How to Clean Hearing Aids

Regular hearing aid cleaning is important. Here’s what you can do to ensure your hearing aids are sanitized and ready to deliver optimum performance for many years to come.

Your hearing aids were a major investment in your health and overall quality of life, so keeping them hygienic and in excellent working condition is important. And that requires regularly cleaning your equipment to:

• Remove Dirt and Bacteria: Daily use can lead to the accumulation of dirt and bacteria, which may affect the functionality of your hearing aids.
• Maintaining Sound Quality: Regular cleaning ensures the clarity and quality of the sound remain pristine.
• Early Detection of Issues: Routine cleaning allows you to notice if your hearing aids require professional adjustment or repair.

Tip: Always use specialized cleaning supplies and avoid generic cleaning chemicals that can damage sensitive components.

Daily Cleaning Instructions

Cleaning receiver-in-ear (RIE) hearing aids

1. Clean the Body: Use a soft brush to gently clean the body of the hearing aid, focusing on the microphone ports and other openings.
2. Clean the Line, Rubber Dome, and Receiver: Brush away wax and debris from these parts.
3. Wipe With a Soft Cloth: Gently clean the entire hearing aid with a soft cloth.
4. Watch the video below to see the RIE hearing aid cleaning process in action:

Cleaning behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids with thin tubes

1. Clean the Body and Openings: Use a soft brush on the body and openings of the hearing aid, including microphone ports.
2. Clean the Thin Tubes and Rubber Dome: Remove accumulated wax and debris.
3. Final Wipe: Use a soft cloth to gently clean the entire hearing aid.
4. Watch the video below to see the BTE hearing aid cleaning process in action:

Cleaning BTE Hearing Aids with Earmolds

1. Clean the Body: Focus on the openings of the hearing aid with a soft brush.
2. Clean the Thin Tubes and Earmold: Pay attention to crevices and use a firm wire if necessary.
3. Wipe with a Cloth: Gently clean the entire hearing aid.
4. Watch the video below to see the BTE hearing aid cleaning process in action:

Cleaning Custom Hearing Aids

1. Brush the Body: Gently brush all openings and crevices of the custom hearing aid.
2. Wipe Down: Use a soft cloth to clean the entire hearing aid.
3. Watch the video below to see the custom hearing aid cleaning process in action:

Weekly Cleaning Instructions

Once a week, you should give your hearing aids a deep clean by following the below steps.

Deep Cleaning Steps

1. Prepare: Wash your hands and/or wear disposable gloves.
2. Use an Alcohol Solution: Clean with a 70-90% alcohol solution (isopryl, methyl or ethanol) or a specialized cleaning spray and cleaning wipes.
3. Wipe and Dry: Ensure no debris is visible and let the hearing aids dry on a clean cloth.

Tip: Do not submerge the hearing aids in the alcohol solution or any other fluid (unless you're using a specialized cleaning system).

How to Care for Your Hearing Aids Tips

In addition to regular cleaning of your hearing aids at home, you can prolong the lifespan of your devices with the following care and maintenance tips.

• Professional Checkups: Even with proper at home care, it is recommended to bring your hearing aids in to be checked regularly by your hearing care professional.


• Avoid Moisture or Heat: To prolong the life of your hearing aids, store them in a cool, dry place and never immerse them in water. Don’t wear your hearing aids in the shower or swimming pool, or while using a hair dryer or hairspray. Excessive moisture may require a dehumidifier or silica-based drying agent that can be purchased from your hearing care professional.


• Handle With Care: Because modern hearing aids are so tiny, it's advisable to place them in a container after you remove them. This may prevent knocking them to the floor or putting an item on top of them.


• Battery Maintenance: If left in too long, batteries can cause damage to your hearing aids. Open the battery door at night to allow internal components to dry, and remove them entirely if you won’t be using them for a day or more. Also, be sure that you’re using only the recommended battery size for your hearing aids. Click here to learn more about hearing aid batteries.