How to Clean and Care for Hearing Aids (and Connect Them to Your Phone)

Before you start

• Your hearing aid cleaning kit (brush and wax loop or pick)
• A soft, dry cloth
• Spare wax guards, domes and batteries (if used)
• Your hearing aid charger or case

Method 1 Clean them every day

1. 1

   Step 1: Wash and dry your hands

   Clean, dry hands stop oil and dirt getting onto the hearing aids.

2. 2

   Step 2: Hold them over a soft surface

   Work over a towel or table so they don’t break if dropped.

3. 3

   Step 3: Wipe the outside

   Wipe the hearing aids, earmoulds or domes with a soft, dry cloth or a cleaning wipe made for hearing aids. Never use water, alcohol or household cleaners unless your audiologist says so.

4. 4

   Step 4: Brush the openings

   Hold the aid with the opening facing down and gently brush the microphone ports and sound outlet so debris falls out, not in.

5. 5

   Step 5: Clear wax

   Use the wax loop or pick to gently remove wax from the earmould or dome opening, without pushing it deeper.

Method 2 Replace wax guards and domes

1. 1

   Step 1: Check the wax guard

   Many aids have a small white filter (wax guard) where sound comes out. If sound is weak or muffled, it may be blocked.

2. 2

   Step 2: Change the wax guard

   Use the tool from your wax guard pack: insert the empty end to pull out the old guard, then use the other end to push in a new one. Follow your model’s instructions.

3. 3

   Step 3: Replace domes

   Change soft domes every 1–3 months, or sooner if they’re discoloured, stiff or split. Make sure they click firmly onto the receiver so they can’t come off in the ear.

4. 4

   Step 4: Clean earmoulds

   Custom earmoulds that detach from the aid can usually be washed in warm, soapy water, rinsed and dried completely; check with your audiologist first and never wash the hearing aid itself.

Method 3 Look after the power

1. 1

   Step 1: Rechargeable aids

   Place them in the charger every night. Make sure they sit properly and the charging light shows.

2. 2

   Step 2: Disposable batteries

   Open the battery door overnight to save power and let moisture escape. Remove the sticker from a new battery and wait about a minute before inserting it.

3. 3

   Step 3: Carry spares

   Keep spare batteries in a bag or purse, and change them when you hear the low-battery warning.

4. 4

   Step 4: Keep batteries away from children and pets

   Button batteries are very dangerous if swallowed. Store them safely and get urgent medical help if one is swallowed.

Method 4 Protect them from damage

1. 1

   Step 1: Keep them dry

   Remove hearing aids before showering, swimming or using hairspray. A drying box or dehumidifier can remove moisture overnight.

2. 2

   Step 2: Avoid heat

   Don’t leave them in a hot car, on a radiator or in direct sun.

3. 3

   Step 3: Store them safely

   Keep them in their case when not in use, out of reach of pets; dogs are attracted to their smell.

4. 4

   Step 4: Put them in last

   Put hearing aids in after hair products and makeup.

Method 5 Connect hearing aids to your phone

1. 1

   Step 1: iPhone

   For Made for iPhone hearing aids, go to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing Devices, open the battery doors or restart the aids to put them in pairing mode, and tap their name when it appears.

2. 2

   Step 2: Android

   Put the hearing aids in pairing mode, then go to Settings > Connected devices > Pair new device, or for compatible aids Settings > Accessibility > Hearing devices. If you have two, wait for the first to connect before selecting the second.

3. 3

   Step 3: Use the manufacturer’s app

   Most brands have an app for adjusting volume, programmes and finding lost hearing aids.

Troubleshooting

Frequently asked questions

Summary