Use the proper tools: Keeping hearing aids clean can be a complicated task. Wax and grime will accumulate in the ear canal or on the receiver, which causes muffled sound or feedback (whistling). This can lead to damage over time. A wax pick and brush are indispensable tools for at-home cleaning, so it is important that you keep one close by whenever you need it most.

Practice proper hygiene: A clean ear is a healthy ear. When cleaning your hearing aids, always wash your hands before cleaning them with soap and water. Don’t take any chances on getting dirty or oily substances in them. When it comes to showering and washing your face and hair, take off your hearing aids beforehand so you don’t risk damaging them from shampoo or conditioner getting inside. Make sure not to put other substances like lotions or moisturizers that could clog up the delicate machinery of your hearing aids.

Clean your hearing aids before sleeping: Cleaning your hearing aids before bedtime ensures that you will not be lying on them for hours and re-introducing dry, crusty earwax. It also gives the device time to “breathe” before it is put back into use again. The best way to clean a hearing aid is with a gentle cloth or air blower, as wipes can contain chemicals which could potentially harm the devices over time. Keep your hearing aids away from extreme temperatures: If you take your hearing aids out of your ears, and they’re exposed to the elements, you should put them in a safe place such as inside or near a heating source. Similarly, if you take them off under hot conditions be sure to put them somewhere cool.