Hearing Aid Maintenance & Care Tips

Hearing aids are sophisticated microcomputers. When exposed to sweat, rain, or high humidity, moisture builds up inside the casing. Over time, this leads to corrosion, static sounds, and sudden battery drain. To protect your device, wipe it down every evening with a dry microfiber cloth and store it overnight in a specialized hearing aid dehumidifier or drying box — never in the bathroom.

That high-pitched squeal is called feedback. It happens when amplified sound leaks out of your ear canal and re-enters the hearing aid’s microphone. The most common causes are a loose-fitting ear dome, heavy earwax buildup pushing the sound back out, or simply hugging someone (which bounces the sound back). If cleaning your ears and adjusting the device doesn’t stop the whistle, the physical fit needs adjustment.

Yes — streaming audio requires your hearing aid to constantly receive data from your smartphone, which draws significant power. To maximize battery life:

1. Keep your phone in your pocket (closer to the hearing aids).
2. Turn off Bluetooth streaming in your app when not actively listening to media.
3. Always carry a spare pack of batteries if you plan on a long day of phone calls.

A wax guard is a tiny, replaceable plastic filter that prevents earwax from entering the delicate receiver (speaker) of your hearing aid. When it gets clogged, the sound becomes muffled or dies completely. Visually inspect your wax guard daily and replace it every 3 to 4 weeks — or immediately if the sound volume drops unexpectedly.

Absolutely. If you use traditional zinc-air batteries, always open the battery door completely when taking them out for the night. This does two things: first, it completely cuts the power, saving battery life. Second, it allows air to circulate through the device, helping internal moisture and sweat evaporate — which prevents expensive corrosion damage.

Before calling for repairs, check these three things:

1. Power. Insert a brand new battery (wait one minute after peeling the sticker) or ensure your rechargeable device is seated correctly in its charger.
2. Blockage. Remove the rubber dome and inspect the wax guard. If it looks yellow or blocked, replace it.
3. Tubing. If you wear a BTE device, ensure the thin plastic tube hasn’t become twisted, crimped, or blocked with moisture bubbles.

Itchy ears are usually caused by three things: moisture trapped behind the ear dome, a mild allergic reaction to the silicone material, or a poorly fitting device that rubs against the ear canal. Never use a cotton swab to scratch. Instead, clean your ear domes daily, use a tiny drop of audiologist-approved ear lubricant (if prescribed), and ask your clinic about switching to hypoallergenic domes.