How to remove ear wax from your hearing aids

Believe it or not, ear wax serves a great purpose. It protects the skin in the ear canal, acts as a deterrent for dirt and bacteria, and assists in cleaning and lubricating the ear. Yet too much of a good thing can be detrimental, especially when it prevents your hearing aids from working properly.

In fact, wax buildup is one of the leading causes for hearing aid repair, along with moisture and battery malfunction. When this occurs, the sound coming through your hearing aids may be weak and distorted – or nonexistent. And while your hearing healthcare professional will be happy to remove the wax buildup for you, there are a few techniques you can use at home to keep your hearing aids clean between visits.

You may also want to brush up on the various parts of a hearing aid so you understand what you're working with as you clean.

Purchase a hearing aid cleaning kit

If your hearing center didn’t provide you with a cleaning kit when you purchased your instruments, consider investing in one yourself. Costs range anywhere from $7 to $45 from local big box stores or online outlets. Kits contain a variety of tools, usually a wax removal brush and pick, battery magnet, tube and vent cleaner, and battery door opener.

More: How to clean and maintain your hearing aids

Make a visual inspection

Most likely, if you take a close look you’ll be able to see where wax is accumulating. Begin by wiping your hearing aids with a clean, dry cloth. If the wax is still visible, use the tools in your cleaning kit to remove it safely.

Filters and hearing aid wax guards 

Most hearing aids today come with built-in wax protecting mechanisms such as filters and wax guards. These parts are designed to be removed easily by the user; replacement parts are typically provided at your first fitting. The life of these filters and guards vary, as ear wax production fluctuates from person to person. If your hearing aid has a filter or wax guard, inspect them daily for signs of debris.

Sound bores and hearing aid tips

Sound exits a hearing aid through the sound bore or tip. If this part becomes clogged with ear wax, use a small wax loop or brush to gently scoop the debris from the opening.

Tubing

If you wear a behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid, be sure your inspection includes the tubing, which connects the hearing aid to the earmold or dome. Use a small, flexible wire or air blower to help dislodge the blockage.

More: Hearing aid types and styles

Invest in a hearing aid dryer

Ear wax, also known as cerumen, can also contribute to moisture-related problems with your hearing aids. After you inspect and clean your hearing aids, storing them in a hearing aid dryer overnight is a good way to safely keep your instruments dry and functional. (If your hearing aids have rechargeable batteries, the charging case may already dehumidify your devices.)

Hearing aid dryers range in price from $5 to $90 and are available at big box stores or online outlets. You might also check with your hearing center for a recommendation of which dryer is best to use for your particular brand of hearing aid.

Is excess ear wax the problem?

While all hearing aid wearers need to clean wax out of their hearing aids from time to time, some people may have waxier ears which require added cleaning.

If this sounds like you, check in with your hearing care provider. They can provide a professional ear cleaning and give you tips for how to keep your ears clean at home.

Never insert anything into your ear canal to try and remove impacted earwax. Cotton swabs can lead to impaction. And if you're experiencing any ear pain or ear drainage, see a doctor ASAP.