Research published in the journal Ear and Hearing found that regular hearing aid maintenance can extend device lifespan by up to three years beyond the average replacement cycle. Despite this, a survey by Hear-It.org showed that fewer than one in three hearing aid users follow a consistent cleaning routine. Moisture, earwax, and debris account for roughly 80 percent of all hearing aid repairs. Most of this damage is preventable with straightforward daily care. This article lays out a practical maintenance routine for every type of hearing aid, covering cleaning methods, moisture protection, battery management, and storage.
Daily Cleaning Routines for Different Hearing Aid Types
Cleaning hearing aids is not a one-size-fits-all task. The method depends on the style of device you wear. Before cleaning any hearing aid, wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Work over a soft surface such as a towel or a table covered with a cloth to prevent damage if the device slips from your grip.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Hearing Aids
BTE hearing aids sit behind the ear with a tube connecting to an earmould inside the ear canal. The earmould is the component most exposed to earwax and skin oils. Remove the earmould from the hook each evening and wipe it with a soft, dry cloth. Use the wax pick or wire loop provided with your device to clear the opening of the earmould. Wash the earmould in warm soapy water once per week, rinse thoroughly, and let it dry completely before reconnecting. Never submerge the hearing aid body itself. Wipe the casing with a dry microfibre cloth and brush the microphone ports gently with the supplied cleaning brush.
Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids
RIC devices have a thin wire running from the body to a receiver (speaker) that sits inside the ear canal. The receiver dome is particularly vulnerable to wax buildup. Each evening, remove the dome and use a wax pick to clear any debris from the receiver tip. Inspect the wax guard, a small white filter inside the receiver, and replace it when it appears discoloured or clogged. Most manufacturers recommend replacing wax guards every two to four weeks depending on wax production. Wipe the main body with a dry cloth and brush the microphone covers.
In-the-Ear (ITE) and Completely-in-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids
These custom-moulded devices sit entirely inside the ear, making them the most exposed to earwax and moisture. Use the small brush to sweep across the microphone opening and the receiver port each night. Replace the wax guard on schedule. Because the entire device sits in the ear canal, inspect it closely for cracks or discolouration on the shell. Even small cracks can allow moisture into the internal electronics. A properly fitted hearing aid that is well maintained will deliver consistent performance throughout its expected lifespan.
Moisture and Humidity Protection
Water is the single most destructive element for hearing aids. Sweat, rain, high humidity, and even the natural moisture inside your ear canal can degrade components over time. Modern hearing aids carry IP ratings that indicate their resistance to dust and water, but no hearing aid is fully waterproof.
In Melbourne, summer humidity regularly exceeds 60 percent, and sudden rain showers are common year-round. If you spend time outdoors, consider wearing a sweatband that covers your ears during exercise, or remove your hearing aids during heavy rain. After any exposure to moisture, wipe the devices dry immediately and place them in a drying container overnight.
Electronic dehumidifiers, also called drying stations, use gentle heat and air circulation to draw moisture out of hearing aids. These devices cost relatively little and can prevent hundreds of dollars in repair bills over the life of your hearing aids. Place your hearing aids in the dehumidifier each night with the battery door open (for disposable battery models). For rechargeable hearing aids, check whether the charging dock includes a drying function. Many modern docks combine charging and dehumidification in one unit.
Avoid storing hearing aids in the bathroom. The steam from showers creates a highly humid environment that accelerates corrosion. Keep them in your bedroom or another dry area of the house instead.
Battery Care for Disposable and Rechargeable Hearing Aids
Battery management is a core part of hearing aid care that directly affects both daily performance and long-term device health.
Disposable Zinc-Air Batteries
Traditional hearing aid batteries use zinc-air technology. They come with a protective tab that must be removed before use. After removing the tab, wait 30 to 60 seconds before inserting the battery. This waiting period allows air to activate the cell fully and can add hours of usable life. Store unused batteries at room temperature in a dry place. Do not refrigerate them, as condensation from cold storage can reduce battery life and damage the cells.
When you remove your hearing aids at night, open the battery doors. This cuts power to the device, extending battery life, and allows air circulation that helps dry the battery compartment. Remove batteries entirely if you will not wear the hearing aids for several days. A leaking battery can cause permanent corrosion inside the battery compartment.
Typical battery life ranges from three to ten days depending on battery size, hearing aid power requirements, and wireless streaming usage. Keep a spare pack on hand and replace batteries at the first sign of distortion, reduced volume, or the low-battery alert tone.
Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Batteries
Rechargeable hearing aids use lithium-ion cells that typically last a full day on a single charge. Place them in the charging dock each night, even if the battery is not fully depleted. Lithium-ion batteries do not suffer from the "memory effect" that older battery technologies did, so partial charging does not harm them.
Avoid letting rechargeable hearing aids sit with a completely flat battery for extended periods. Deep discharge can reduce the overall capacity of the lithium-ion cell. If you plan to store the devices for more than a few days, charge them to roughly 50 percent first and check the charge level periodically.
