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Earwax and Hearing Aids—What You Need to Know

What is Earwax?

Earwax is the substance our ears produce to clean themselves
Earwax forms in the ear-canal; it removes dead skin cells and debris as it moves out of the ear
The amount of earwax produced varies from person to person
Some people report an increase in earwax production after starting to wear hearing aids.

Should I regularly remove earwax myself?

Experts agree that you don’t need to attempt to remove earwax on a regular basis.
(It’s important to remove it from your hearing aids, however.) If you experience excessive earwax production, try one of the earwax removal products at your local pharmacy. These can help soften or dissolve earwax and aids its natural excretion. To be safe, consult your hearing care professional before using over-the-counter products.

Can earwax block my ears?

If you suffer from frequent ear-infections, weakened ear-drums or have diabetes, consult your physician for recommendations on earwax removal.

In some cases, earwax can build up and harden within the ear canal. Surprisingly, this can be caused by using cotton swabs in an attempt to remove earwax.

Common signs that you might have an earwax blockage:

A clogged sensation in the ear canal when you’re not wearing your hearing aids
Discomfort, itchiness or a decrease in your ability to hear – even when turning up the volume on your devices

If you suspect a blockage, don’t suffer in silence. See an audiologist or physician as soon as possible.

The #1 earwax no-no

Never use cotton swabs for earwax removal. Doing so may clog your ears by pushing earwax further into your ear canal. Even worse, you could damage your eardrums.

Can earwax ruin my hearing aids?

Don’t worry. Your hearing aids are protected from earwax by wax filters as well as by the receiver dome itself. However, earwax can reduce sound quality by blocking the microphone or receiver of your hearing aid. That’s why routine cleaning and maintenance is essential.

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A Simple Hearing Aid Cleaning Routine

Cleaning Your Hearing Aids Regularly is Critical to Remove:

Natural Oil from Skin
Bacteria (from the fingers)
Perspiration
Make-up and Perfume
Skin Particles
Earwax

Watch the video to learn how to easily clean your hearing aids:

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Keep Hearing Aids Happy and Performing Their Best

Moisture Management

Your hearing aids are very robust and built for use in any weather or situation, including physiscal exercise. But, as with other electronic devices, esposure to moisture through normal use can influence their performance and longevity.

Make Sure to Dry Your Hearing Aids

After Physical Exercise
After Being Exposed to the Rain
If Worn While Your Hair is Wet or Damp
In Places or During Seasons with High Humidity

Caution: Never dry your hearing aids by placing them on or directly near a heating source such as a radiator or space heater. High temperatures can damage electronic components in your hearing aids as well as the battery.

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How to Dry Your Hearing Aids and Reduce the Risk of Damage

Using a Drying Container: For Use with Non-rechargeable Hearing Aids

Est Time: roughly 30 min.

Remove the batteries from your hearing aids
Leave the Battery Hatch Open
Place the hearing aids in the drying box
Close lid and activate the drying program

Using Silica Gel Packets: For Use with Rechageable Hearing Aids

Est Time: overnight

Silica gel packets, also called dry packs, are effective at absorbing and storing mosture from the air around them
Place hearings aids in a small airtight container or plastic bag along with a silica gel pack
Let hearing aids dry overnight
Dry your charging case using the same method

Note: Silica gel packets serve many purposes and can be purchased everywhere from sport shops and hardware stores to supermarkets, as well as through online retailers.

Air-Drying Method: Alternative Method

If you don’t have a drying box or silica gel packs, air-drying your hearing aids is a less effective but simple alternative. Place hearing aids in the open on your bedside table, for example, or in an cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight.

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The Wonders of Wax Filters

What is a Wax Filter?

Wax filters are small, white plastic components fixed at the end of the receiver underneath the dome. It keeps earwax, moisture and debris from getting into the receiver and affecting the sound quality of hearing aids.

Note: Plan to change your wax filter approximately once a month. If you experience issues with sound quality or volume, a full or partial blocking of the wax filter could be the cause. Change the wax filter to see if that resolves the issue.

Watch the video to learn how to easily change your wax filters

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