Hearing aid cleaning kit with supplies

Hearing aid spray is a water-based, alcohol-free solution formulated for earwax removal. While it can be helpful, pause before you spray it on anything.

Hearing aid spray can only be used on waterproof hearing aids. If you choose to use hearing aid spray to help clean your waterproof hearing aids, proceed with caution and never spray directly on the device — spritz it lightly onto a cleaning cloth and then use it. Direct spraying can cause moisture to get into the microphone or other openings in the hearing aid, potentially damaging its electrical components.

Hearing aid spray can be used on conventional earmolds if they’ve been removed from the hearing aid shell. It should not be used on hearing aid domes used for RIC products. 

To avoid causing moisture damage, only use premoistened hearing aid cleaning wipes on earmolds, and only once they’ve been removed from the tubing that connects them to your hearing aids.

Wipes should not be used for hearing aid domes for RIC models. Avoid alcohol-based options and instead look for ones with a formula specifically for hearing aid cleaning.  

A hearing aid air blower, also known as a bulb blower, is a tool made up of a collapsible rubber sphere and a small, pointed tip. When you squeeze the sphere, the hearing aid air blower releases a gentle burst of air through the tip and blows away dust and dirt particles or moisture.

This tool is especially useful for cleaning BTE hearing aid tubes because it sends air directly through the tube. A hearing aid cleaning wire can remove any further debris that remains in the tube after using the air blower. For BTE earmolds, which can be removed from hearing aids to be cleaned with water, sprays, or premoistened wipes, air blowers help blow out excess or residual moisture — but earmolds should still be dried completely overnight before reattaching them.

Moisture is a big issue for hearing aids. If your hearing aid comes into contact with liquid of any kind, it’s important to dry it out as quickly as you can. That’s where the hearing aid dehumidifier comes in. These handy tools can help zap moisture and water out of the hearing aids in different ways.

The passive hearing aid dehumidifier uses absorbent materials that suck environmental moisture out of the hearing aids as they lie inside an airtight case. This is not the best option if you, say, showered while wearing your hearing aids, but it’s helpful in humid environments.

If you did accidentally shower in your hearing aids and need to wick away water, try an electric hearing aid dryer. This small box uses a gentle fan to dry your hearing aids. (Note: do not use a hairdryer to try to achieve similar results, as the heat can damage the hearing aid.) Of course, if your hearing aids get soaked or have prolonged exposure to water, consult a hearing care professional.  

• Wipe the hearing aid with a dry cleaning cloth.
• Use the brush from your hearing aid kit to remove any wax or debris from the microphones, filters, or vents.
• Use a vent cleaning tool to push any wax out. It’s helpful to have gravity do some of the work, too. Point your hearing aid downward as you use the vent tool, allowing any loosened debris to fall out. For whatever gravity doesn’t handle, use a pick or wire loop to clear the leftover bits.
• Every four weeks or so, replace the wax filter on your ITE hearing aid using specialized filter replacement tools. One end of the tool is designed to remove the existing filter, while the other end puts a new filter in place.
• Use the microfiber cloth to wipe the hearing aids again. It helps to keep their case clean as well, so wipe that down before putting them in it.

• Start by wiping the hearing aid with a dry, lint-free soft cloth.
• Use the hearing aid cleaning brush to remove debris from the microphones on the hearing aid shell. You can also brush the rocker switch and the battery door to keep them working correctly.
• Next, brush any wax or debris from the hearing aid dome. You may also need to use the wax pick or a wire to remove wax that the brush can’t get, or take the dome off and wipe it down with a soft cloth or a hearing aid cleaning wipe.
• While you have the dome off, if needed, replace the wax filter (something that should be done every month). Use a wax filter tool to remove the old filter and replace it with a new one. If the dome is damaged, replace it. Make sure that when you replace the dome that it is securely in place.
• Once these steps are complete, wipe down the hearing aids and case for the finishing touch.

• Start with a wipe down to remove any surface dirt or earwax. Go over your hearing aid shell and earmold using a microfiber cloth.
• Brush the outside of the hearing aid shell, including the microphones, rocker switch, and battery door, with the cleaning brush from your kit.
• Take a close look at your earmold, looking for wax or debris in the sound bore or vent. Use a wax pick or cleaning wire to scrape or push any wax out. You can also wipe the earmold with a cloth lightly spritzed with cleaning spray.
• Examine the tubing. If you spot any blockages or earwax buildup, carefully blow air through the tube using a hearing aid air blower, or guide a cleaning wire through the passage.
• Tubing may need to be replaced periodically, a task that your hearing care provider can help with.

As mentioned, every type of hearing aid needs a slightly different approach, but the best way to clean hearing aids revolves around gentleness and care.

Handling your hearing aids and tools with caution helps prevent any accidental damage.

Prep work is also key. Before you start cleaning your hearing aids, wipe down the area where you’ll be working, wash your hands, and set the hearing aids on a clean cloth.

To avoid damaging your hearing aids during the cleaning process, avoid water, non-hearing-aid-specific cleaners, and heat. These all can potentially cause irreversible damage to your hearing aids’ electrical components.

Want to learn the best way to clean hearing aids in detail? Talk to a Miracle-Ear hearing aid specialist for guidance.

There are a few different options for how to disinfect hearing aids. But keep in mind that you should not use bleach, alcohol, or hand sanitizer products. Try a hearing aid-safe disinfectant sprayed on a microfiber cloth, as detailed in the hearing aid spray section above.

Never spray directly onto the hearing aid, as it can cause moisture damage and ruin your device. Single-use made wipes for hearing aids could also work, depending on your hearing aid model. Alternatively, certain electronic sanitizing devices can use UV light to disinfect your hearing aids when you’re not using them.