Home Care

Hearing aids are revolutionary devices that help those with hearing loss reconnect with the sounds around them. However, because hearing aids sit inside the body, they are routinely exposed to moisture, ear wax and physical damage. And all these things can shorten the life of your devices, cause poor performance, malfunction and even irreversible damage. Thankfully, it’s actually quite easy to care for your hearing aids at home. 

How to Care for Your Hearing Aids at Home 

The easiest way to extend the life of your hearing aids and get the best hearing experience is with consistent at-home care. Keeping your hearing aids in excellent working condition depends on routine cleaning and regular maintenance. Of course, knowing how to clean and care for your hearing devices is half the battle. So, let’s go ahead and show you how you can best care for your hearing aids at home. 

Clean Your Hearing Aids Regularly

While your ear may be a self-cleaning machine, your hearing aids are not. That’s right; ear wax, aka cerumen, is a good thing…for your ears that is. Ear wax helps keep your ears clean of debris. Unfortunately, ear wax is not so great for your hearing aids. Ear wax buildup can result in suboptimal hearing aid performance as well as damage to the sensitive technology housed within. Therefore, it’s important to regularly clean your hearing aids at home at least once a day. 

• Every morning, after washing your hands with soap and warm water, wipe your hearing aids with a clean, dry cloth free of any lotions, moisture, etc.  
• Don’t forget to clean the hearing aid tubing as well. Your hearing aids will come with a specialized tool designed to perform this task.  
• Avoid wiping the microphone ports; if these are dirty or obstructed, schedule a professional cleaning with your hearing healthcare provider.  

How to Change the Wax Guards

Ear wax and moisture are the leading causes of hearing aid malfunction and poor performance. Wax guards prevent these from entering the sound outlet of your hearing aid and damaging the speaker. We recommend you replace your hearing aid’s wax guards every 2-4 weeks depending on how dirty your wax guards become.  

1. Before touching your hearing aids, wash your hands with soap and warm water. 
2. Remove the ear bud or receiver earmold from your hearing aid. 
3. Take out the new wax guard. Using the back side of the stick, insert the stick into the sound outlet and pull firm to remove the old wax guard. 
4. Flip the stick over to insert the new wax guard. 
5. Replace the ear bud or receive earmold 
6. Wash your hands thoroughly before inserting your hearing aids. 

How to Properly Store Your Hearing Aids

How and where you store your hearing aids when they are not in use can affect their performance and condition. Be sure to store your hearing aids in a safe place away from pets, children or risk of damage. Use the storage case that your hearing aids came with, if possible, especially if your devices are rechargeable. 

Troubleshooting Common Problems 

Occasionally your hearing aids may encounter malfunction. Fortunately, some malfunctions can be resolved at home, saving you time and money. Let’s walk through some common minor malfunctions that you may experience that you can solve yourself. 

My Hearing Aids Won’t Turn On

First, check whether your hearing aid batteries are dead; you may need to replace them. For rechargeable models, check that your devices are charged; if the battery indicator is not illuminated, your hearing aids need charging. 

Also make sure the batteries are facing the correct direction (+ with + and – with -). 

Second, check whether the door of your device’s battery compartment is fully closed. A loose or open door will prohibit the devices from functioning. 

I Can’t Hear Any Sound Coming from My Devices

First, check your hearing aid’s volume: is the volume turned down all the way or set to mute? 

Next, check whether your hearing aid batteries are dead; you may need to replace them. For rechargeable models, check that your devices are charged; if the battery indicator is not illuminated, your hearing aids need charging. 

Last, physically examine your hearing aids for any obstructions like ear wax buildup which can clog the microphone, speaker and/or receiver. If necessary, clean your hearing aids and consider replacing their wax guards. 

The Sound Quality Is Muffled or Gargled

First, check whether your hearing aid batteries are dead; you may need to replace them. Dead or dying batteries will affect your device’s sound quality. 

Next, physically examine your hearing aids for any obstructions like ear wax buildup which can clog the microphone, speaker and/or receiver. If necessary, clean your hearing aids and consider replacing their wax guards. 

The Volume Is Too Loud and/or Too Quiet

First, check your hearing aid’s volume: is the volume turned down all the way or set to mute? 

Next, double check whether you’re using the most appropriate program for your current situation. Some programs are designed specifically for phone conversations or noisy environments and therefore may not be appropriate for everyday situations.  

Have Your Hearing Aids Serviced Professionally

It is important to remember that some things cannot be resolved at home. If your devices do not function properly despite consistent at-home care, seek professional help. Our providers at Hearing Northwest can help address any outstanding issues affecting your hearing aids’ performance whether by professional cleaning or in-office repair.

A clean hearing aid makes a noticeable difference in the sounds that you hear. Regular cleaning at home is important, but you should also bring your devices in for a thorough deep cleaning and check. Our staff will perform any other maintenance or necessary minor repairs and run a quick diagnostic to verify your hearing aids are working optimally.