Getting a hearing aid fitted is one thing. Getting the most from it over the years is another. If your fitting is still ahead, read what happens during a hearing-aid fitting. Once you are wearing the aids, daily care helps preserve sound quality and avoid preventable problems. This guide explains the routine plainly, without the jargon.
If you are still at the stage of wondering whether you need hearing aids at all, a free home hearing test with Hear Better is a good place to start. You can also see how Hear Better provides hearing aids fitted and supported at home, including lifetime aftercare rather than a standalone hearing-aid cleaning service. Our guide to private hearing-aid prices and what is included explains why aftercare matters when comparing quotes.
Why Hearing Aid Maintenance Matters
Hearing aids are small, precise pieces of technology. They sit in or behind your ear all day, exposed to earwax, moisture, dust and the general wear of daily life. Neglect them and you will notice the difference quickly: sound becomes muffled, feedback increases, batteries drain faster and repairs become necessary more often.
The good news is that proper hearing aid care is simple and takes only a few minutes each day. A consistent routine prevents most problems before they start, keeps your aids sounding clear and extends their working life considerably.
Daily Cleaning: What to Do and What to Avoid
Your hearing aids pick up earwax, dead skin cells, dust and moisture every day. Cleaning them properly removes these deposits without damaging the components inside.
What to do each evening:
Wipe the exterior casing with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth. This removes surface debris and any moisture that has built up through the day.
If your aids have a wax guard, a small mesh filter that protects the speaker, check it daily. Replace it when it looks discoloured or blocked. Most aids come with spare wax guards; ask your audiologist for extras at your next appointment.
Use only the brush or cleaning tool recommended for your model to clear visible debris. Blocked wax guards, tubing or sound outlets are common causes of weak sound, but the parts and cleaning method differ between devices. If you are unsure which opening is which, ask your audiologist before cleaning it.
If your aids have a receiver tube, the thin tube that fits into the ear canal, use the brush to clear wax from the opening. This is where wax most often collects.
What to avoid:
Do not push cotton buds or any object into the openings. They can leave fibres behind or damage small components.
Never use water. Hearing aids are not waterproof. Even a small amount of water inside the casing can damage the electronics.
Never use solvents, cleaning sprays, alcohol or oils. These corrode the circuitry.
Never blow compressed air into the aid. You risk pushing wax deeper rather than clearing it.
If wax is deeply impacted in your ears and you are finding it difficult to keep the aids clean, it may be worth considering professional ear wax removal at home. The NHS guidance on earwax build-up explains common symptoms and when to seek help. Clearing impacted wax can make ongoing hearing aid care easier.
Hearing Aid Batteries: Getting the Longest Life
Most hearing aids use disposable zinc-air batteries, though some newer models have built-in rechargeable batteries. The care approach differs slightly for each.
Disposable zinc-air batteries:
Zinc-air batteries activate when you peel off the adhesive tab on the back. Once removed, do not try to re-stick it, the battery begins draining immediately once exposed to air.
After removing the tab, wait around 60 seconds before inserting the battery into the aid. This gives the zinc-air chemistry time to activate fully, which extends battery life.
Store spare batteries at room temperature in a dry place. Heat and humidity both reduce battery life. Keep them away from metal objects, coins, keys, that could short-circuit them.
Battery life varies by size, model and how much you use your aids. Smaller batteries (size 10) may last 3 to 5 days; larger ones (size 13 or 312) can last up to 10 days. Most aids signal when the battery is low with a short beep or tone. When you hear that, you typically have an hour or so left, enough warning to change the battery before going out.
Rechargeable hearing aids:
If your aids use built-in rechargeable batteries, charge them each night in the dock your audiologist provided. Most modern rechargeable aids offer around 24 hours of use on a full charge.
Unlike older battery technology, modern lithium batteries do not need to be fully drained before recharging. Charge them regularly and they will perform better for longer.
Keep the charging dock in a cool, dry place and follow the charging instructions supplied for your model. Many current systems are designed to remain in their charger overnight, but the manufacturer's instructions should take priority over generic advice.
Storing Your Hearing Aids Properly
How you store your aids when you are not wearing them matters as much as how you clean them.
Keep them in a dry place at room temperature. A bedside table works well. A steamy bathroom does not.
Many people use a desiccant pot, a small container with moisture-absorbing crystals, for overnight storage. These pull moisture from the aids while you sleep and are worth using if you live in a humid environment or if your aids frequently get damp. Replace the crystals when they change colour; that means they have absorbed as much moisture as they can hold.
When carrying your aids in a bag or pocket, use a protective case. This guards against drops, pressure and accidental damage.
Avoid leaving your aids anywhere hot: car dashboards in summer, on top of radiators, in direct sunlight. Heat damages electronics and shortens battery life.
Remove your aids before showering, bathing or swimming unless the manufacturer explicitly says that your exact model is suitable for that use. Water-resistance ratings and care instructions vary, so check the information supplied with the device.
Common Hearing Aid Problems and How to Fix Them
Most issues people encounter with hearing aids have straightforward fixes you can try at home before calling your audiologist.
