As we age, some changes are natural and expected. Muscle mass decreases, joints lose flexibility and strength, and wrinkles appear. Many older adults also notice changes in their senses, especially sight and hearing. While glasses are common, hearing aids are much less so. Learning how to clean hearing aids may be a new experience, but it's essential for keeping these useful devices fully functional.
How to Safely Clean Your Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are complex technological devices that require careful maintenance. You cannot rinse them with water as you might with other medical equipment, as this could damage them. Cleaning requires a little care, but it's not complicated.
Familiarize Yourself with the Different Parts of Your Hearing Aids
Before you begin cleaning, it's important to know the different components of the device, as they vary depending on the model you use. Many behind-the-ear models consist of a main casing that sits behind the ear and contains the microphone, amplifier, and other electronic components. A thin wire or receiver connects the main unit to a custom-fit earmold or a soft dome that sits in the ear canal and transmits sound clearly.
With an in-ear model like the CLARIA Atom Pro, the design is more compact and has fewer components to manage. The device fits entirely in the ear and includes a soft dome for comfort and retention. These models are typically rechargeable and come with a charging case, which also needs to be cleaned from time to time.
Each of these components — behind-the-ear or in-ear — requires regular maintenance to preserve hygiene, sound quality, and performance. Spending a few minutes each day cleaning them can extend the life of your device and maintain the clearest and most comfortable listening experience possible.
The Right Tools for Cleaning Your Hearing Aids
To clean your hearing aids effectively and safely, it's important to use the right tools. One of the most essential is a soft-bristled brush designed specifically for hearing aids. It allows you to gently remove earwax and debris lodged in small crevices without damaging the microphone or receiver openings. Avoid ordinary brushes or abrasive materials, which could scratch or dislodge fragile components.
Another useful tool is the cleaning pick or loop. This small instrument is used to remove earwax or debris from the earmold or sound outlet. Only use tools designed for hearing aids: improvised objects such as toothpicks, paper clips, or screwdrivers can damage the device and void your warranty.
For rechargeable models, a dry cloth or a disinfectant wipe compatible with hearing aids can be used to clean contact points and the charging case. Avoid alcohol-based wipes and excessive moisture, which can damage electronic components.
How to Clean Your Hearing Aids Daily
Establishing a simple daily cleaning routine helps prevent the buildup of deposits and ensures your hearing aids function properly. Every day, your ears naturally produce earwax and oil that can accumulate on the device, especially on the parts that sit deep in the ear canal.
To clean your hearing aids:
Remove the device from your ear and gently wipe it with a clean, dry cloth to remove any visible residue.
Use your brush to sweep around the microphone opening, sound outlet, and edges of the device.
Remove the dome (the soft silicone tip at the end of the hearing aid) and clean its perimeter and interior. The dome often accumulates the most earwax, so check it carefully.
Use your cleaning pick to remove any earwax lodged in the dome or near the receiver port. Proceed gently and do not insert anything into the microphone or speaker openings.
For disinfecting, only use wipes compatible with hearing aids and electronic devices. Avoid rubbing alcohol and household disinfectant wipes, which can dry out or damage components. Be especially careful not to let moisture enter the microphone or receiver ports.
For rechargeable models, remember to clean your charging case. Wipe the contact points and the inside of the case to keep it free of dust, earwax, or debris. A quick wipe once or twice a week is usually sufficient.
If you find that earwax or debris is stuck in the microphone or speaker opening and you cannot remove it safely, do not force it. Instead, contact your hearing aid manufacturer's support service. CLARIA offers customer service accessible by phone, email, and live chat to guide you through maintenance and troubleshooting.
Why You Should Clean Your Hearing Aids
Cleaning your hearing aids is one of the simplest and most effective ways to ensure their long-term proper functioning. Because they are placed near or inside the ear, they naturally come into contact with earwax, skin oils, and impurities. Over time, these deposits can impair the device's function: loss of sound clarity, less precise fit, or even reduced performance if nothing is done.
Regular cleaning helps to:
Maintain consistent sound quality
Prevent speaker or microphone obstruction
Promote ear hygiene and comfort
Extend the life of your device
Another key aspect of maintenance is changing your wax filters, those small filters that prevent earwax from entering the speaker opening. Generally, they should be replaced at least once a month, but some people produce earwax more quickly than others and need to change them more often to maintain powerful and clear sound. If your hearing aids suddenly seem weak or muffled, it may be time to replace your wax filters.
You can order replacement wax filters at any time on our website or by contacting our customer service. Subscriptions are also available if you wish to have them delivered automatically and regularly: this way, you will never run out when you need them.
While hearing aids themselves do not cause ear infections, insufficient maintenance and hygiene can increase the risk of irritation or moisture buildup, leading to discomfort. Keeping your hearing aids clean, dry, and well-maintained contributes to a more comfortable and reliable listening experience.
The Benefits of Fully Functional Hearing Aids
When hearing aids work correctly, they don't just amplify sounds: they help you stay connected with others. Whether you're in a conversation, a meeting, or watching your favorite show, clear and amplified sound promotes communication, self-confidence, and independence.
Hearing aids also reduce the mental fatigue often associated with uncorrected hearing loss. When hearing becomes difficult, your brain has to work harder to fill in the gaps, leading to listening fatigue and frustration. By improving access to sound, hearing aids alleviate this extra effort and help you stay more engaged with the world around you.
Research has also established a link between regular hearing aid use and better long-term cognitive outcomes, especially when adopted early. Hearing aids do not restore lost cognitive functions, but they help keep the brain stimulated by providing it with rich, meaningful auditory input, which becomes particularly important with age.
The Importance of Learning How to Clean Your Hearing Aids
Getting hearing aids is a significant step forward for your health and quality of life, and you will preserve these benefits by taking care of your devices. Once you know how to clean your hearing aids, you can enjoy all they have to offer. If you want to find the right devices for you and take control of your hearing, discover the models offered by CLARIA.
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