How to clean RIC hearing aids

The microphone openings on a Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) hearing aid are very small and easily collect dust, skin oil, or tiny debris. Cleaning them gently is important to prevent muffled or distorted sound. To clean the microphone, hold the hearing aid upside down so any loose debris falls away from the openings rather than into them. Use a soft hearing aid cleaning brush to lightly sweep across the microphone ports using short, gentle strokes.

Avoid applying pressure—pressing too hard can push wax into the microphone. Do not insert tools, pins, or toothpicks into the microphone holes, and never use water, cleaning sprays, or alcohol wipes on the microphone area. Moisture can damage the internal components. After brushing, wipe the surface of the device with a dry, lint-free cloth. If sound remains weak after cleaning, the microphone filter may need professional service or replacement.

If your Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) hearing aids use custom earmolds instead of domes, regular cleaning helps prevent wax buildup and muffled sound. Begin by detaching the earmold from the receiver—leave the receiver wire and hearing aid dry and separate. Once removed, use a soft brush to sweep away any surface wax. For deeper cleaning, rinse the earmold in warm water and use mild soap if needed.

Avoid hot water, as it can warp the material. Rinse thoroughly to remove soap residue. Allow the earmold to air dry completely before reattaching it. To speed up the drying, use a bulb blower to push moisture out of the sound channel. Never soak or rinse the receiver wire, and never use alcohol or household cleaners on the earmold. If the earmold becomes stained, cracked, or uncomfortable, your hearing care professional can replace it. Clean the molds daily or weekly, depending on the wax buildup, and store the hearing aids in a drying case overnight.

Regular replacement and cleaning keep RIC hearing aids working their best.

Filter Replacement
Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids use small wax filters to protect the receiver from earwax, moisture, and debris. Replacing these filters regularly helps to maintain clear sound and prevent damage, as clogged filters often lead to weak or distorted output.

• Guide: Remove the dome, use the manufacturer’s tool to replace the filter, and reattach the dome securely.
• Frequency: Replace the filter every 2–4 weeks, or sooner if sound becomes weak or distorted.
• Tools needed: Replacement filters and the dedicated tool supplied with your hearing aids.

Domes
RIC hearing aids use a thin receiver wire and a soft dome or earmold. These parts must stay clean to deliver sound effectively.

• Guide: Wipe the dome and receiver wire daily with a dry cloth. Replace domes as recommended.
• Frequency: Clean daily and replace domes every 2–3 months, or sooner if worn or discolored.
• Tools needed: Cleaning wipes or cloth, spare domes provided by your hearing care professional.

RIC (Receiver-in-Canal) hearing aids should be cleaned daily or at least several times a week, especially if you produce a lot of earwax. Because the speaker sits inside the ear canal, wax can easily block the dome or wax guard, causing muffled or weak sound.

A daily routine can be quick—wipe the hearing aid and dome with a dry cloth and use a soft brush to gently remove any wax from the dome, receiver opening, and microphone ports. The wax guard usually needs to be replaced every few weeks, or sooner if the sound becomes faint.

If the dome or wax guard appears clogged, replace them rather than trying to scrape out wax. Weekly, store your hearing aids in a drying case or dehumidifier to remove moisture. Consistent cleaning helps maintain clear sound and reduces the risk of repairs.

To remove earwax from a RIC dome, start by brushing the outer surface with a soft cleaning brush, using gentle strokes to lift wax away. If wax is blocking the speaker opening, inspect the wax guard beneath the dome—it may need replacing.

To do this, remove the dome by gently pulling it off the receiver. Replace the wax guard by inserting a new one in place of the clogged one. Then reattach the dome securely.

Never use sharp tools or push anything into the receiver opening—this can damage the internal speaker. If wax buildup occurs frequently, clean the domes daily and replace wax guards more often. Regular wax control prevents muffled sound and protects the receiver from damage.

Yes, most RIC domes are designed to be removed and replaced at home. To remove the dome, hold the receiver wire and gently pull the dome straight off. To replace it, line up the new dome and push it firmly onto the receiver tip until it feels secure.

Make sure it does not wobble or slide off, as loose domes can get stuck inside the ear canal. Domes generally need replacement every 1–3 months, or sooner if they become discolored, torn, hardened, or clogged with wax.

Always use domes that are compatible with your hearing aid brand and size, as incorrect domes can affect comfort, retention, and sound. If you are unsure, your hearing care professional can demonstrate the process in person or via video. Replacing domes regularly helps maintain clear sound and a comfortable fit.

Domes are safe to wash, but only when they are detached from the receiver. Remove the dome from the receiver wire, then rinse it under warm water. If needed, use mild soap to loosen buildup—avoid scented soaps or strong detergents. Rinse thoroughly and allow the dome to air dry completely.

Do not rinse or expose the receiver to water, as this part contains delicate electronics. If you prefer not to wash domes, you can simply wipe them daily with a dry cloth to remove surface wax.

Over time, domes naturally discolor, soften, or become less flexible. When cleaning no longer restores appearance, or the dome feels sticky or stiff, it’s time to replace it. Many people replace domes monthly for the best sound and hygiene.

The receiver wire is delicate, so clean gently and without moisture. Do not use water, soap, or alcohol on the wire. Instead, use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the wire from the top down. A soft brush can remove light wax from the base of the dome area, but avoid brushing where the wire meets the hearing aid body.

