Wax Management
Whether you make a lot of wax or not, wearing hearing aids can increase the amount of wax you see coming out of your ears. Having an earmould in your ear may hinder the natural process of wax moving out of your ears, so often wax will adhere to the ear mould. This is why cleaning your hearing aids daily is vital and why the wax pick is an important part of your cleaning kit.
If you do have earwax don’t use a cotton bud to remove it. These are dangerous and the likelihood of you pushing wax further down your ear canal is high. This can be painful and may block your ear, causing a temporary drop in hearing levels. If this occurs it must be removed by a trained professional. Wipe wax from the earmould, keep the sound bore and vent clear, and gently clean the entrance of the ear canal with a damp face cloth. Hearing aids may include wax filters or soft domes which require special care.
Wax filters, sometimes called wax guards, vary by brand and model. They need regular replacement as part of your cleaning routine. Ask your clinician to show you how to change your specific filter. Due to the small size of the parts, you may prefer assistance from a family member or your Hearing Clinic.
How to change a wax filter
- Open the wax filter container and remove one stick. One end holds the new filter and the other has a small removal tip.
- Insert the removal tip into the used wax filter on the sound bore and pull it out.
- Turn the stick around, align the new filter with the sound bore, push gently into place, then discard the used stick.
Ear domes are soft rubber pieces on the end of the receiver tubing. They are usually grey or black. If you are unsure about replacing domes yourself, your Hearing Clinic can assist.
How to change a dome
- Hold the tube firmly and gently pull the dome off the receiver.
- Dispose of the old dome and align the new dome opening with the receiver.
- Push or twist the dome on firmly until secure.
- Gently pull back on the dome to confirm it is locked in place.
Wax filters and domes should be cleaned daily and replaced every few weeks as needed. Regular maintenance helps extend their usable life.
Moisture management
Protecting the electronic components of your hearing aids is essential. Moisture from sweat, humidity, and skin oils can affect microphones and internal components, even in moisture-resistant devices.
Excess moisture may cause corrosion, particularly in battery compartments. Some rechargeable devices include drying capsules in the charger. Many clinics provide a dehumidifier and if you do not have one, investing in one can significantly extend the life of your hearing aids.
If your hearing aids have been exposed to water such as rain, showering, washing machines, or swimming, do not panic as they may still be recoverable.
How to dry your hearing aids
- Turn off the hearing aids and remove disposable batteries. Discard wet batteries.
- Place the hearing aids in a dry kit or dehumidifier if available.
- If unavailable, air-dry on newspaper for 24 hours.
- Alternatively place them in a sealed container with uncooked rice or silica gel for 24 hours.
Never place hearing aids in an oven or microwave.
If your hearing aids still do not function after drying, return them to your Hearing Clinic for assessment and possible repair.
