If you're one of the millions of people living with hearing loss, you know how helpful these small devices are in more ways than one. They are effective, technologically advanced, and sometimes even life-changing. However, there's one thing they're not: cheap! Hearing aids can indeed cost several thousand dollars.
These high prices are due to multiple factors. For someone addressing their hearing loss, expenses can include consultations with an ENT specialist or an audiologist, as well as a series of diagnostic tests. Even if private insurance covers a portion of the costs, out-of-pocket expenses can remain substantial—sometimes several thousand dollars.
All this to say one thing: your hearing aids represent a significant financial investment. Add to this the fact that most hearing aids are not covered by private insurance. Medicare currently does not reimburse for hearing aids, and Medicaid coverage varies from state to state, meaning some people are eligible and others are not.
It is therefore even more important, once you receive your hearing aids, to do everything possible to make them last as long as possible. Several actions can prolong their lifespan: storing them in a safe place, avoiding moisture and extreme temperatures, and following the manufacturer's usage instructions. Protecting them from shocks and handling them with care is just as essential.
But the best way to prolong the life of your hearing aids is to clean them regularly and thoroughly. Daily cleaning is one of the best habits to adopt to keep your devices in good condition—and here's everything you need to know to do it correctly.
What tools do I need?
Getting used to living with hearing aids takes time. For many, managing hearing loss can seem daunting at first—but the good news is that cleaning and maintaining hearing aids is relatively simple. Whether you wear them yourself or care for someone else—a child or an elderly person—this routine is quickly learned.
Most hearing aids come with manufacturer's maintenance recommendations. Many brands provide a basic cleaning kit upon purchase. For example, our EV1 and EV3 models both come with cleaning accessories and simple maintenance instructions to help users care for their devices.
If you haven't received a cleaning kit, or if your hearing aids are second-hand, don't worry: most of the necessary tools can already be found in your bathroom! For daily maintenance, all you need is a soft, lint-free cloth (a microfiber cloth, for example) and a small brush. A clean, dry toothbrush will do just fine.
Some manufacturers offer sprays specific to their devices, but only use a cleaning product if it is expressly recommended for your hearing aid.
Different types of hearing aids
Hearing aids come in different sizes and shapes, each requiring specific maintenance precautions.
If you have mild to moderate hearing loss and want a discreet solution, a completely-in-canal (CIC) or invisible-in-canal (IIC) hearing aid may be suitable for you. These are the smallest models; they are placed deep in the ear canal. Discreet and almost invisible, their small size nevertheless leaves less room for advanced features and large-capacity batteries. They are therefore not necessarily suitable for people with more significant hearing loss.
The two main families of hearing aids are:
behind-the-ear (BTE) and receiver-in-canal (RIC/RITE);
custom in-the-ear models, such as ITE, ITC, CIC, and IIC.
Cleaning a behind-the-ear hearing aid
On behind-the-ear hearing aids, the receiver or microphone can be either in the ear canal (RIC) or inside the rigid casing placed behind the ear. These devices generally have three parts: a rigid casing, a tube or wire, and an earmold or shell that fits into the ear.
Due to their multiple components, BTE and RIC hearing aids require more meticulous cleaning. The tube and receiver are particularly sensitive to pressure.
Start by gently cleaning the casing and the tube with your microfiber cloth. Handle the device carefully, rubbing lightly to remove surface residue.
The part that fits into the ear canal (the earmold or shell) is most exposed to moisture and earwax, so it deserves special attention. Use your brush to gently remove deposits.
Important: use only the tip of the bristles—if the bristles bend, you're pressing too hard. Gentle, steady strokes are enough to remove residue.
Cleaning an in-the-ear hearing aid
For custom in-the-ear devices—ITE, ITC, CIC, and IIC models—cleaning follows the same principle, except that the device generally forms a single block. These devices usually group all components (microphone, receiver, processor, and battery) inside the shell.
Most of these devices are also equipped with removable rubber tips, which can and should be cleaned regularly. Some tips are replaceable, but they are also designed to last a long time if well maintained.
Hold the device gently between your fingers and rotate it to access all surfaces. Gently remove deposits with your brush, then wipe with your microfiber cloth. As these devices sit deeper in the ear, they are more exposed to moisture and earwax buildup, so it's essential to clean them thoroughly and dry them well before storing them.
Conclusion
Hearing aid maintenance is essential to protect your investment and ensure reliable performance. With a few everyday items and a little care, you can establish a cleaning routine that will keep your devices in top shape.
Whether you use a cleaning kit or just a toothbrush and a cloth, regularity is key. Clean them gently, keep them dry, and store them in a safe place—your hearing aids will thank you.
"Hearing aid maintenance extends their useful life and improves daily comfort of use." — Drew Sutton, MD, Board-Certified ENT
Sources:
Hearing loss - Symptoms and causes | Mayo Clinic
Hearing Aid Coverage | medicare.org
Hearing aids: How to choose the right one | Mayo Clinic
