Caring for Your Custom Hearing Aids: Tips to Keep Them Working at Their Best
We often hear our clients say “I love my custom hearing aid, it’s so small and discreet, no one can see it! But why is the sound sometimes not clear?” If you’re reading this blog, congratulations on taking the step to invest in your hearing health.
Custom hearing aids, like in-the-ear devices, are designed to provide a truly discreet, personalised listening experience. Because all the electronics are housed inside a small case that sits in your ear for 6–10 hours a day, they need a consistent cleaning routine to stay clear and reliable. With proper care, your custom hearing aid can continue delivering the best possible sound and performance for years to come.
Unlike behind-the-ear or off-the-ear devices, such as bone conduction hearing aids, custom in-the-ear hearing aids house all their electronics—speaker, microphone, computer chip, sound processor, and receiver—inside the small device that sits in your ear. While our ears naturally produce moisture and wax, which is protective, this can sometimes affect the performance and longevity of a hearing aid if not managed properly.
Here are five handy tips to prolong the life of your custom hearing aid for best listening outcomes.
1. Make Daily Cleaning a Habit
A quick daily clean helps remove earwax and debris before it affects performance. Most manufacturers provide a cleaning brush that comes with the hearing aid. You can use this or a soft cloth over the sound port of the hearing aid, paying attention to the microphone openings and battery compartments. Regular checks help ensure your hearing aids deliver clear, consistent sound. As an audiologist, I have found that when individuals brush their hearing aids daily, they rarely come in for repairs in the first two years.
2. Avoid Damage from Hair and Beauty Products
Hair sprays, perfumes, and cosmetics can affect your hearing aids. Try to remove your devices before applying these products to avoid damage. A small amount of hairspray over the microphones is enough to block the sound ports. Taking this small precaution can significantly extend the life of your hearing aids.
3. Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry
Moisture is one of the most common causes of hearing aid issues. When not in use, store your devices in a dry place, and definitely not in the bathroom! Ask your audiologist if your hearing aid is compatible with a drying kit or dehumidifier. Some dying kits have in built UV-C light which helps to reduce the buildup of unwanted germs. This can be helpful for keeping the hearing aids overnight to reduce moisture and reduce the risk of corrosion or skin irritation.
However, many modern hearing aids now come with dehumidifying functions built into their premium chargers for rechargeable hearing aids. At Victorian Hearing we acknowledge how powerful this can be in extending the life of a hearing aid, and we include premium chargers for all our clients at no extra cost.
4. Check and Replace Wax Filters
Earwax can accumulate quickly, especially with in-the-ear devices. If your hearing aids sound muffled or stop working despite fresh batteries or full charge overnight, it may be time to replace the wax filter. Regular replacement keeps your hearing clear and ensures your devices work reliably. If you are not sure, ask your audiologist how to do this.
5. Store Your Hearing Aids Safely
When you’re not wearing your hearing aids, open the battery doors and remove the batteries or keep it in the charger if it is a rechargeable hearing aid. Store the devices in their case in a cool, safe spot, away from children or pets. This simple step helps preserve both the function and the longevity of your hearing aids.
At Victorian Hearing, we know how important your hearing is to your daily life. By following these steps, you can keep your custom hearing aids working at their best, helping you stay connected, confident, and enjoying every sound around you. With eleven clinics across Melbourne, you’re sure to find a friendly smile and expert support from the dedicated team at Victorian Hearing. Call (03) 9558 8842 or book online.