A Guide to Looking After Your Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are small yet highly advanced pieces of technology designed to support clearer, more confident hearing. Like any precision device, they perform best when they are properly cared for.
Looking after your hearing aids not only helps to maintain sound quality and comfort, but can also extend their lifespan and reduce the likelihood of unnecessary repairs. Daily care is simple and becomes second nature once it forms part of your routine.
In this guide, we share practical, easy-to-follow guidance to help you keep your hearing aids performing at their best.
Estimated Read Time: 7 minutes
Matthew Conway
CEO/Director
Published:
Updated:
In this article...
Why looking after your hearing aids is so important
Beyond keeping them clean, regular maintenance supports consistent and reliable performance.
When hearing aids are well cared for, they are less likely to produce sound distortion or feedback, which can sometimes feel disorientating. Clear, stable sound makes everyday listening more comfortable and natural.
Ongoing care can also reduce breakdowns and unexpected repair costs. Hearing aids contain delicate internal components, and simple daily habits can help protect these from damage. Even battery performance can be affected by how devices are stored and maintained.
Two of the most common contributors to hearing aid issues are earwax and moisture. Both are entirely normal parts of daily life, but without proper management they can affect sound quality and reliability. We explore these in more detail below.
Daily hearing aid care best practices
Establishing a simple daily routine can make a significant difference. Many people find it helpful to check and clean their hearing aids in the evening before they go to sleep.
As part of your daily care, you may wish to:
- Gently wipe the hearing aids with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth
- Use a soft-bristled cleaning brush to remove visible debris from microphone ports and sound outlets
- Hold the device with the microphone facing downward while brushing, so debris falls away from the internal components
- Check for visible wax build-up and remove it carefully using the tools provided in your cleaning kit
- Inspect tubing and domes for signs of wear
- If your hearing aids use disposable batteries, open the battery compartment overnight to allow ventilation
- Store devices in a dry, protective case
These small steps help keep sound pathways clear and reduce unnecessary strain on the device.
Weekly maintenance checks
In addition to daily care, a more thorough weekly check can help maintain performance.
This may include:
- Cleaning domes or earmoulds more thoroughly and replacing them if worn
- Replacing wax guards if the sound seems muted or the guard appears blocked
- Checking tubing for stiffness or cracks
For behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, earmoulds and tubing can usually be detached and cleaned with specialised cleaning tools. It is important that these parts are completely dry before being reattached. If you are ever unsure, our audiology team is always happy to guide you.
How to protect hearing aids from moisture
Moisture is one of the most common causes of hearing aid malfunction. Sweat, rain, humidity and condensation can all affect sensitive electronic components over time.
Excess moisture may result in static noise, distorted sound, or intermittent performance. In some cases, it can contribute to corrosion or battery issues.
Simple preventative steps can help:
- Ensure your ears are dry before inserting your hearing aids
- Remove hearing aids before showering or swimming
- Consider sweat-absorbing headbands during exercise
- Wear hats in colder months to reduce condensation build-up
Storing your hearing aids
Bathrooms and kitchens often have fluctuating humidity levels, making them less suitable for storing hearing aids overnight. A cool, dry room is preferable.
Some patients choose to use hearing aid drying boxes or electronic dehumidifiers, which can help reduce moisture build-up and support longevity.
If your hearing aid becomes wet, remove the battery (if applicable) and allow the device to dry naturally in a ventilated space or drying container. Avoid using direct heat sources such as hairdryers.
If performance does not return to normal, we recommend bringing the device into one of our practices so it can be professionally assessed.
Battery care and rechargeable hearing aids
Battery maintenance plays an important role in overall performance. Here, we have detailed some differences between the care for disposable and rechargeable batteries for hearing aids.
Disposable Batteries
If your hearing aids use disposable batteries:
- Keep spare batteries with you where possible
- Store batteries at room temperature
- Open the battery door overnight to reduce moisture build-up
- Allow at least one minute after removing the protective tab before inserting the battery, enabling full activation
If sound becomes weaker or inconsistent, the battery may simply need replacing.
Rechargeable Hearing Aids
For rechargeable models:
- Keep charging contacts clean
- Ensure hearing aids are correctly positioned in the charging dock
- Avoid exposing chargers to extreme heat or cold
- Allow devices to complete their charging cycle before removing from the charging dock
If you notice charging issues, our audiologists can help determine whether this relates to the battery or the device itself.
Managing earwax to protect your hearing aids
Earwax is a natural and protective substance, but it can sometimes affect hearing aid performance.
Wax may block receivers or microphone openings, leading to reduced sound clarity, increased feedback, or inconsistent volume. If you notice these changes, wax build-up may be contributing.
Regular ear health checks can help ensure that wax is not interfering with your devices. If needed, professional earwax removal can restore both comfort and sound quality.
When to book a professional hearing aid check
Even with good home care, professional reviews remain important. You may wish to arrange a check if you notice:
- Persistent whistling or feedback
- Distorted or unclear sound
- Intermittent performance
- Physical discomfort
- A noticeable change in hearing
In many cases, adjustments are minor and easily resolved. Regular servicing allows fine-tuning and ensures your hearing aids continue to meet your hearing needs.
How long should hearing aids last?
On average, hearing aids last between three and seven years, with five years being typical. Lifespan can vary depending on usage, care, and technological advancements.
You may consider reviewing your hearing aids if your hearing has changed, sound quality has noticeably declined, repairs become more frequent or if new technology offers features that would better support your lifestyle. Modern hearing aids continue to evolve, offering improvements in connectivity, background noise management and comfort.
Why ongoing support matters
Hearing can change gradually over time, and regular reviews help ensure your hearing aids continue to provide the right level of support.
Appointments with your audiologist allow for adjustments, fine-tuning and professional cleaning. Just as routine eye examinations protect your vision, hearing reviews support long-term ear health and comfort.
At Dipple & Conway, we provide hearing aid assessments and aftercare support across our Norfolk practices in Norwich, Swaffham, Diss, Cromer and Hunstanton. Our audiology team is here to guide and support you at every stage.
Hearing aids are life-enhancing technology. With a few simple daily habits and ongoing professional support, they can continue to deliver clear, reliable performance for years to come.
If you have any questions about caring for your hearing aids, or feel it may be time for a review, our audiology team can help. Contact your local Dipple & Conway branch to arrange an appointment and take the next step in protecting your hearing health.
Posted By
Matthew Conway
CEO/Director