropriate cleaning tools.
If you are unsure whether an earpiece contains electronics, ask before detaching or washing it. Similar-looking parts can require different care, and your model’s instructions should guide the process.
What Order Works Best for Daily Hearing Aid Cleaning?
The order that works best for daily hearing aid cleaning is to switch the device off, wipe it, inspect it, brush the microphone openings, check the contacts or battery area, and finish with drying, storage, or charging. Wash and dry your hands, then work over a clean towel on a stable surface. Handle one hearing aid at a time so you can keep track of its parts. Follow these steps:
- Turn the device off using its normal controls.
- Wipe the casing and earpiece with a soft, dry cloth.
- Inspect the dome, earmold, and sound outlet for visible buildup.
- Gently brush across microphone openings, directing debris downward.
- Check charging contacts or accessible battery areas as instructed.
- Follow the recommended drying, storage, or charging routine.
Wax may be easier to brush away after drying overnight. You can complete that step the next morning if needed.
For disposable-battery models, instructions may include opening the battery compartment overnight. Rechargeable aids follow a different routine; do not try to open a sealed battery compartment.
Before wearing the aids again, check that removable earpieces are securely attached and the devices are dry.
What Signs Show a Wax Filter or Dome Has Worn Out?
A wax filter or dome has worn out when the filter stays blocked after cleaning or the dome looks worn, and a weekly inspection is the best time to catch these signs. Weekly care gives you a chance to inspect areas that need more attention than a quick wipe. Look for persistent wax and stiff, cracked, or discolored tubing as well. Damaged parts may need replacement rather than additional cleaning.
Change a wax filter when required, using the exact type specified for your device. Don’t assume every filter needs weekly replacement. Use a vent cleaner or wax loop only in the locations our hearing care team has demonstrated.
If washing a detachable earmold is permitted, disconnect it as instructed, use the approved washing method, and let it and any washable tubing dry completely before reconnecting.
Inspect your charger and remove dust or residue according to its instructions. If buildup remains difficult to remove or sound stays weak, arrange professional service.
What Should Wearers in Peru, Galesburg, and Streator Avoid?
Hearing aid wearers in Peru, Galesburg, and Streator should avoid soaking the electronics, using unapproved chemicals, poking tools into openings, and exposing their devices to heat. Do not immerse the electronic hearing aid or a speaker-containing earpiece in water. A water-resistance rating does not automatically mean the device can be washed.
Avoid household detergents, rubbing alcohol, peroxide, and other chemicals unless your manufacturer explicitly approves a particular product and method. Even a cleaner marketed for hearing aids may not suit every component. Never spray cleaner directly into openings.
Do not insert needles, pins, or improvised tools into microphone ports or sound outlets. Pushing harder can drive wax inward or damage the parts you are trying to clean.
Keep hearing aids away from hair dryers, microwaves, and other excessive heat sources. Never dismantle the casing for a deeper clean. If a part will not detach easily or you are unsure what it is, stop and ask for guidance.
Get Hearing Aid Care Help From Theos Audiology Solutions
A personalized demonstration can make hearing aid care easier to manage. During an appointment, Kendra Theodosopoulos, Au.D., or Tyler Swedeen can review your devices, hearing concerns, health history, and goals for comfortable daily use, then show you the cleaning steps your model needs.
Call our Peru office at 815-374-7954, our Galesburg office at 309-315-3506, or our Streator office at 815-863-8743, or contact Theos Audiology Solutions to schedule a hearing aid care appointment or your next clean and check.