Filters

What are hearing aid filters?

Learn more about what hearing aid filters are, the types available, and how they work.

A guide to hearing aid wax filters: How to change them and more

Hearing aid wax filters are tiny parts that do a mighty job of helping you hear clearly. Learn more about what they do, how to care for them, and how to change them when necessary.

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What is a hearing aid filter?

Hearing aid wax filters are tiny components of your hearing aid, but they play a big role in ensuring it keeps working. These tiny filters for hearing aids do the important job of keeping out earwax, skin oils, dirt, and dust—all of which can clog up your devices. The biggest foe these filters have is the earwax that your ears continually produce, which is why you might also hear them called “hearing aid wax filters.” While it is healthy and normal to have earwax, it can build up quickly and stop your devices from working.

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Do all hearing aids have filters?

Most hearing aids have wax filters, but it ultimately depends on the type of hearing aid you have. Hearing aids that have components that sit either partially or completely inside the ear are the most prone to accumulations of earwax and have the most need for hearing aid wax filters.

Types of hearing aid filters

The form and kind of hearing aid you have will dictate the type of hearing aid wax filters that are used.

Hearing aid wax filters are tiny discs that sit under the hearing aid dome (if your hearing aid has one) but on top of the receiver. The hearing aid filter’s position helps it block ear wax from getting onto the receiver, which can clog it and cause it to stop working.

Female customer with hearing aid and male audiologist

Miracle-Ear hearing aid range

If you have questions about hearing aid filters or you’re looking to find the right fit, schedule an appointment with a licensed HCP at your local Miracle-Ear.

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Which hearing aids use wax filters?

Most, if not all, hearing aids have wax filters that protect their delicate parts, but where they are located will vary. Because there are many types of hearing aids, it’s important that you get to know your specific model. Ask your hearing care professional to demonstrate all the hearing aid parts—including the wax filters—so you know what’s what.

Receiver-in-canal hearing aids are defined, just as their name implies, by having a receiver that sits in the ear canal. Because of its position, the receiver is exposed to earwax and other debris (like dead skin cells) or secretions (such as oils) that the body naturally produces. The hearing aid wax filter is a critical component, as it keeps those things out of your hearing aid’s receiver. Hearing aid filters for RIC models sit underneath the soft, removable silicone hearing aid dome.

In-the-ear hearing aids sit completely inside the ear, meaning they come into direct contact with earwax all day, every day. All the components of an in-the-ear hearing aid are contained inside one unit, including the hearing aid wax filters that protect the receiver. Without the filter in place, it would be easy for wax and other secretions from your ears to infiltrate the hearing aid and potentially stop it from working.

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Find the right hearing aid for you

Part of finding the right hearing aid is determining which ones are easiest for you to handle, whether that’s putting them on, cleaning them, or making adjustments during wear. Book a Miracle-Ear appointment at a location near you to talk to a hearing care professional, take a look at different models, and discuss your hearing health. Our HCPs will explain everything you need to know about hearing aid care and maintenance, including how to clean and change hearing aid filters.