Your hearing aids are remarkable little devices. They work tirelessly throughout the day, helping you catch every conversation at the market in Bolton town centre, enjoy evenings out in Haslingden, and stay connected with the people you love. But like any precision instrument, they need a little looking after to keep performing at their best.
The good news? Hearing aid maintenance isn't complicated. A few simple daily habits can extend the life of your devices, improve sound quality, and save you from unexpected trips for repairs. Here are our top care tips from the team at Fresh Hearing.
Daily Cleaning: The Most Important Habit You Can Build
Your hearing aids sit in your ears all day, which means they're exposed to earwax, moisture, dust, and natural skin oils. Over time, this build-up can muffle sound, block microphones, and even cause damage if left unchecked.
Here's a simple daily routine that takes just two minutes:
- Wipe down your hearing aids each evening with a soft, dry cloth or tissue. Never use wet wipes, water, or cleaning sprays unless they're specifically designed for hearing aids.
- Check the speaker opening (the part that sits in your ear) for wax build-up. Use the small brush or pick that came with your devices to gently clear any debris.
- Inspect the microphone ports — these are tiny openings, usually on the top or back of the device. A blocked microphone is one of the most common reasons hearing aids seem to stop working properly.
- Open the battery door at night (if your model has one) to allow air to circulate and moisture to escape.
If you've misplaced your cleaning tools, don't worry — pop into our clinic in Bolton or Haslingden and we'll happily provide replacements and show you the best technique.
Moisture: Your Hearing Aids' Biggest Enemy
Lancashire weather is famously unpredictable — we all know that a sunny morning in Bolton can turn into a downpour by lunchtime. Moisture is one of the leading causes of hearing aid malfunction, so protecting your devices is essential.
Here are some practical steps:
- Remove your hearing aids before showering, bathing, or swimming. Even water-resistant models aren't designed for prolonged submersion.
- Invest in a drying kit or dehumidifier box. These are inexpensive and brilliant at drawing out moisture overnight. Simply pop your hearing aids inside before bed and they'll be fresh and dry by morning.
- If your devices get caught in the rain, dry them gently with a soft cloth and place them in your drying kit as soon as possible. Never use a hairdryer or radiator — the heat can warp delicate components.
- Watch out for perspiration during exercise or on warm days. Sweatbands or hearing aid sleeves can offer an extra layer of protection.
Battery Care and Charging Tips
Whether your hearing aids use disposable batteries or are rechargeable, looking after the power source makes a real difference to daily performance.
For disposable battery models:
- Always wash and dry your hands before handling batteries — oils and moisture can reduce their lifespan.
- After removing the tab from a new battery, wait about two minutes before inserting it. This allows the battery to activate fully and can extend its life by up to three days.
- Store spare batteries at room temperature in a dry place. Avoid keeping them in the fridge or in your car, where temperature fluctuations can cause problems.
For rechargeable models:
- Charge your hearing aids every night, even if they aren't fully drained. Modern lithium-ion batteries perform best with regular charging cycles.
- Keep the charging unit clean and free from dust. A quick wipe of the charging contacts once a week helps maintain a reliable connection.
- If you're heading out for a long day — perhaps enjoying a walk through Jumbles Country Park or visiting family across Greater Manchester — make sure you start with a full charge.
Storage and Handling: Small Steps, Big Impact
Hearing aids are surprisingly sturdy, but they do contain sensitive electronics. A few mindful habits can prevent accidental damage:
- Always store your hearing aids in their case when not in use. This protects them from being knocked off bedside tables, found by curious pets, or accidentally thrown away.
- Keep them away from children and pets. Dogs in particular seem to find hearing aids irresistible — possibly because they carry your scent. We've seen more than a few chewed-up devices over the years!
- Avoid placing hearing aids near heat sources such as radiators, sunny windowsills, or car dashboards.
- Put your hearing aids in after applying hairspray, perfume, or sunscreen. These products contain chemicals that can clog microphones and damage the casing over time.
When to Seek Professional Help
Even with the best daily care, hearing aids benefit from regular professional servicing — much like your car needs an MOT. At Fresh Hearing, we recommend bringing your devices in for a thorough check-up at least every six months.
During a professional clean, we use specialist tools and equipment to:
- Deep-clean components that are difficult to reach at home
- Check that settings are still optimised for your hearing needs
- Replace worn tubing, domes, or wax guards
- Identify any developing issues before they become bigger problems
You should also book an appointment if you notice any of the following:
- Sound seems quieter or more muffled than usual, even after cleaning
- You hear whistling or feedback that wasn't there before
- The device feels uncomfortable or doesn't fit as snugly as it once did
- Batteries are draining significantly faster than normal
"Most hearing aid issues we see at our Bolton and Haslingden clinics are caused by simple wax build-up or moisture. A quick professional clean often has everything working perfectly again within minutes."
A Little Care Goes a Long Way
Looking after your hearing aids doesn't require specialist knowledge or expensive equipment — just a consistent daily routine and a little awareness. These small habits truly add up, keeping your devices sounding crisp and lasting for years to come.
If it's been a while since your last hearing aid check-up, or if you're experiencing any issues with your devices, we'd love to help. Fresh Hearing offers next day and evening appointments at our clinics in Bolton and Haslingden, making it easy to fit professional care around your schedule. Get in touch with our friendly team today — we're always here to keep you hearing your best.