RNID: For deaf and hard of hearing people.

Cleaning your hearing aid

It is important that you look after your hearing aid and clean it regularly. This will prolong its life and make sure it is in good working order when you come to use it.

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids

Ideally, you should wash the earmould and tubing every night in warm soapy water and then rinse them. If you can’t do this, you should wash them at least once a week. Leave them to dry before fitting them back onto your aid

  • Only wash the earmould and tubing and not the hearing aid itself. To disconnect the earmould and tubing from the hearing aid, gently pull the plastic tubing from the elbow (hooked part) of the hearing aid. Do not remove the elbow - this is part of the hearing aid and may be damaged by removing it and washing it.
  • Clean your hearing aid, wiping it carefully with a soft, dry cloth or tissue. Don't use any cleaning solutions as they can damage it. Take care not to get the aid wet.
An elderly man receiving a hearing consultation

If you have two hearing aids, make sure that you know which earmould belongs to which hearing aid so that you can put them back together properly.

It is important that you look after your hearing aid and clean it regularly.

The tubing on your hearing aid will need to be changed every three to six months before it hardens, splits or causes problems. Your hearing aid centre or dispenser will advise you on how to change the tubing, or do this for you.

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids

This type of hearing aid has no earmould to detach.

The entire aid should be cleaned with a dry cloth. Make sure that it does not come into contact with any liquid. Often the aid comes with a wax pick, which is a small piece of equipment for removing wax from the opening at the end of the hearing aid.

The instructions that come with the hearing aid should say in detail how to clean it.

Earmoulds

The earmould is a vital part of a BTE hearing aid. It channels sound from the aid into your ear and can affect the quality of what you hear.

An earmould that doesn't fit well or is difficult to put in place can be uncomfortable and will make your hearing aid less effective.

  • Earmoulds should fit snugly and comfortably.
  • It is important to practise putting your hearing aid and earmould in correctly. Some people find it helpful to use a mirror.
  • Some children like to make a feature of their hearing aids and you can have earmoulds made in bold colours or studded with glitter to really stand out.

If you have problems with your earmould, you should go back to your audiologist or to the hearing aid dispenser who sold you your aid.

Sometimes, earmoulds can be modified to help you hear better or made of special materials that are less likely to irritate or inflame your ears.

Batteries

It is a good idea to carry spare batteries with you. If you are worried about your battery running out half way through an important meeting, change the battery beforehand.

If the sound from your hearing aid gets fainter, disappears, becomes crackly, fuzzy or distorted, you should change the battery. Some aids give a warning signal (a bleeping or 'fluttering' sound) when the battery is just about to run out.

Batteries for NHS hearing aids

If you have an NHS hearing aid, new batteries are supplied free of charge.

You can get new batteries from any NHS hearing aid centre but you will need to take your hearing aid record book with you so the audiologist can record the number of batteries they have given you and so they can easily see which batteries you need.

Centres normally issue batteries from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday. However, local arrangements will vary, so it is best to check the opening times for battery collection with your local centre.

You can also get batteries from some local health centres. Again this information varies locally, but your audiology department will be able to tell you the address of your nearest centre.

You should return your used batteries when you get new ones.

Batteries for privately bought hearing aids

If you bought a hearing aid privately you will have to pay for the batteries yourself. You can get replacement batteries from most high-street chemists or pharmacies, your hearing aid dispenser or RNID Products

Changing batteries

When you replace batteries remember to follow the instructions carefully.

  • There may be a sticker on one side of the battery. You will need to remove this before placing the battery in the hearing aid.
  • Make sure the battery is the right way round, the ‘+’ on the battery should match the ‘+’ on the battery compartment.
  • When you close the battery compartment, don’t force it shut. If the compartment sticks, it might be because the battery is the wrong way round.
  • Check that your hearing aid is working properly.

Acoustic feedback

A common problem with hearing aids is 'acoustic feedback'. This 'squeal', 'whistle' or 'buzz' is caused when amplified sound leaks out and gets picked up by the microphone in the hearing aid.

This may happen if:

  • You have not put the earmould in properly - gently push it to check.
  • You have excess wax in your ears - ask your GP to check your ears.
  • The earmould does not fit closely enough.
  • The earmould, elbow or tubing is damaged.

If you are not sure about any of these, contact your local audiology department or hearing aid dispenser.

Other common problems

If you are experiencing problems with your hearing aid, you should go through a list like the one below to eliminate any common faults.

If your hearing aid doesn't seem to be working:

  • Check that the hearing aid is switched on.
  • Check that it is not on the 'T' setting.
  • Check that the volume is not turned right down.
  • Check that the battery is in the right way round.
  • Try putting in a new battery.

If you have a behind-the-ear hearing aid:

  • Check that the earmould is not blocked with wax.
  • Make sure the tubing is not twisted, split or squashed.
  • Remove any droplets of condensation in the tubing.

If you have an in-the-ear hearing aid:

  • Check that the opening is not blocked with wax.

If you have a body-worn hearing aid:

  • Check to see if the lead needs replacing.

If you are still having difficulties with an NHS hearing aid, your local audiology service is there to help you.

If you bought your hearing aid privately, contact your dispenser.