How to Clean and Maintain Hearing Aids: Daily and Weekly Routine

What You Need to Clean Hearing Aids

Most hearing aid problems — muffled sound, feedback, shortened battery life — are caused by earwax, moisture, and debris that build up over time, not by manufacturing defects. A consistent cleaning routine is the most effective way to keep a hearing aid working well.

Basic tools you will need:

• A soft, dry cloth or microfiber cloth
• A small cleaning brush (usually included with the device)
• A wax pick or loop tool

Do not use water, alcohol wipes, bleach, household cleaning sprays, or disinfectant wipes directly on the device unless your product documentation explicitly states these are safe for your specific model. Do not insert sharp objects into microphone ports, speaker openings, or any part of the device interior.

Daily Hearing Aid Cleaning Routine

Morning — before inserting:

• Inspect the sound outlet and use the wax pick to gently clear any buildup before it hardens. Hold the device with the opening facing downward so debris falls away from the device.
• Brush the microphone ports using a downward motion so loosened debris falls away.
• Wipe the exterior with a soft dry cloth to remove skin oils and dust.
• Check the charge level before a full day of wear.

Evening — after removing:

• Wipe down the device immediately to remove sweat and moisture while still warm.
• Brush again if needed to catch wax that loosened during use.
• Place in the charging case overnight. This keeps the device charged and protects it from ambient humidity. Storing the device in its case each night is one of the most consistent habits you can build for long-term device care.

Weekly Maintenance Routine

• Wax guard inspection: Check whether sound quality has decreased or the guard appears blocked. Replace according to your product documentation. Replacement intervals vary by model and by how much earwax your ears produce.
• Dome or ear tip inspection (BTE users): Inspect for cracks, discoloration, or wax accumulation. Replace according to the schedule in your product documentation.
• Shell inspection: Check for cracks, discoloration, or physical damage.
• Receiver tube inspection (BTE users): Check for moisture droplets, kinks, or discoloration. A blocked or kinked tube significantly reduces sound quality.

How to Clean Ear Tips and Domes

Ear tips and domes accumulate earwax and moisture with regular use. Remove the dome or ear tip from the device before cleaning. Check your product documentation for whether warm water rinsing is appropriate for your specific ear tip or dome. If rinsing is permitted, allow the component to dry completely before reattaching. Do not reattach a wet dome or ear tip to the device.

For more on earwax and its effects on hearing aids, see our earwax guide.

Wax Guards: When and How to Replace Them

Wax guards (also called wax filters) are small components that protect the receiver from earwax. They are replaceable and will need to be changed periodically. Signs it may be time to replace the wax guard include sound that is noticeably quieter even at higher volume settings, cleaning that does not restore normal sound quality, or a wax guard that is visibly blocked.

Replacement intervals vary by device and by individual earwax production. Follow the guidance in your product documentation rather than applying a fixed schedule. Different devices use different wax guard systems — use only the replacement components specified for your model.

CIC vs. BTE Maintenance Differences

CIC hearing aids (such as the M602) sit inside the ear canal and are more directly exposed to earwax and the natural moisture of the canal environment. Daily cleaning of the sound outlet and microphone port is particularly important. The wax guard on a CIC device is a primary line of defense for the receiver.

BTE hearing aids (such as the M802 or M905) keep the main electronics behind the ear. The dome and receiver tube require regular inspection and periodic replacement. The tube should be checked weekly for moisture, kinks, or blockage.

Refer to the documentation for your specific model for cleaning steps, replacement part specifications, and recommended intervals.

Common Cleaning Mistakes

• Using alcohol wipes, sprays, or household cleaners on the device shell or components (damages seals and plastic)
• Rinsing the main device body with water
• Inserting sharp objects into microphone ports or speaker openings (can puncture the receiver membrane)
• Reattaching a wet dome or ear tip to the device
• Skipping the nightly case storage (moisture accumulates and is not removed)
• Storing in the bathroom where steam and humidity are elevated
• Using a hair dryer, microwave, oven, or other heat source to dry the device
• Attempting to open or disassemble a rechargeable hearing aid or handle the internal battery

When Cleaning Is Not Enough

Stop using the device and contact customer support if you notice any of the following:

• Physical damage to the casing, charging contacts, or components
• The device feels unusually warm or hot during use or charging
• An unusual smell from the device or charging case
• Persistent feedback or whistling that does not resolve with cleaning or fit adjustment
• Charging failure or a battery that drains significantly faster than usual
• Any sudden change in sound quality that cleaning does not resolve

Do not attempt to repair internal components yourself. For rechargeable devices with built-in batteries, do not attempt to open the casing or access the battery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a disinfectant wipe on my hearing aid?

Only if your product documentation explicitly states it is safe for your specific model. Many disinfectant wipes contain alcohol or other chemicals that can degrade plastic and seals over time. When in doubt, use a soft dry cloth.

How often should I replace the wax guard?

This varies by device and by individual earwax production. Check your product documentation for guidance. Replace when sound quality decreases and cleaning does not restore it, or when the guard is visibly blocked.

Can I rinse the dome or ear tip with water?

Check your product documentation first. Some domes can be rinsed with warm water; others should only be wiped dry. Always allow components to dry completely before reattaching.

What should I do if the device gets wet?

See our water and moisture guide for appropriate steps. Do not use heat to dry the device.

The Bottom Line

A few minutes of cleaning each day and a weekly check of key components are the most effective ways to keep a hearing aid working well. Use the tools included with your device, follow the guidance in your product documentation, and store the device in its case each night.

For storage guidance, see our storage guide. For information on device lifespan, see our device lifespan guide. For questions about your specific RKEPIE device, contact our support team at rkepie.com/pages/contact.