How to replace filters in BTE hearing aids

Your pack of new wax filters includes a small, dual-ended replacement tool:

• One end has a pin or empty tip used to remove the old filter.
• The other end holds a new filter ready to insert.
• Hold the tool with the pin end facing outward.

Changing your hearing aid wax filters regularly is one of the simplest ways to keep your devices working properly. Wax filters protect the tiny sound openings from earwax and moisture, which can easily block the receiver or tubing and cause muffled or distorted sound.

In general, most people should replace their wax filters every one to two months. However, the exact timing can vary depending on how much earwax you produce, how often you wear your hearing aids, and your environment.

If you tend to produce more wax or live in a humid area, you may need to replace your filters more often — roughly every two to four weeks. You should also change your wax filter whenever you notice any of the following signs:

• The sound from your hearing aid becomes weak, muffled, or distorted. 
• The device suddenly stops working, even with a new battery. 
• You can see wax or debris blocking the filter

Replacing the filter promptly helps maintain clear, consistent sound and protects your hearing aids from potential damage. It also extends the lifespan of your devices and reduces the need for repairs.

If you find yourself changing filters more often than once a month, it may be worth having your ears checked for wax buildup or asking your hearing care professional whether your current filter or dome type is the best fit for you. By staying consistent with filter changes, you’ll ensure your hearing aids continue to deliver the clear, reliable sound you depend on every day.

Wax filters are designed to protect your hearing aids by catching earwax and debris before they reach the delicate internal components. Because of how they’re made, wax filters are not meant to be cleaned or reused.

Once a wax filter becomes clogged with earwax, moisture, or dust, it can’t be effectively cleaned without damaging its structure. Attempting to wash or poke the filter can push debris further inside, risking damage to the sound outlet or receiver. For that reason, it’s always best to replace the filter with a new one rather than trying to clean it.

To keep your hearing aids in good condition between filter changes, you can:

• Wipe the dome or earmold daily with a soft, dry cloth to remove visible wax.
• Use a cleaning brush or loop tool to gently clear the outer openings around the sound outlet.
• Store your hearing aids in a dry box or dehumidifier overnight to reduce moisture buildup.

By keeping the exterior parts clean and replacing the wax filters regularly, you’ll maintain clear sound quality and help extend the life of your hearing aids.

It’s easy to tell when your hearing aid’s wax filter needs to be replaced: your device will usually show clear signs that it's blocked. The most common indicators include:

• Muffled or weak sound: if voices and everyday sounds seem quieter or less clear than usual, the filter may be partially blocked by wax or debris.
• Distorted sound: A clogged filter can make your hearing aid sound fuzzy, crackly, or inconsistent.
• No sound at all: If your hearing aid suddenly stops working, even with a new battery, a completely blocked wax filter is often the cause.
• Visible buildup: If you can see wax or moisture trapped in or around the filter, it’s time to replace it.

Because the filter’s job is to stop wax from reaching the delicate internal components, it will eventually fill up. Once it does, sound can’t pass through properly.

Generally, if your hearing aid’s performance drops noticeably — or if you can’t remember the last time you changed the filter — it’s time to replace it. A fresh filter can instantly restore sound clarity and prevent potential damage to your device.

When it’s time to replace your hearing aid wax filter, you don’t need any special equipment beyond the replacement kit that comes with your new filters. These kits are designed to make the process quick, clean, and safe.

Each kit typically includes a small, dual-ended tool:

• One end has a pin or empty tip — this is used to remove the old, clogged filter from the sound outlet
• The other end holds a new wax filter — ready to be inserted into the same spot. 

This tool is often single-use and comes attached to a wheel or strip containing multiple filters. Here’s what you might need depending on your hearing aid style:

• Wax filter replacement tool (included in the filter pack)
• A clean, dry cloth or tissue to handle your hearing aids safely
• Optional: A small brush or wax loop for cleaning around the sound outlet before inserting the new filter

That’s it — no liquids, tweezers, or extra tools required. Always use the specific tool and filter type recommended for your hearing aid model, since different devices use slightly different filter systems.

