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Hearing aids are sensitive devices, and most of their malfunctions are due to a simple reason: a dirty or wax-clogged device. Regular cleaning will improve sound quality, extend the life of the device and reduce unnecessary service calls. In this guide, we will go through how to safely and effectively clean the three key parts of a hearing aid – the casing, microphone, and receiver – at home.
The ear constantly produces wax and moisture – this is perfectly normal. The problem arises when these accumulate inside or in the openings of the hearing aid. The hearing aid sits in a warm, moist environment for hours a day, and dirt accumulates unnoticed.
Typical signs that a hearing aid needs cleaning:
Most of these symptoms do not indicate a device fault – they mean that cleaning is necessary.
The best time to clean your hearing aid is in the evening, when you take it out of your ear. This way, accumulated wax and moisture won't dry hard overnight.
Short daily routine:
Never:
The shell is the outer surface of a hearing aid – the part that is in direct contact with the skin and the ear canal. Different models accumulate dirt in different ways.
In-the-ear models (ITE): Residue builds up particularly in the folds and crevices of the shell. Check these areas daily.
Behind-the-ear models Grease and skin oils accumulate in the device's seams and buttons.
Hearing aid cleaning brushes and wipes are the best tools for this. The wipes are specifically designed for the delicate surfaces of hearing aids – ordinary household products can leave residue or be too abrasive.
The microphone is one of the most sensitive parts of a hearing aid. It picks up sound from the environment, and even small particles of dirt can significantly impair sound quality.
The most important thing when cleaning a microphone:
This simple technique is usually enough to keep the microphone working. If you suspect a deeper blockage, contact an audiologist.
The receiver is the part that directs sound into the ear canal. It is in direct contact with the ear canal and earwax, and earwax blockages are by far the most common reason why a hearing aid ”stops working”.
Before you change the battery or call for service – check the headphone.
Symptoms that suggest a blocked earphone:
Brush the headphone opening daily with a cleaning brush, gently brushing over the opening – do not press the brush in. If the opening appears blocked, the wax guard is the first thing to try replacing.
Many modern hearing aids have a small filter in front of the earpiece which prevents wax from entering the device. This is called a wax guard. One of the best-known models is CeruStop filter.
The wax filter is a consumable part: it clogs up over time and cannot be cleaned – it must be replaced with a new one.
Replacing the wax filter is a simple procedure that you can do yourself. You just need the right model of filter – first, make sure which model fits your hearing aid.
Moisture is one of the most common causes of hearing aid malfunctions. Sweating, rainy days, or even just humidity can lead to moisture accumulating in the device – and this can cause malfunctions that are difficult to distinguish from other faults.
Signs of a moisture problem:
The best way to protect your hearing aid from moisture is to store it overnight. in the drying box, on which has been set Drying capsules. These effectively absorb the moisture that has accumulated in the device.
Some of the drying capsules are rechargeable – when they've become saturated, they are reactivated by heat and can be used again. Check the capsule's colour: in most models, a colour change indicates when reactivation is necessary. Disposable capsules should be replaced with new ones according to the manufacturer's instructions.
If you suffer from excessive sweating or wear hearing aids while being very active, Electric drying appliance It is a good addition to daily maintenance. It gently warms and dries the hearing aid overnight. Some models also have a UV cleaning function. Regular drying can help extend the lifespan of the hearing aid.
Behind-the-ear hearing aids often use a soft silicone piece, called a dome. It sits in the ear canal and conducts sound to the eardrum.
The tip collects wax and dirt, and it is recommended to change it regularly – usually every few weeks or months depending on usage and your own earwax production.
Cleaning and replacing the tip:
Ear tips are often manufacturer and headphone model specific – before purchasing, ensure which size and model is suitable for your hearing aid.
Home cleaning keeps the hearing aid in working order, but it does not replace professional maintenance. Contact an audiologist if:
How often should hearing aids be cleaned? A brief daily wipe-down is the minimum recommendation. A more thorough clean – microphone, earpiece, and casing – should be done at least once a week.
Miksi kuulokojeen ääni heikkenee tai pätkii? The most common cause is a wax build-up in the earpiece or a blocked wax filter. Dirt on the microphone can also degrade sound quality. Try cleaning before assuming there's a device fault.
Can a hearing aid be cleaned with alcohol or water? Not recommended. Alcohol can damage the device's surfaces and seals, and excessive moisture is detrimental to electronics. Use cleaning cloths and a dry cleaning brush specifically designed for hearing aids.
Mikä on vahasuodatin ja miksi se pitää vaihtaa? A wax filter, also known as a wax trap or sound filter, is a small component typically found in behind-the-ear (BTE) and some custom in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids. Its primary function is to prevent earwax, moisture, and debris from entering the hearing aid's receiver and microphone. Why it needs to be changed: * **Obstruction:** Over time, earwax and debris can accumulate in the wax filter, blocking the sound pathway. This leads to muffled or distorted sound, and in severe cases, complete silence from the hearing aid. * **Hygiene:** A dirty wax filter can harbour bacteria, which can be unhygienic. * **Performance:** Regular replacement ensures that the hearing aid continues to function at its optimal level, delivering clear and consistent sound. It is generally recommended to check and change the wax filter regularly, typically every few weeks or months, depending on individual earwax production. Your audiologist or hearing care professional will advise on the best schedule for you and can demonstrate how to change it. A wax guard is a small filter part in front of the hearing aid that prevents wax from entering the device. It becomes blocked with use and cannot be cleaned – it is replaced with a new one. CeruStop is one of the most common models.
How do I know if the wax filter is clogged? The sign of a fault is a weakening of the sound without any other obvious reason. If the device is technically functional but the audibility is clearly worse than normal, the wax filter is the first thing to check.
How often is the wax filter changed? The replacement interval depends on the individual's wax production and usage. Many replace the filter every 4–8 weeks; some need it changed more frequently. Check the filter regularly by eye.
What do I do if my hearing aid gets wet? Do not try to dry it with a hairdryer or microwave. Place the device in the drying box as soon as possible and let the drying capsules do their work overnight. If the problem persists, contact your audiologist.
When should you contact an audiologist? If the problem is not resolved by cleaning and changing the filter, or if you suspect equipment damage, professional help is the best option.
On the Kuuloasi.fi online shop, you'll find the necessary supplies for hearing aid maintenance:
If you're unsure which filter or tip is suitable for your specific device, Get in touch – we will help you make the right choice.
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