Hearing aids are a significant investment, and we want them to last as long as possible. With proper care and maintenance, they can continue to work well and provide benefit for 5+ years.
The environment for a device that sits in your ear is moist and warm, at about 98 degrees and between 40-70% humidity. It is also exposed to cerumen, or ear wax, which can accumulate on the device.
These conditions can be harmful to electronics, so keeping them dry and free of wax is crucial.

When Should I Clean My Hearing Aids?
Hearing aids should be cleaned daily with the dry cloth or brush that came with them. There is usually a pick on the end of the brush to help remove ear wax. Use a dry cloth to wipe the hearing aids when you remove them each night. Never use alcohol swabs or any cleaning solutions, as they can break down the hearing aid material.
Store the hearing aids in a cool, dry place (not the washroom!) to keep them free of moisture. If they are rechargeable, the charger is the perfect place to keep them overnight. If you have battery powered hearing aids, make sure to keep the battery door open when not in use, and ask about a dehumidifying container if you are concerned about moisture.
Wax guards, or filters, should be changed weekly unless you notice that they are clean each time. Over time, you will determine how often they need to be changed, depending on your unique physiology.
Never wear your hearing aids in the shower or sauna, while swimming, using a hair dryer, or while spraying products onto the hair.

Professional Hearing Aid Care
A professional can help with regular cleanings to remove any wax that gets inside the tubing or builds up on the casing. At Beck Hearing, we recommend a minimum of 6 months between clean & check appointments, and encourage those with heavy wax to come in every 3 months.
If you have any questions about caring for your hearing devices, make sure you talk to your specialist. We want to help you take care of your hearing aids, so they can keep taking care of your hearing!