Weak or no sound
Check the battery first. If you have just inserted a new battery and there is still no sound, check it is in correctly, the positive side up, the tab fully removed.
Check the wax guard. If it is blocked, replace it.
Check you have not turned the volume down accidentally.
If the aid is still silent, the receiver tube may be blocked with wax. Clear it with your brush tool.
If none of these steps restore the sound, contact your audiologist.
Feedback and whistling
A high-pitched whistle is feedback. Incorrect insertion is one possible cause, so remove the aid, reinsert it carefully and check that it is sitting properly.
Feedback can also be caused by a loose or damaged earpiece, split or kinked tubing, a change in fit, ear wax, or the device's settings. Check only the parts you have been shown how to inspect.
If feedback continues after correct insertion and the simple checks recommended for your model, contact your hearing-aid provider. The cause needs to be identified before the right repair, refit or adjustment can be chosen.
Muffled or distorted sound
Muffled or distorted sound has several possible causes. Depending on the device, these include a low battery, a blocked wax guard or sound outlet, moisture or condensation in the tubing, damaged components, settings that need review, or a change in your hearing. Check the battery and the user-serviceable parts you have been shown how to maintain.
Do not assume the problem is ear wax without an ear examination. If basic checks do not restore the sound, or if your hearing seems different even without the aids, arrange a device check and hearing review.
The aid keeps falling out
Hearing aids can loosen their fit over time, especially if your weight has changed or the aid's dome or mould has worn down. Your audiologist can replace the dome or, if you have a custom mould, assess whether a new impression is needed.
If you think a better-fitting option might suit you, custom ear mould impressions offer a precisely fitted alternative to standard domes.
When to See Your Audiologist
A few minutes of daily maintenance goes a long way, but there are times when professional attention is the right call.
Book an appointment if:
- Sound quality has changed noticeably despite cleaning and fresh batteries
- The aid produces persistent feedback that correct fitting does not resolve
- The casing, tubing or receiver appears cracked or damaged
- Your fit has changed and the aid is no longer sitting securely
- It has been more than a year since your hearing and hearing-aid settings were checked professionally
Hear Better offers private mobile audiology appointments across the North East, meaning your audiologist comes to you. If your aids need a professional check, adjustment or assessment, there is no need to travel to a clinic.
Hear Better also provides home fitting and lifetime support for hearing aids in Whitley Bay and hearing aids in Newton Aycliffe, alongside appointments across the wider North East.
Hearing Aid Lifespan: What to Expect
There is no fixed replacement age for a hearing aid. How long a device remains useful depends on its condition, repair history, battery performance, your current hearing and whether it still meets your listening needs. Our fuller guide to how long hearing aids last explains these factors without treating a particular age as an automatic reason to replace them.
Signs that your aids may be approaching the end of their useful life:
- Repairs are becoming more frequent
- Even after servicing, sound quality is inconsistent
- The technology is significantly outdated compared to what is now available
If repairs are becoming frequent, the fit is no longer right or the aids are not meeting your needs, ask for a hearing and device review. A useful review compares repair, adjustment and replacement options rather than assuming a newer device is automatically better.
A Simple Daily Routine
You do not need an elaborate system to look after your hearing aids properly. Most people settle into a short routine at the end of the day:
- Remove the aids before showering or bathing
- Wipe both aids with a dry cloth
- Check and clear the wax guards and receiver tubes with the brush
- Open the battery doors (or place rechargeable aids in the dock)
- Store the aids in a dry case or desiccant pot overnight
Five minutes, consistently, makes a significant difference to how well your aids perform and how long they last.
If you have questions about caring for a specific model, or if you would like a professional check on your aids, Hear Better's HCPC-registered audiologist can visit you at home across the North East. Get in touch to arrange an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I clean my hearing aids?
Ideally every day. A quick wipe with a dry cloth and a check of the wax guard each evening is enough for routine maintenance. A more thorough clean of the tubing and microphone ports should be done at least a few times a week.
Can I use water to clean my hearing aids?
No. Water can damage the internal electronics. Use a dry lint-free cloth and the dry brush tool provided by your audiologist. Never rinse or soak the aids.
How do I know when to replace the wax guard?
Replace it when it looks discoloured, visibly blocked, or when sound quality drops despite the battery being charged. Most people replace wax guards every two to four weeks, though this varies depending on how much wax your ears produce.
What should I do if my hearing aid gets wet?
Remove the battery immediately if it is a disposable battery model. Dry the exterior gently with a soft cloth. Place the aid in a desiccant pot for at least 24 hours. Do not use a hairdryer or oven to dry it, heat will cause damage. If it still does not function correctly after drying, contact your audiologist.
How long do hearing aid batteries last?
It varies by battery size and how much the aid is used. Size 10 batteries typically last 3 to 5 days. Size 312 batteries can last around 5 to 7 days. Size 13 batteries can last up to 10 days. Streaming audio via Bluetooth shortens battery life noticeably.
Should I take my hearing aids out at night?
Yes. Removing your aids overnight gives your ears time to breathe, allows any residual moisture in the aids to dry out and extends battery life. It also reduces the risk of accidentally rolling onto and damaging the aids in bed.