Invisible hearing aids sit inside the ear canal, where earwax, skin oils, and moisture can collect quickly. Their small openings and delicate components need careful handling, but a consistent routine can help prevent buildup and reduce avoidable damage. Clean the devices with the tools recommended for your model, keep them dry, and store them safely when you take them out. These steps provide a practical starting point; always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific hearing aids.
Clean Them Gently Every Day
Wash and dry your hands before handling a hearing aid. Remove the device as directed, then wipe its outer surface with a clean, dry, soft cloth. Use the brush or wax-removal tool supplied or approved for your model to clear debris from the sound opening. Keep the tool pointed away from the device so you do not push wax farther inside.
Check the wax guard regularly, since a blockage can make sound seem weak or unclear. Replace the guard when it looks clogged or according to the maker’s schedule. Do not use pins, toothpicks, alcohol, household cleaners, or water unless the manufacturer specifically approves them. If wax is lodged inside an opening, avoid forcing it out; ask a hearing care professional for help.
Keep Moisture Away
Take your hearing aids out before showering, swimming, or washing your hair. Avoid wearing them in heavy rain unless your model’s instructions say it is safe. After exercise or time outdoors in humid weather, wipe the devices with a dry cloth and let them air-dry before placing them in their case.
If your hearing aids get damp, remove the batteries if your model uses disposable batteries, and leave the battery door open. For rechargeable models, follow the manufacturer’s drying and charging guidance. A hearing-aid drying container or dehumidifier may help when approved for your device. Never use a hair dryer, radiator, oven, or direct sunlight; heat can damage small electronic parts.
Store Devices Safely
When you are not wearing your hearing aids, place them in their designated case in a cool, dry location. Keep the case away from bathrooms, kitchen sinks, and windows where condensation or splashes can reach it. Store devices out of reach of children and pets, and avoid leaving them loose in a pocket, purse, or bedside drawer where they can be lost or crushed.
If your model uses disposable batteries, follow its storage instructions and keep spare batteries in their packaging, away from metal objects. For rechargeable devices, use the supplied charger and keep charging contacts clean and dry. Do not charge a device that is visibly wet. Check the charger’s instructions for any additional storage or cleaning requirements.
Know When to Get Help
If sound becomes weak, distorted, or intermittent after cleaning, check the battery or charge level, confirm the device is seated correctly, and inspect the wax guard for blockage. Use only the troubleshooting steps approved for your model. Do not take the hearing aid apart or apply liquids to its openings; small components can be damaged by well-intended repairs.
Contact your hearing care professional if routine cleaning does not restore normal sound, the device repeatedly stops working, or you notice cracks, persistent feedback, or an ill-fitting shell. Arrange professional cleaning or service as recommended for your hearing aids. If an ear becomes painful, irritated, or unusually blocked, stop using the device and seek appropriate care rather than trying to clean inside the ear canal.
A few careful habits—daily surface cleaning, approved wax-guard maintenance, dry storage, and protection from heat and moisture—can help keep invisible hearing aids working reliably. Device designs vary, so use the care instructions provided for your model and ask a hearing care professional when a problem persists. For individual guidance, contact Lexington Hearing Center.