How do you clean and care for hearing aids?

Good daily care keeps hearing aids working reliably and can extend their life. The essentials are simple: wipe them clean each day, keep them dry, brush wax away from the openings, and replace small parts like wax filters and domes when needed. A few minutes of routine care prevents most of the common problems that stop hearing aids performing well, and it quickly becomes a habit you barely think about.

How should you clean hearing aids each day?

Aim to clean your hearing aids when you take them out at night, so they are ready for the morning. A helpful daily routine is:

• Wipe each device with a dry, soft cloth or tissue to remove wax and moisture.
• Use the small brush provided to clear wax from the microphone and speaker openings.
• Check the dome or earmould and gently remove any visible wax.
• Handle them over a soft surface, such as a towel, to avoid damage if dropped.

Avoid water, alcohol, and wipes with chemicals or solvents, as these can damage the delicate electronics. Never use sharp objects to poke into the openings.

How do you keep hearing aids dry?

Moisture is one of the most common causes of hearing aid faults. To protect them:

• Remove them before showering, swimming or washing your hair.
• Take them out before applying hairspray, sunscreen or perfume.
• Open the battery door overnight, or use a drying container or electronic dehumidifier if you have one.
• Wipe away sweat after exercise or hot, humid days, which are common on the Redcliffe Peninsula.

For rechargeable devices, follow the charging instructions and keep the charger clean and dry as well.

What parts need replacing?

Some small components are designed to be changed regularly. Wax filters or guards protect the speaker and are usually replaced every few weeks or when sound becomes weak or dull. Domes and tubing also wear over time and are replaced periodically. If you use disposable batteries, keep spares handy and remove flat batteries promptly. Your audiologist can show you how to change these parts and how often, and can make sure you have the right supplies on hand at home.

What common mistakes should you avoid?

A few everyday habits cause more trouble than people expect. Leaving hearing aids on a sunny windowsill or in a hot car can affect the electronics and batteries. Cleaning them with a damp cloth, tissues moistened with cleanser, or household sprays can let moisture in. Storing them loose in a pocket or handbag invites lint, crumbs and knocks. And skipping the nightly wipe lets wax harden in the openings, which is a frequent reason sound becomes faint. Keeping a simple case and a set of cleaning tools by the bed makes the good habits easy.

When should you see your audiologist?

Even with good home care, hearing aids benefit from periodic professional servicing. It is worth booking a check if sound becomes faint or distorted after cleaning, if a device stops working, or simply for a routine tidy-up and re-tube. Professional cleaning can reach places home tools cannot, and your audiologist can also confirm the settings still suit your hearing. Hearing Help is an independent clinic at Newport Marketplace on the Redcliffe Peninsula, and you are welcome to ask about cleaning, servicing and supplies for your devices. Building a simple daily habit, and having them checked when something seems off, keeps your hearing aids working the way they should.