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Hearing Aid Maintenance Checklist

What steps can I take?

Hearing aids are invaluable companions that help you enjoy the sounds of life every day. With the right care, your hearing aids can last for many years, providing clear and reliable hearing. This checklist will guide you through simple, effective steps to maintain your hearing aids and protect your investment.

Keep Your Hearing Aids in Top Shape

Maintaining your hearing aids is essential to ensure they work effectively and last longer. Proper care can significantly enhance their performance and durability.

Daily cleaning

Daily cleaning with a soft, dry cloth helps remove dirt and moisture, while regular checks for earwax build-up prevent blockages that can impair sound quality. Storing your hearing aids in a dry, cool place and using a dehumidifier can protect them from moisture, especially in humid conditions.

Weekly inspections

Weekly inspections of the earmoulds and tubing ensure there are no cracks or blockages, and regular battery checks keep your hearing aids powered and ready to use. Monthly deep cleaning with a specialised kit maintains all components, and professional check-ups with your audiologist can detect and fix any issues early.

Seasonal adjustments

Seasonal adjustments to the settings of your hearing aids can accommodate changes in your hearing needs, and extra care during humid seasons can protect them from moisture. Using the correct type of batteries and avoiding exposure to extreme temperatures can also enhance battery performance.

Keep away from harmful elements

To safeguard the integrity and performance of your hearing aids, it’s critical to avoid exposure to potentially harmful elements. Water and moisture, for instance, can damage internal electronic circuits, while spray products like hairspray or perfume risk clogging microphones and sensitive components. Similarly, excessive heat (from radiators, sun-exposed cars, or hot surfaces) can warp the external casing or harm batteries. Harsh chemicals found in certain cleaners or cosmetics may also corrode materials. Additionally, always store hearing aids securely away from children and pets to prevent accidental breakage or ingestion of batteries, which are extremely dangerous if swallowed. Following these precautions not only extends the device’s lifespan but ensures consistent hearing quality over time.

By following these steps, you can ensure your hearing aids remain in optimal condition, providing you with the best possible hearing experience. Regular maintenance not only improves functionality but also extends the lifespan of your hearing aids, making them a reliable companion in your daily life.

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1. Protect Your Hearing Aids from Dirt, Heat and Moisture

Daily care starts with protecting your hearing aids from common hazards such as dirt, heat, humidity and water. In Australia’s warm climate, hearing aids are especially vulnerable to moisture and heat damage.

  • If your hearing aids are not waterproof, avoid any contact with water — this includes rain, sweat and wet hands.
  • If they do get wet, remove them immediately, switch them off, take out the batteries, and gently dry with a clean cloth.
  • Leave the battery compartment open and allow the aids to air dry on a flat surface for a few hours.
  • Never leave your hearing aids in direct sunlight or in hot places like a car dashboard, as heat can warp or damage the casing.
  • Avoid contact with sunscreen, cosmetics, hair sprays and other chemicals, which can cause damage.
  • Humidity can be tricky, especially when moving between hot outdoor air and air-conditioned rooms. Use a dehumidifier box or drying capsules regularly to keep moisture at bay.
  • Store your hearing aids in a cool, dry place — never in the bathroom or other damp areas
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2. Store Your Hearing Aids Safely at Night

  • Storing your hearing aids properly at night is an important part of hearing aid care.
  • To avoid damage and ensure optimal performance, it’s best to remove your hearing aids before going to bed.
  • Wearing them while sleeping can cause discomfort or pressure on the device, especially when resting your ear on a pillow. It may also lead to feedback or even damage the hearing aids over time.
  • After removing your hearing aids, make sure to switch them off and store them in their protective case.
  • Avoid leaving them on surfaces where they could fall, get lost, or collect dust.
  • For hearing aids with disposable batteries, opening the battery door overnight helps reduce moisture build-up and extends battery life.
  • If you use rechargeable hearing aids, simply place them in their designated charging unit overnight. This ensures the batteries are fully charged and ready for use the next day.

Building a consistent nightly routine for storing your hearing aids helps protect the devices, prevents unnecessary wear, and reduces the risk of costly repairs.

3. Replace Batteries, Domes and Wax Filters Regularly

Regular maintenance of these small but critical components ensures your hearing aids deliver clear, uninterrupted sound. Batteries power your device, domes direct sound into your ear, and wax filters protect delicate internal parts from debris. Neglecting these elements can lead to muffled audio, feedback, or even permanent damage. Here’s how to stay proactive:

Batteries

  • Replace standard batteries every 3–7 days (or as needed) and recharge nightly for lithium-ion models.
  • Always carry spares in a sealed case to avoid moisture damage.
  • Never use expired batteries, as they may leak and corrode the battery compartment.

