How to clean hearing aids

Author: Katy Waterman
Published: January 17, 2017
Last reviewed by: Beth Newbould
Last reviewed: March 09, 2026

Hearing aids can take some getting used to. Beyond adapting to the day-to-day experience of wearing them, it is also important to establish a routine for proper cleaning and maintenance to ensure they perform well and last as long as possible. If you are unsure where to start, here are some helpful pointers to guide you in cleaning your hearing aids correctly.

Before you clean your hearing aid, you must first identify what type of device you have, be it a behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-canal (RIC) or an in-the-ear (ITE) style.

Cleaning BTE hearing aids

With BTE hearing aids, both the mould and the tube should be cleaned regularly – not the hearing aid device itself. To clean the ear mould and tube, simply detach the tubing and mould from the hearing aid device (the part that sits behind the ear). Put the hearing aid device in a dry, safe place whilst you clean the mould and tubing.

Once removed, soak the mould and tubing in warm soapy water for 10-15 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly under clean water to remove any sop residue.

Wipe dry with a cloth or tissue, and then leave them to dry out overnight completely before using them again. An air puffer tool can help remove excess moisture from within the tubing if required.

To keep the hearing aid in good working order, the tubing should be replaced approximately every 3 months. Your hearing care professional can do this for you, or they may teach you how to do it and provide a provision of new tubing for you to complete as recommended.

TOP TIP: Do not blow through the tubing as your breath is moist, so it will simply add moisture back into the tubing.

Cleaning RIC and ITE hearing aids

RIC and ITE hearing aids differ from BTE devices and should never be cleaned with liquids as their components and entirely electronic. A dry cloth and cleaning brush can used instead of water, and they will usually come with cleaning tools, replacement wax filter systems, and domes (if applicable). 

Replace your wax filters and domes (if applicable) routinely to keep your hearing aid in good working order. Your hearing care provider can show you how to do this.

TOP TOP: If your RIC or ITE devices suddenly stop working, and you have ensured the batteries are new or fully charged, a wax blockage has likely occurred. Change the wax filter system and dome (if you have one), this will most likely fix the issue.

When to seek advice

It is essential that you clean your hearing aid regularly, daily if possible, and change the tubing when required (tubing should be changed at least every 6 months on BTE models). Failure to do so could result in a blockage, which can lead to a deterioration in sound quality and hearing aid performance. Ear moulds can also discolour over time, especially if they are not kept clean. If you begin to notice a strong odour from your mould, have it checked by your Leightons audiologist as this may be an indicator of ear infection.

If you are unsure about any aspect of hearing aid maintenance, be sure to contact a specialist for guidance. At Leightons our experts and audiologists are at the cutting edge of modern treatments for all aspects of ear health. Get in touch on 0800 40 20 20 for specialist ear and eye care advice, book an appointment online or visit your local branch.

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