Yes, in most cases, you’ll need to remove the earmold or dome before changing the wax filter in a BTE hearing aid.

In BTE models, the wax filter is usually located at the tip of the earmold (for custom molds) or at the end of the thin tube (for open-fit styles). To access it safely:

1. Gently pull off the dome if your hearing aid uses a soft rubber dome. This exposes the small opening where the wax filter sits.
2. If you use a custom earmold, detach it from the tubing if necessary. Some earmolds have the filter built into the tip of the sound outlet, so you’ll need to remove it to reach the filter properly.

Once you’ve replaced the old filter with a new one, make sure to reattach the dome or earmold securely before wearing your hearing aid again. Never try to change the filter while the dome or earmold is still attached, doing so can make it difficult to see the opening clearly and may damage the parts.

If you’re unsure how to remove or reattach these components, your hearing care professional can show you the correct technique during your next visit.

It’s not recommended to use baby wipes, alcohol, or household cleaning products to clean hearing aid domes. These products often contain moisture, oils, or harsh chemicals that can damage the delicate silicone or rubber material of the domes. Over time, this can make them brittle, discolored, or less secure on the receiver. Instead, you should: 

• Use a soft, dry cloth or tissue to wipe the domes after each use.
• If there’s visible earwax or debris, gently clean it off using a hearing aid cleaning brush or tool designed for this purpose. 
• For deeper cleaning, you can use a special hearing aid cleaning wipe that’s alcohol-free and safe for silicone materials.
• Always make sure the domes are completely dry before reattaching them to your hearing aids.

If your domes become discolored, cracked, or feel loose, it’s best to replace them — typically every two to three months, or as advised by your hearing care provider. Proper cleaning and timely replacement help ensure your hearing aids stay comfortable, hygienic, and deliver clear sound every day.

Replacing the wax filter won’t change the overall sound quality or settings of your hearing aid, instead, it should restore clear, natural sound if the old filter was clogged. When a wax filter becomes blocked, sound can become muffled, distorted, or very weak. By installing a new filter, you’re simply removing that barrier, allowing sound to pass through freely again. Most users notice an immediate improvement in clarity once the new filter is in place. However, if the sound seems different or still unclear after changing the filter, check the following:

• Make sure the new filter is seated properly. If it’s loose or not fully inserted, it can affect sound output. 
• Inspect the dome, earmold, or tubing. Wax or moisture buildup elsewhere can also cause poor sound quality. 
• Try a fresh battery. Sometimes reduced sound is due to low power, not the filter itself.

If the sound still doesn’t improve after replacing the filter and checking these parts, it may be time for a professional cleaning or service from your hearing care professional. Lifetime service and aftercare* are included with every Miracle-Ear hearing aid purchase, so you can bring them to any of our 1,600+ locations anytime at no cost.

If you don’t replace your hearing aid’s wax filter regularly, earwax and debris can build up and block the sound outlet, causing your hearing aids to perform poorly or even stop working altogether.

Over time, a clogged filter can lead to:

• Muffled or weak sound as wax blocks the amplified sound.
• Distorted or intermittent sound, especially in humid or dusty environments.
• Complete sound loss, even when the battery is new or fully charged.
• Moisture or wax damage to the internal components of your hearing aid.

Ignoring wax filter maintenance can also shorten your hearing aid’s lifespan and lead to unnecessary repairs. Because the filter’s main job is to protect delicate parts from wax and moisture, it’s much cheaper and easier to replace the filter than to repair a damaged device. As a rule of thumb, replace your wax filters every one to two months, or sooner if you notice reduced sound quality. Doing so keeps your hearing aids clear, reliable, and working as they should.

