How to clean your hearing aids

You can also use this tool to gently brush the tips of the domes of each ear tip, where wax is most likely to accumulate. If tenacious wax is attached to the tip of the dome, try using the wire loop on the back of the brush to gently scoop it out. Next, look at the back of the receiver where the wire is attached and brush this area as well. Microfiber fabric can be used to remove any material removed during this step.

Some very old hearing aids have long vents that go through them completely. This can be cleaned with the special wires included in the product (and wire loops on the back of the hearing aid brush). Such vents are not common in modern hearing aids.

3. Change the wax guard

Photo: Chris Null

Photo: Chris Null

Under the ear tips you will find a small white cylinder, usually known as a wax guard, wax filter, or wax strap. Its function sounds exactly like that: prevents the wax from entering the hearing aid mechanism and clogging it. Ultimately, these wax guards get stuck to clean with a brush. You will need to replace it at that point. Depending on the usage and the amount of otosis you have, it could mean once a month.

If your hearing aid has a wax guard, it comes with a kit of replacement guards that is always included in a small plastic case, probably around eight pieces. Flip the case and remove one of the plastic tools from the sleeve very delicately. The replacement guard is on the other side of the tool, making it easy to accidentally come off if you remove the tool from the case.

With the ear tips removed from the hearing aid, insert the bare (black) side of the tool directly into the wax guard and remove it. This will pull the old wax guard completely out of your hearing aid.

Next, flip the tool over to the other side. This has a white tip. This is your new, clean wax guard and is ready to use. Remove the old wax guard and carefully insert the white tip into the created hole and remove the tool again. Leave a new wax guard in place. Discard used tools, replace ear tips and you’re ready.

4. Change the ear tips

Photo: Chris Null

Ultimately, ear tips will wear or break, especially if you remove hearing aids frequently to clean them, or if they become too dirty to effectively clean them. Solution: Replace with something fresh. The hearing aid probably came with additional ear tips of the size you like, but when it’s exhausted, you can buy them more directly from the manufacturer (along with additional wax guard tools, if necessary). Third-party ear tips are available for many model hearing aids, but the quality varies considerably.

Once finished, provide all the quick wipe downs with microfiber cloth. And don’t forget to keep your hearing aids at all times when not in use (it’s not in your pocket).

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