Hearing Aids Maintenance and Care Tips

You’ve made an awesome investment in your quality of life. You have more energy, feel less stressed, and your conversations are easier. So, of course, you want your hearing aids to maintain top performance.

Whether you’ve had hearing aids for a while or you just got your first pair, hearing aid maintenance is an important part of hearing your best as well as protecting your devices from wear and tear. From cleaning them with the right type of cloth to making sure you’re storing them correctly, making hearing aid care and maintenance part of your daily routine will help ensure your devices last for years to come.

Specific maintenance can vary depending on the type and model of your hearing aids. For example, the Horizon Go IX hearing aids come with a maintenance guide with step-by-step instructions. Be sure to check your specific manufacturer's instructions or ask your hearing care specialist if you have questions about hearing aid care.

Here is a general hearing aid maintenance checklist to help you get started.

Keep them safe and store them properly

Hearing aids are extremely durable, but can still be damaged if you don’t handle them with care.

Store your hearing aids in a safe place when you take them off, such as their case or charger, it helps protect them from dust, debris, and damage. You can even get a dehumidifying box to protect against moisture.

Avoid extreme temperatures, don’t use a hairdryer or sit them in the sun.

Handle your hearing aids carefully; avoid dropping them and putting any type of pressure on them.

Make sure children and pets can’t get to them.

Turn your hearing aids off when you’re done wearing them to save the battery or charge.

Be careful putting them on and taking them off. Set them down gently, especially on hard surfaces. For extra care, insert them while you’re sitting on your bed or couch in case you drop them.

Keep them dry

It’s very important to keep your hearing aids away from all liquids and moisture to avoid damage.

Don’t wear your hearing aids in the shower, sauna, when swimming, or during a sweaty workout. Even if your devices are water resistant, you’ll want to keep them as dry as possible.

Avoid using hairspray, shaving creams, and other similar products while you’re wearing them, too.

Hearing aid dehumidifiers and drying kits are also available to help keep your hearing aids stay dry.

Keep them clean

Establishing a regular cleaning routine at home, and periodically with your hearing professional, is essential to hearing aid performance.

A light cleaning is recommended about once a week.

Remove ear wax and other dirt with the cleaning tools that came with your devices as wax buildup can affect performance.

Clean the outside of your hearing aids with a clean, soft, and dry cloth. Don’t use water or other cleaning products as they can damage the components.

Filters or wax guards should be replaced monthly, as wax buildup can distort sounds and damage the hearing aid receiver.

It’s also important to schedule regular cleanings at least once or twice a year with your hearing care professional.

Following these tips will help you keep your hearing aids operating like new. As a reminder, don’t try to repair your hearing aids if something isn’t working right. Repairs should always be handled by your hearing care professional.

Contact a hearing specialist

If you have questions about hearing aid maintenance, or are looking for your first pair of hearing aids, contact one of our helpful hearing specialists today. We’ll match you with the best pair for your individual needs and lifestyle. We’ve helped more than 100,000 people hear better and live their best. We’re here to help you, too, every step of the way.