If you have a lot of earwax, you can still use hearing aids. You will just have to be diligent about cleaning both the aids and your ears.
In this article, we'll discuss:
Cleaning Your Hearing Aids
Clean your hearing aids every day.
If you do not properly clean and maintain your hearing aids, wax can block the small parts on your hearing aids and prevent the sound from reaching your ear.
We have many helpful articles about cleaning your hearing aids. See Cleaning and Maintenance for more detailed instructions.
For behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids:
- Change your tubing and tips every 3 months, or sooner if you notice they are becoming plugged.
- Use the cleaning tool brush to remove earwax or other debris from the tips, buttons, and microphone.
- Use the cleaning tool wire to remove earwax or other debris from the tubing.
- The body of your hearing aid can also be cleaned daily with a tissue or soft cloth. Do not use water, alcohol, or other liquid agent to clean the hearing aid as it may damage it.
For in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids:
- Change your wax guards and domes at least once per month, or sooner if you notice they are becoming plugged.
- Use the cleaning tool brush to remove earwax or other debris from the domes, wax guards, buttons, and microphone.
- The body of your hearing aid can also be cleaned daily with a tissue or soft cloth. Do not use water, alcohol, or other liquid agent to clean the hearing aid as it may damage it.
Cleaning Your Ears
Clean your ears regularly.
Do not use a cotton swab, as this will push the earwax further into your ear canal and increase the chance of the hearing aid becoming plugged with wax. Use an ear rinse kit once a month to ensure your ear canals stay clean.
Looking for more resources?
- How do I clean and care for my hearing aids?
- How often do I need to clean my hearing aids?
- How do I change the dome on my in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids?
- How do I change the tip on my behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids?
- Purchase new accessories