The lithium-ion battery inside a rechargeable hearing aid typically lasts three to four years before it needs replacement. This is a professional service that your audiologist can arrange. If you notice your rechargeable hearing aids no longer lasting a full day despite proper charging, the battery may be nearing the end of its cycle life.
Storage Best Practices
How you store your hearing aids when they are not in your ears has a direct impact on their lifespan. Proper storage prevents moisture damage, protects against physical harm, and keeps components clean.
Store hearing aids in a dedicated case or drying container at room temperature. Keep the storage location consistent so the devices become part of your daily routine. A bedside table or dresser drawer in a dry bedroom is ideal. Always open battery doors on disposable battery models during storage to conserve power and allow airflow.
Keep hearing aids away from pets. Dogs are particularly attracted to the smell of earwax on hearing aids and can destroy a device in minutes. Store them in a closed container or drawer that pets cannot access. If you have young children in the household, ensure the storage location is out of reach. Hearing aid batteries are small enough to be a choking hazard.
When travelling, carry your cleaning tools, a drying container, and spare batteries (or your charging dock) in your luggage. Keep hearing aids in your carry-on bag rather than checked luggage, where temperature extremes and rough handling can cause damage. Airport security x-ray machines do not harm hearing aids, but you may be asked to remove them for the walking metal detector.
When to Seek Professional Servicing
Daily maintenance handles surface-level care, but hearing aids also need periodic professional attention. A qualified audiologist has the tools and expertise to address issues that home cleaning cannot resolve.
Book a professional servicing every three to six months, or sooner if you notice any of the following issues:
- Sound quality has degraded despite cleaning the wax guard and microphone ports
- The hearing aid produces static, intermittent cutouts, or feedback whistling
- Physical damage is visible, such as cracks in the shell, a frayed wire, or a loose battery door
- The device has been exposed to significant water or dropped onto a hard surface
- Comfort has changed, which may indicate the earmould or dome needs replacement
During a professional service, your audiologist will deep-clean the microphone and receiver ports using vacuum extraction, inspect all seals and tubing for wear, verify output levels against your original hearing aid fitting specifications, and update firmware if the manufacturer has released improvements. This process typically takes 20 to 30 minutes and can identify problems before they lead to device failure.
If your hearing aid requires more extensive repair, your audiologist can send it to the manufacturer on your behalf. Turnaround times for manufacturer repairs range from a few days to two weeks depending on the issue. Many clinics provide a loaner device so you are not without hearing support during the repair period.
Residents across Melbourne can access professional hearing aid servicing at SoundClear clinics. Our audiologists handle routine maintenance, warranty repairs, and out-of-warranty servicing for all major hearing aid brands.
Building a Maintenance Routine That Lasts
The most effective hearing aid maintenance is the kind you do consistently. Link your cleaning routine to an existing habit such as brushing your teeth at night. Keep your cleaning tools next to your toothbrush or on your bedside table so they are always within reach. Set a recurring reminder on your phone to replace wax guards and schedule professional servicing.
Hearing aid lifespan is not fixed. Devices that receive regular care routinely outlast their expected three to seven year range by a significant margin. The effort required is minimal: a few minutes each evening and two professional check-ups per year. The return on that investment is reliable hearing performance, fewer repair costs, and devices that serve you well for years beyond what neglectful use would allow.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should hearing aids be professionally cleaned?
Hearing aids should be professionally cleaned every three to six months. Professional servicing removes deep wax deposits, checks internal components, verifies microphone and receiver function, and ensures the hearing aid is performing to specification. More frequent visits may be needed if you produce excess earwax or work in dusty environments.
Can moisture damage hearing aids permanently?
Yes, prolonged moisture exposure can permanently damage hearing aid circuitry. Water and humidity corrode internal components and degrade microphone and receiver performance over time. While modern hearing aids have some moisture resistance, they are not waterproof. Using a drying container or dehumidifier each night significantly reduces the risk of moisture-related damage.
What is the average lifespan of a hearing aid?
The average lifespan of a hearing aid is three to seven years. With consistent maintenance including daily cleaning, proper storage, and regular professional servicing, many hearing aids perform well for five years or more. Rechargeable hearing aids may need battery replacement after three to four years of daily use.
How should I store hearing aids when not wearing them?
Store hearing aids in a dry, cool place with the battery door open if using disposable batteries. Use a dedicated drying container or electronic dehumidifier to remove moisture overnight. Keep them away from direct sunlight, heat sources, pets, and small children. For rechargeable models, place them in the charging dock on a flat, stable surface.
Works Cited
Humes, Larry E., et al. "Longitudinal Changes in Hearing Aid Performance and Use." Ear and Hearing, vol. 41, no. 4, 2020, pp. 838-850.
Hear-It.org. "Hearing Aid Maintenance and Care." European Hearing Instrument Manufacturers Association, 2023, hear-it.org.
Kochkin, Sergei. "MarketTrak VIII: The Key Influencing Factors in Hearing Aid Purchase Intent." Hearing Review, vol. 19, no. 3, 2012, pp. 12-25.
International Electrotechnical Commission. "IEC 60529: Degrees of Protection Provided by Enclosures (IP Code)." IEC Standard, 2023.