Hearing Aid Maintenance and Care

Why Hearing Aid Maintenance Matters

Your hearing aids are precision medical devices — tiny instruments packed with sophisticated electronics that work hard every single day. In the UK, the average hearing aid costs between £500 and £3,500 per device privately, and even NHS-funded aids represent a significant investment of NHS resources. Yet research consistently shows that inadequate maintenance is one of the leading causes of hearing aid failure, reduced sound quality, and premature replacement.

According to Action on Hearing Loss (now RNID), approximately 12 million people in the UK are affected by some degree of hearing loss, and around 2 million people currently wear hearing aids. Of those, a substantial proportion experience avoidable device problems — blocked receivers, corroded battery contacts, cracked tubing — simply because day-to-day care routines were never properly established.

The good news is that most hearing aid problems are entirely preventable. A consistent maintenance routine takes no more than five minutes a day and can extend the life of your devices by years. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from daily cleaning habits to knowing when to book a professional service.

Daily Cleaning: The Foundation of Good Care

Cleaning your hearing aids every day is the single most effective thing you can do to keep them performing at their best. The ear canal is a warm, humid environment that naturally produces earwax, skin cells, and moisture — all of which can accumulate on and inside your aids over the course of a day's wear.

Before you begin, always wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Work over a soft surface — a folded towel or cloth — so that if you drop a device, it won't bounce across the floor or crack on a hard surface.

Cleaning Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Aids

For BTE hearing aids, the cleaning process involves three main components: the casing, the tubing, and the earmould.

• The casing: Wipe the outer casing with a soft, dry cloth or a specialist hearing aid cleaning cloth. Pay particular attention to the microphone ports — small holes on the top or back of the device — and use a fine brush (most hearing aids come with one) to gently dislodge any debris. Never insert anything into the microphone ports.
• The earmould: Detach the earmould from the tubing each week for a deeper clean. Wash it with warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and allow it to dry completely overnight before reattaching. A small puffer bulb (available from audiologists) can help clear any remaining water from the sound bore.
• The tubing: Check for discolouration, hardening, or cracks. Clear tubing that has turned yellow or brittle needs replacing — typically every three to six months. Your audiologist can do this, or you can learn to do it yourself with the right tubing kit.

Cleaning Receiver-in-Canal (RIC/RITE) Aids

RIC aids have a speaker (receiver) that sits inside the ear canal, connected to the main unit by a thin wire. The receiver is particularly vulnerable to moisture and wax ingress.

• Wipe the receiver and wire gently with a dry cloth each day.
• Check the receiver tip or dome for wax accumulation. If the dome is blocked, sound will be muffled or absent — replace the dome if necessary.
• Use the cleaning brush to clear the microphone ports on the main unit.
• Never submerge RIC aids in water or use damp cloths on the receiver.

Cleaning In-the-Ear (ITE) and In-the-Canal (ITC) Aids

With ITE and ITC aids, the entire device sits within the ear, meaning all electronic components are directly exposed to the ear canal environment. These styles typically require the most meticulous daily cleaning.

• Hold the device with the sound outlet (the part that faces into the ear canal) facing downward when cleaning — this allows any dislodged wax to fall away rather than deeper into the device.
• Use the cleaning brush to clear the sound outlet, microphone port, and any vents.
• Wipe the outer surface with a dry cloth.
• Check and replace wax guards (see below) at least once a week, or whenever you notice reduced volume or a muffled sound.

Wax Guards: Your Hearing Aid's First Line of Defence

Wax guards — also called wax filters or cerustop filters — are tiny mesh filters that sit at the receiver end of your hearing aid, preventing earwax from entering the speaker and causing blockages or damage. They are one of the most underappreciated components of hearing aid maintenance, yet replacing them regularly is one of the most impactful things you can do.

Most manufacturers recommend replacing wax guards every one to three months, though if you produce a significant amount of earwax, you may need to change them far more frequently — sometimes every one to two weeks. If you notice a sudden or gradual reduction in volume, or a distorted sound quality, a blocked wax guard is often the culprit.

Wax guard replacement kits are supplied by your audiologist and are also available from most high-street hearing aid providers. The process typically involves using the removal end of the tool to pull out the old filter, and the insertion end to push in the fresh one — a process that takes under a minute once you're practised.

It is worth noting that if you suffer from earwax buildup, you may be replacing wax guards more often than average. In this case, it's sensible to consider professional ear wax removal to reduce the volume of wax your ears produce and protect your devices more effectively.

Moisture Protection and Storage

Moisture is the number-one enemy of hearing aid electronics. Sweat, humidity, rain, and even the natural moisture of the ear canal can cause corrosion, short-circuits, and progressive damage to the delicate components inside your devices. In the UK's famously damp climate, moisture management is particularly important.

