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
• Maintain crystal clear sound quality
• Ensure you can tell when your hearing aids suddenly require professional adjustment or repair

Before beginning to clean your hearing aids, consider picking up a good cleaning kit to make the job easier. On our online shop, Beltone offers specialized Cleaning & Care supplies for keeping your hearing aids looking and working their best.

Tip: Always avoid applying generic cleaning chemicals to your hearing aids that might prove caustic and possibly damage sensitive components.

How to perform daily cleaning of receiver-in-ear (RIE) hearing aids

1. Using a soft brush (either a soft bristle toothbrush or a brush intended for cleaning hearing aids), clean the body of each RIE hearing aid. Pay special attention to cleaning the openings such as the tiny microphone ports on the case of the hearing aid.
2. Next focus on cleaning the RIE hearing aid’s line, rubber dome and receiver, brushing away any wax or debris that has accumulated on these delicate parts.
3. Put the brush down and pick up a soft cloth. Gently wipe the entire RIE hearing aid.
4. Watch the video below to see the cleaning process for RIE hearing aids in action:

How to perform daily cleaning of behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids with thin tubes

1. Using a soft brush (either a soft bristle toothbrush or a brush intended for cleaning hearing aids), clean the body of each BTE hearing aid. Pay special attention to cleaning the openings such as the tiny microphone ports on the case of the hearing aid.
2. Next focus on cleaning the BTE hearing aid’s thin tubes and rubber dome, brushing away any wax or debris that has accumulated on these delicate parts.
3. Put the brush down and pick up a soft cloth. Gently wipe down the entire BTE hearing aid.
4. Watch the video below to see the BTE hearing aid cleaning process in action:

How to clean behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids with earmolds

1. Using a soft brush (either a soft bristle toothbrush or a brush intended for cleaning hearing aids), clean the body of each BTE hearing aid. Pay special attention to cleaning the openings such as the tiny microphone ports on the case of the hearing aid.
2. Next focus on cleaning the BTE hearing aid’s thin tubes and earmold, brushing away any wax or debris that has accumulated on these delicate parts.
3. Earmolds often have openings and crevices that will require the use of a firm wire to properly remove accumulated wax.
4. Put the brush down and pick up a soft cloth. Gently wipe down the entire BTE hearing aid.
5. Watch the video below to see the BTE hearing aid cleaning process in action:

How to clean custom hearing aids

1. Using a soft brush (either a soft bristle toothbrush or a brush intended for cleaning hearing aids), clean the body of each custom hearing aid. Pay special attention to cleaning the openings such as the tiny microphone ports on the custom case of the hearing aid.
2. Custom hearing aids often have openings and crevices that will require the use of a firm wire to properly remove accumulated wax.
3. Put the brush down and pick up a soft cloth. Gently wipe down the entire custom hearing aid.
4. Watch the video below to see the custom hearing aid cleaning process in action:

Steps for deep cleaning your hearing aids

In addition to a daily cleaning, you should set aside time for a deep cleaning of your hearing aids at least one time per week.

If you’d like to perform a deep cleaning, here’s what to do:

• Wash your hands thoroughly before starting. Even better, put on a pair of disposable nitrile gloves.
• Wet a soft cloth with a 70-90% alcohol solution such as isopropyl, Methyl or ethanol alcohol with 10-30% purified water (better yet, use Beltone’s Cleaning Spray and Cleaning Wipes).
• Wipe every part of the hearing aids until no debris is visible. Dispose of the cloth.
• Get a new cloth and repeat the process for at least 60 seconds.
• Do not submerge the hearing aids in the alcohol solution or any other fluid.
• Place the hearing aids on a clean cloth surface to dry.

How to care for your hearing aids

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.

• Schedule cleanings with a professional. Even with proper at home care, it is recommended to bring your hearing aids in to be checked regularly by your hearing care professional. Beltone hearing aid customers enjoy access to Belcare service and protection¹ for their regular cleanings, adjustments, and more.


• 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.


• Take care when handling your hearing aids. 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.


• Pay attention to signs your hearing aid is in need of repair. If you hear feedback, distorted sound, or the volume is not loud enough, you should get your device checked as soon as possible. Distorted sound or volume issues may be a result of a low battery or debris caught in the device, but having your hearing aid checked early could prevent further damage. If your hearing aids are in need of repair, Beltone offers complimentary support for all Beltone hearing aids and affordable repairs for all other makes and models.


• Maintain your batteries and use the correct size. 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.


• Take advantage of your Belcare benefits. If you purchased your hearing aids from Beltone, your equipment comes backed by Belcare¹, our program of ongoing care of protection for the life of your hearing aids. From maintenance to repairs, you can count on your Beltone hearing care professional to deliver the timely support you won’t find anywhere else.

¹Belcare available with private pay purchases only. Hearing aids purchased through insurance and discount programs may come with pre-negotiated service plans. See your Beltone hearing care professional for more details. Click here to read the full disclaimer.