How to Clean Your Hearing Aids Properly and Make Them Last

A few minutes of proper care each day is the single biggest factor in how long a hearing aid actually lasts. Most of the repairs we see at the clinic on The Triangle, moisture damage, blocked microphones, wax-clogged domes, are preventable with a routine that takes less time than brushing your teeth. Get that routine right early and a well-made device will comfortably outlast its expected lifespan.

Why hearing aids fail earlier than they should

Hearing aids sit in one of the most hostile environments a piece of electronics can be in: warm, moist, coated in ear wax every day. That's not helped by the weather this stretch of the North Somerset coast gets plenty of. A blustery, damp walk along Clevedon seafront or Portishead's waterfront is lovely, but it's exactly the kind of condition that catches out a device that hasn't been dried and checked properly. Salt air in particular can be surprisingly corrosive on the small metal contacts inside.

A simple daily routine

Every evening, wipe the whole device with a soft, dry cloth. Never anything wet, and never alcohol wipes, which dry out the casing and can damage the microphone ports. Check the dome or earmould for visible wax and clear it with the brush or wax pick supplied with your device. If you use disposable batteries, leave the door open overnight so any trapped moisture can evaporate. This whole routine takes under two minutes once it becomes habit.

Weekly and monthly checks

Once a week, look closely at the wax guard or filter. It's easy to forget about, but it does most of the protective work, catching wax before it ever reaches the receiver. These are meant to be replaced regularly, not cleaned forever, and we keep a full stock at the clinic. Travelling in from Yatton or Nailsea and don't want a wasted trip? Call ahead and we'll have the right size ready when you arrive.

What to avoid entirely

Never use water, cleaning sprays, or compressed air directly on a hearing aid. If a device gets caught in the rain, which happens easily enough on an exposed stretch like Weston seafront, remove the battery, leave the door open, and let it air-dry fully before you use it again. Resist the urge to speed up drying with a hairdryer or on a radiator, since heat can warp the casing just as easily as moisture can damage the electronics.

When it's time to bring it in

If a hearing aid sounds distorted, quieter than usual, or cuts out despite regular cleaning, it needs a professional check rather than more home maintenance. We service and clean any hearing aid, including ones bought elsewhere, right here in Clevedon, and can usually tell within minutes whether it's a quick fix or something that needs sending back to the manufacturer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace the wax guard?

Roughly every one to four weeks, depending on how much wax you produce. If sound suddenly seems quieter, that's usually the first thing worth checking before anything else.

Can I clean my hearing aids with water?

No. Water and cleaning sprays should never touch a hearing aid directly, as moisture is one of the most common causes of the faults we see at the clinic.

Do you service hearing aids we didn't buy from you?

Yes, we service and clean any hearing aid, wherever it was originally bought, with no obligation to switch providers afterwards.

How often should I bring my hearing aids in for a professional clean?

Roughly every three to six months, or sooner if things sound less clear than they should. A professional clean reaches parts a home routine simply can't.

My hearing aid got wet on a walk along the seafront, what should I do immediately?

Take the battery out, open the door fully, and let it air-dry for at least 24 hours before switching it back on. Avoid the temptation to test it too soon, as that can push moisture further into the device.

Not sure your current routine is enough? Bring your hearing aids in for a free clean and check at The Clevedon Hearing Clinic on The Triangle.

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