Drying Kits and Dehumidifiers

Every hearing aid wearer should own a hearing aid drying kit or electronic dehumidifier. There are two main types:

• Desiccant drying pots: These are small containers filled with silica gel crystals that absorb moisture overnight. They are inexpensive (typically £5–£15), widely available, and surprisingly effective. The crystals change colour when they are saturated and need replacing or regenerating.
• Electronic drying boxes: These use gentle heat and sometimes UV light to dry and sanitise your hearing aids. They are more effective than desiccant pots, particularly for aids worn during physical activity or in humid conditions, and typically cost between £25 and £80.

Whichever option you choose, make the overnight drying routine non-negotiable. Remove your hearing aids before bed, open the battery doors (or place rechargeable aids in their charging case), and place them in the dryer. This one habit alone can significantly extend device lifespan.

Protecting Against Everyday Moisture

• Always remove hearing aids before showering, bathing, or swimming. Even water-resistant models — most carry an IP rating of IP67 or IP68, meaning they can tolerate splashes or brief immersion — are not designed for sustained water exposure, and repeated wetting degrades water resistance over time.
• Remove aids before using hairspray, dry shampoo, or other aerosol products, which can clog microphone ports and leave residue on electronic components.
• On hot days or during exercise, consider a sweat band or hearing aid sleeve designed to wick moisture away from the device.
• If your aids do get very wet, remove the batteries immediately (if applicable), pat the device dry with a soft cloth, and place it in an electronic dryer overnight. Do not use a hairdryer or place aids in an oven — heat above approximately 50°C can permanently damage the electronics.

Safe Storage When Not in Use

When you're not wearing your hearing aids, store them in their case or drying pot — never loose in a pocket, handbag, or on a bedside table where they can collect dust, be sat upon, or be knocked to the floor. Keep them away from pets (dogs in particular have been known to chew hearing aids, which contain components that can be hazardous to animals) and away from children.

Avoid storing aids in extreme temperatures — car gloveboxes in summer can easily reach 60–70°C, which is well above the safe threshold for hearing aid electronics.

Battery and Charging Care

Whether your hearing aids use disposable zinc-air batteries or built-in rechargeable lithium-ion cells, how you manage your power source has a direct impact on both daily performance and long-term device health.

Disposable Zinc-Air Batteries

Zinc-air batteries are activated by oxygen — once you remove the protective tab, they begin to discharge. Keep these points in mind:

• Store unused batteries at room temperature in a dry place. Avoid storing them in the fridge — contrary to popular belief, refrigeration does not extend battery life and can introduce damaging condensation when the batteries are removed.
• After removing the tab, wait 60 seconds before inserting the battery. This allows oxygen to fully activate the cell and can extend battery life by up to three days.
• Open the battery door overnight when not wearing your aids. This breaks the circuit, reduces drain, and allows any accumulated moisture to escape.
• Replace batteries promptly when you notice distorted sound, increased listening effort, or a low-battery warning. Running batteries completely flat can sometimes cause leakage that damages battery contacts.
• Dispose of used batteries responsibly — many pharmacies, supermarkets, and council recycling points accept them. Never put them in general household waste.

For a deeper dive on battery management, see our dedicated guide on hearing aid batteries.

Rechargeable Hearing Aids

Rechargeable hearing aids have become increasingly popular over the past five years, and for good reason — they eliminate the fiddly process of changing tiny batteries and offer all-day power from a single overnight charge. However, they have their own care requirements:

• Charge your aids every night in their dedicated charging case, even if they still have power remaining. Partial charging does not damage modern lithium-ion cells.
• Keep the charging contacts on both the aids and the case clean and dry. A slightly damp cotton swab can be used to wipe contacts gently, but ensure everything is fully dry before charging.
• Avoid leaving aids uncharged for extended periods — if you won't be using them for more than a week, charge them to approximately 50% before storing.
• Rechargeable batteries do degrade over time — after three to five years, you may notice shorter battery life. Your audiologist can advise on battery replacement, which is possible in some models.

Tubing Changes and Component Replacements

If you wear BTE hearing aids with standard tubing and earmoulds, the tubing is a wear component that requires periodic replacement. Over time, tubing hardens, discolours, and may develop cracks that affect sound quality and comfort. Most audiologists recommend replacing tubing every three to six months as a matter of routine.

Signs that tubing needs replacing include:

• Tubing that has turned yellow or brown
• A whistling or feedback sound that wasn't present before
• Tubing that feels stiff or brittle
• Visible cracks, splits, or kinks
• A poor seal at the earmould connection

Tubing replacement can be done by your audiologist at a routine appointment, or you can learn to do it yourself using replacement tubing available from your provider. If you're unsure, always ask your audiologist to show you at your next hearing aid aftercare appointment — it typically takes just a few minutes once you know the technique.