Domes (ear tips):

  • Replace if they appear discoloured, stiff, or torn.
  • Choose the correct size – ill-fitting domes cause whistling (feedback) or discomfort.

Wax Filters

  • Change filters every 1–3 months, depending on earwax production.
  • Use the included tool to gently remove clogged filters without pushing wax deeper.
  • Never reuse old filters – trapped debris blocks sound pathways.

Earwax and debris can easily accumulate on and inside your hearing aids, leading to muffled or distorted sound, feedback, and even device malfunction if not addressed promptly. By making cleaning a part of your daily routine, you can prevent many common issues and reduce the need for professional repairs.

To effectively clean your hearing aids and keep them in top condition, follow these steps:

  1. Use a soft-bristled brush or the cleaning tool provided with your hearing aids to gently remove earwax and debris from the outer casing, microphone ports, and receiver openings. Hold the device facing downward so loose particles fall out rather than getting trapped inside.
  2. For stubborn wax, use a wax pick or loop to carefully clear buildup from small holes and crevices.
  3. Wipe the entire device with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth or tissue to remove any remaining residue.
  4. If you have behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids with earmolds, detach the earmold and wash it in warm, soapy water. Allow it to dry completely before reattaching, and use a bulb blower to remove moisture from the tubing.
  5. Avoid using water, alcohol, or unapproved cleaning solutions directly on the hearing aid itself, as moisture and harsh chemicals can damage sensitive electronics.
  6. Store your hearing aids in a dry, protective case or a dehumidifier overnight to keep them free from moisture and ready for use the next day.

By following these cleaning practices, you’ll help maintain the performance of your hearing aids and ensure they continue to provide clear, reliable sound each day.

4. Schedule Professional Cleanings and Check-ups

While daily at-home cleaning is vital, professional maintenance ensures your hearing aids function optimally for years. Audiologists and hearing care specialists have the tools and expertise to deep-clean intricate components like microphones, receivers, and internal circuitry, which are difficult to manage safely at home. They can also spot early signs of wear, recalibrate settings to match your hearing needs, and replace parts like tubing or filters that require specialised handling.

Key reasons to book regular appointments:

  • Thorough cleaning: Professionals use ultrasonic cleaners and precision tools to remove trapped debris and bacteria that home methods can’t address.
  • Performance checks: Tests detect subtle sound distortions or connectivity issues (e.g., Bluetooth glitches in modern devices).
  • Preventative care: Worn-out components (e.g., corroded battery contacts) are replaced before they cause major failures.
  • Hearing adjustments: Your audiologist can fine-tune settings if your hearing needs change over time.

Aim for at least one professional service every 6–12 months, or more frequently if you live in humid climates or notice performance changes. These check-ups not only protect your investment but also help maintain your overall hearing health.

The best batteries for your hearing aid

Many of our hearing aids require batteries to continue working. Discover more here.

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5. Have Your Hearing and Hearing Aids Checked Regularly

Regular check-ups for both your hearing and hearing aids are essential for maintaining your overall hearing health and ensuring your devices continue to perform at their best. Hearing loss often develops gradually, making it difficult to notice subtle changes day to day. By scheduling routine hearing assessments, you can detect any decline early, allowing for timely intervention and more effective management.

Early identification of hearing loss not only helps preserve your ability to communicate and participate fully in daily life, but it can also reduce the risk of cognitive decline, dementia, and social isolation. Regular hearing tests are especially important if you are over 60, have a history of noise exposure, or already use hearing aids. Most experts recommend annual check-ups for older adults, while younger adults should be tested every few years unless they have specific risk factors.

In addition to monitoring your hearing, these appointments allow your audiologist to inspect, clean, and adjust your hearing aids. This ensures your devices are functioning properly, settings are optimised for any changes in your hearing, and any minor issues are addressed before they become major problems. Regular professional care can also help prevent further hearing loss by identifying and treating medical conditions linked to hearing health, such as high blood pressure or ear infections.

Ultimately, routine hearing and hearing aid check-ups help you stay connected, independent, and safe, while maximising the benefits of your hearing devices and supporting your long-term well-being.

An audiologist helping the client wearing a hearing aid at the Amplifon center

Why choose Amplifon?

By choosing Amplifon as your hearing care centre, you are opting for the expertise of highly qualified audiologists who can help transform the way you experience the world around you. Our dedicated professionals are committed to providing personalised care and support, ensuring you receive the best possible hearing solutions tailored to your needs.

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