Do not bend, twist, or tug the receiver wire—it can break internally even if the outside looks fine. If the wire becomes stiff, cracked, or loose, contact your hearing care professional for replacement. Never attempt to repair or straighten a bent wire yourself.

If wax repeatedly reaches the receiver opening, replacing domes and wax guards more often can help. Keeping the receiver area clean prevents blocked sound and protects the internal speaker for long-term performance.

If the dome is heavily waxed and brushing doesn’t clear it, replace the dome instead of trying to dig out wax. Attempting to scrape or poke wax out can tear the dome or push wax into the receiver, which may damage the internal speaker.

Remove the dome, replace the wax guard, and attach a new dome. If sound remains weak after changing both the dome and wax guard, moisture may be present in the receiver, or the speaker may be blocked internally. Place the hearing aid in a drying case or dehumidifier overnight.

If sound is still reduced the next day, contact your hearing care professional—your receiver may need cleaning or replacement. Keeping extra domes and wax guards available makes it easy to restore sound quickly when wax buildup occurs.

If your RIC hearing aid still sounds muffled after basic cleaning, the wax guard is often the culprit. Even light wax buildup can block sound. Try replacing the wax guard and the dome.

If the sound is still weak, moisture may be trapped in the receiver. Place the hearing aid in a drying case overnight to pull out moisture. Also, check the microphone openings—use a soft brush to sweep debris away while holding the device upside down.

If your ear canal is blocked with wax, sound may also seem muffled, even if the hearing aid is clean. In this case, a professional earwax removal appointment can help.

If none of these steps fix the sound quality, the receiver may need professional cleaning or replacement, which is common over time. Do not increase volume to compensate—addressing the blockage is the correct solution.

It’s not recommended to use alcohol wipes, hydrogen peroxide, baby wipes, or household cleaners on RIC hearing aids. These products can dry out or damage the material and may push moisture into delicate electronic components.

Instead, use hearing aid–safe cleaning wipes or a dry, lint-free cloth to clean the hearing aid shell. The domes can be washed in warm water after being removed, but the receiver must stay completely dry.

If you feel your hearing aids need disinfection, choose alcohol-free cleaning wipes, designed for hearing aids, or ask your hearing care professional for recommended brands. Some hearing aid users also benefit from storing devices in a drying case overnight to help remove bacteria-causing moisture.

Avoid harsh chemicals, heat, and ultrasonic cleaners. Using only safe cleaning products protects your device and helps extend its lifespan.

Cleaning RIC hearing aids with limited hand dexterity can be easier with a few adjustments. Use cleaning tools with larger, easy-grip handles to improve control. Perform cleaning on a flat surface, so you don’t have to hold the device in the air—this reduces hand strain and prevents drops.

Wipe the device with a cloth rather than pinching it between your fingers, and brush the dome lightly with slow, steady motions. If replacing wax guards or domes feels difficult, ask a family member or caregiver to assist with those steps.

Miracle-Ear clinics also offer free cleaning appointments, where they can clean and check the device for you. Also, consider using a drying case nightly so moisture removal requires no manual effort. Small adaptations can make daily maintenance more comfortable and stress-free.

Yes, using a drying case or hearing aid dehumidifier is highly recommended for RIC users. Because the receiver sits inside the ear canal, RIC devices are more exposed to moisture and earwax.

A drying case helps remove this moisture overnight, preventing sound distortion, corrosion, and internal component damage. Passive drying cases use moisture-absorbing pellets, while electronic drying boxes use gentle heat and air circulation for deeper drying. Both are effective and safe.

Regular overnight drying is particularly beneficial in humid climates, for active users who perspire, or for those with narrow ear canals that retain moisture.

Using a drying case adds little daily effort but can significantly reduce the need for repairs and improve long-term performance. It’s one of the easiest ways to protect your investment and maintain consistent sound clarity.

Yes, moisture can damage the receiver wire in RIC hearing aids because the receiver sits inside the ear canal, where humidity and sweat are common. Moisture can cause sound distortion, intermittent volume, or complete failure of the receiver.

To prevent this, wipe the receiver wire daily with a dry, lint-free cloth and avoid exposing the device to rain, shower steam, or hairspray. Store your hearing aids in a drying case or dehumidifier overnight to remove any moisture that collects during the day.

Avoid leaving hearing aids in bathrooms, pockets, or hot cars, as temperature changes can increase condensation. If you notice a crackling sound, weak volume, or intermittent performance, moisture may already be inside.

Drying cases can help, but if issues persist, contact your hearing professional. Replacing a receiver is a common repair, and can fix sound quality quickly.

When traveling, keep your cleaning routine simple and consistent. Pack a portable cleaning kit with a soft brush, wax pick, extra domes, spare wax guards, and a travel-size drying case.

Clean your hearing aids each night by brushing the dome and microphone openings and wiping the shell with a dry cloth. Avoid washing domes while traveling unless you have time to let them air dry fully.

When flying, always keep your hearing aids in your carry-on bag to protect them from extreme temperatures and pressure changes. Avoid storing them near toiletries that might leak.

If traveling to a humid climate, drying cases become especially important to prevent moisture buildup. For beach or pool vacations, remove hearing aids before swimming, and store them in a cool, dry case away from direct sunlight.

A simple, steady routine will keep your hearing more clear and comfortable everywhere you go.