In most cases, you can replace the wax filter yourself at home — it’s a simple, quick process once you know how. Modern hearing aids are designed so users can easily swap out wax filters using the small tool that comes in the replacement pack.

However, you might prefer to have your audiologist or hearing care professional do it for you if:

• You’re unsure how to remove the dome or earmold safely.
• You have trouble handling small parts or seeing the opening clearly.
• You’re not confident which filter type fits your specific hearing aid.

Your hearing care professional can show you exactly how to replace the filter correctly during a routine appointment, so you feel comfortable doing it on your own next time.

For most users, though, changing a wax filter at home takes just a few minutes, and it’s one of the easiest ways to keep your hearing aids sounding clear and working their best.

Yes, different BTE (Behind-the-Ear) hearing aid models can use different types of wax filters. The size, shape, and fitting method of the filter depend on the hearing aid’s design and the manufacturer’s specifications.

Even among BTE styles, some use small round filters that fit inside the earmold or tube tip, while others may use flat or mesh-style guards. These filters are not interchangeable, so using the wrong type could result in a poor fit, reduced sound quality, or even damage to your device.

To make sure you’re using the correct filter:

• Check the user manual or packaging that came with your hearing aids.
• Look at your current filter before replacing it to identify its shape and size.
• Ask your hearing care provider or supplier to confirm which filter type matches your specific model.

Using the proper wax filter ensures that your BTE hearing aids continue to deliver clear sound and remain fully protected from earwax and moisture.

Once you’ve replaced your hearing aid’s wax filter, you can safely discard the old one in your household trash. Wax filters are single-use items and cannot be cleaned, reused, or recycled.

Because they’re small and may contain earwax or moisture, it’s best to:

• Wrap the used filter in a tissue before throwing it away.
• Avoid flushing it down the toilet or sink, as this could cause clogs.
• Always dispose of the entire replacement tool if it’s a one-time-use design (many come attached to a plastic wheel or stick).

Replacing your filters regularly — and discarding the old ones properly — helps maintain hygiene and ensures your hearing aids stay in excellent working condition.

1. Wash and dry your hands
   Always start by washing your hands thoroughly. Make sure they’re completely dry before handling your hearing aids.
2. Remove your hearing aids
   Take the hearing aids off and separate the earmold (or dome) and tubing from the main device if your model allows.
   Never clean the electronic parts with water or cleaning fluids.
3. Clean the earmold or dome
   • Daily cleaning: Wipe the earmold or dome gently with a soft, dry cloth or tissue.
   • Deeper cleaning: If the earmold (not the electronic parts) is detachable, you can wash it in warm, soapy water once a week. Rinse thoroughly and allow it to dry completely overnight before reattaching it.
   • Avoid using alcohol, baby wipes, or strong cleaning agents, as these can damage the material.
4. Check and clean the tubing
   Moisture or wax can build up inside the thin tube. Use a blower tool (often included in cleaning kits) to gently push air through the tubing and remove any condensation or debris. Replace the tubing if it becomes stiff, discolored, or cracked.
5. Wipe the main hearing aid unit
   Using a dry, soft cloth or a special hearing aid cleaning wipe, gently wipe down the main body that sits behind your ear. Avoid water, cleaning sprays, or alcohol wipes — moisture can permanently damage the electronics.
6. Inspect the wax filter
   If your BTE hearing aid uses a wax filter in the earmold or tube tip, check it regularly. Replace it if it looks clogged or discolored.
7. Store your hearing aids properly
   When not in use, place your hearing aids in a dry storage box or dehumidifier overnight. This helps remove moisture and extends their lifespan.

Pro tips for BTE hearing aid care

• Clean your hearing aids every night before bed so they’re ready in the morning.
• Never use water or heat (like hairdryers or microwaves) to dry your hearing aids.
• Replace domes, tubing, and filters as recommended by your provider or if you notice reduced sound clarity.
• Schedule professional maintenance every few months for deep cleaning and tubing replacement.