Similarly, the soft domes or tips used on RIC/RITE aids should be replaced every one to three months, or immediately if they become misshapen, discoloured, or develop a tear. A poorly fitting dome not only affects sound quality but can also increase the risk of feedback and discomfort.

Professional Servicing: When to See Your Audiologist

No amount of home maintenance replaces the value of professional servicing. Most audiologists recommend a check-up every six to twelve months, and your hearing aid aftercare appointments are the ideal time to have your devices professionally cleaned, recalibrated, and assessed.

During a professional service, your audiologist will typically:

• Deep-clean the devices using specialist equipment, including ultrasonic cleaners for earmoulds
• Check and replace tubing, domes, and wax guards as needed
• Inspect battery contacts and charging components
• Run listening checks and electroacoustic analysis to verify the aids are performing to specification
• Reassess your hearing and adjust programming if your hearing has changed
• Check the physical fit of your earmoulds or domes, and arrange new impressions if required

In the UK, NHS hearing aid users are entitled to free aftercare, repairs, and replacement batteries through their audiology department — though waiting times vary significantly by trust. Private hearing aid wearers should check their aftercare package, as many private providers such as Boots Hearingcare, Specsavers Audiology, and Hidden Hearing include ongoing aftercare as part of their hearing aid packages.

Don't wait for your annual appointment if something feels wrong. Book an unscheduled appointment if you experience a sudden change in sound quality, persistent feedback, physical discomfort, or any other issue that can't be resolved with basic home maintenance. Ear infections can also affect how your hearing aids fit and perform, and your audiologist can help identify whether a medical issue is contributing to the problem.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even with excellent maintenance, problems occasionally arise. Here is a quick guide to the most common issues and their likely solutions:

No Sound or Very Quiet Sound

• Check that the aid is switched on and the volume hasn't been turned down
• Replace or recharge the battery
• Check and replace the wax guard
• Inspect the dome or earmould for wax blockage
• Ensure the tubing is not kinked or cracked (BTE aids)
• If none of the above resolves it, contact your audiologist

Whistling or Feedback

• Remove and reinsert the aid — poor fit is the most common cause of feedback
• Check for earwax in the canal, which can reflect sound and cause feedback — consider booking ear wax removal if this is a recurring issue
• Check that tubing and domes are intact and properly connected
• Reduce the volume temporarily
• If feedback is persistent, your audiologist can recalibrate the feedback management settings

Distorted or Unclear Sound

• Replace the battery — a low battery often causes distortion before the aid dies completely
• Clean the microphone ports with a fine brush
• Check for moisture ingress and place the aid in a dryer overnight
• Replace the wax guard

Physical Discomfort or Poor Fit

• Check that the dome or earmould size is still appropriate — ears can change shape over time
• Inspect for worn or damaged ear tips that may be causing irritation
• Book a fitting review with your audiologist — never attempt to reshape or trim earmoulds yourself
• If you are getting used to new hearing aids, some initial discomfort is normal, but persistent pain always warrants professional review

Connectivity Problems (Bluetooth and Apps)

If your hearing aids connect to a smartphone app or Bluetooth audio sources and the connection is unreliable, try the following:

• Toggle Bluetooth off and on again on your phone
• Delete the hearing aids from your phone's Bluetooth device list and re-pair from scratch
• Ensure your hearing aid firmware and smartphone app are both up to date
• Check for interference from other Bluetooth devices in the immediate area

For more detailed guidance on pairing and using hearing aid apps, see our guide to hearing aid Bluetooth apps.

Building Your Maintenance Routine: A Simple Summary

The most effective maintenance routine is one you'll actually stick to. Here is a straightforward schedule that covers all the essentials:

• Every day: Wipe aids with a dry cloth, brush microphone ports and sound outlet, open battery doors or place in charging case, put in drying pot or dryer overnight
• Every week: Check and replace wax guards if needed; detach and wash earmoulds (BTE users); inspect tubing and domes for wear
• Every 1–3 months: Replace tubing (BTE), replace domes (RIC), replace wax guards even if not obviously blocked, clean battery contacts
• Every 6–12 months: Professional service with your audiologist, including a hearing reassessment

If you are unsure whether your current hearing aid prescription still matches your needs, it may be worth booking a standard hearing test to check whether your hearing has changed — particularly if you have age-related hearing loss, which tends to progress gradually over time. A well-maintained hearing aid fitted to an outdated prescription will never perform as well as it should.

Good maintenance isn't just about prolonging the life of your devices — it's about ensuring you get the very best hearing experience from them every single day. A few minutes of care each morning and evening is a small investment for the enormous difference that well-functioning hearing aids make to communication, confidence, and quality of life.