Hearing Aid Dos and Don’ts: How to Use Hearing Aids the Right Way

Getting used to hearing aids takes time. No matter which style you wear, the first days and weeks often come with questions about cleaning, comfort, and daily care. Hearing aids are powerful devices, but they perform their best when handled correctly, stored safely, and cleaned regularly. This guide explains the essential dos and donts for anyone new to hearing aids, including caregivers who help manage daily tasks.

You will also see how simple tools can make everyday care easier, such as cleaning supplies, wax guards, replacement domes, and hearing aid cases. These small accessories help protect your investment and keep hearing aids performing the way they should.

Much of what follows is consistent with recommendations from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, the Hearing Loss Association of America, and the American Speech Language Hearing Association. With the right habits, you can keep hearing aids comfortable, clear, and reliable for years.

Key Takeaways

• Wear your hearing aids consistently so your brain adapts to new sounds.
• Clean them every day using proper tools like brushes, wipes, and wax guards.
• Store hearing aids in protective cases and keep them away from moisture.
• Avoid using household tools such as cotton swabs, sharp objects, or cleaning fluids.
• Replace domes, filters, and wax guards routinely to keep sound clear.
• Batteries and charging habits impact sound quality and reliability.
• Accessories like cleaning kits, domes, and cases help keep hearing aids working well.

Hearing Aid Dos

Do wear hearing aids consistently

Consistent use is one of the most important habits for new hearing aid users. Your brain needs time to adjust to hearing amplified sounds again, especially speech. Wearing your hearing aids every day helps your brain adapt more quickly, making communication easier over time. The NIDCD emphasizes that consistent wear improves long term outcomes and comfort.

Do clean your hearing aids daily

Daily cleaning prevents wax buildup, moisture problems, and muffled sound. Use tools designed specifically for hearing aids such as soft brushes, cleaning wipes, and wax removal picks. ADCO carries a full range of hearing aid cleaning supplies that keep your devices clear and functioning well. Replacing wax guards on a regular schedule can also help maintain sound quality.

Do store hearing aids safely

Hearing aids should always be stored in a dry, protective case when they are not being worn. Heat, steam, or humidity can damage internal components. Using secure hearing aid cases helps prevent accidental drops, moisture issues, and exposure to pets or small children.

Do check batteries and charging habits

Weak batteries can cause fading sound, distortion, or sudden shut offs. If your hearing aids use traditional batteries, keep a set of battery accessories nearby. For rechargeable devices, follow your manufacturer’s guidance for charging cycles. Consistent charging habits help maintain battery life.

Do monitor sound quality and comfort

If sound becomes muffled or distorted, or if your hearing aids become uncomfortable, inspect the domes, wax guards, and microphone ports. Replace parts as needed and keep the exterior clean. Many of these issues can be fixed with simple tools found in ADCO’s hearing aid supplies collection.

Hearing Aid Don’ts 

Don’t expose hearing aids to moisture

Water is one of the biggest threats to hearing aid performance. Showers, pools, heavy humidity, or sweat can damage internal components. Always remove hearing aids before bathing and store them in a case when exercising. If moisture becomes an ongoing issue, consider adding a drying tool or dehumidifier to your routine.

Don’t push debris into the microphone or receiver

Using household tools can accidentally push wax deeper into the device and cause damage. Do not use cotton swabs, toothpicks, metal pins, or cleaning fluids. Hearing aids should only be cleaned with products designed specifically for them, such as the items found in ADCO’s cleaning collection.

Don’t ignore discomfort or fit issues

Hearing aids should never cause pain. If you experience pressure, soreness, or whistling feedback, the dome or mold may not fit correctly. Replacing domes through ADCO’s replacement domes section can often resolve comfort and sound issues. If problems continue, your hearing care provider can make additional adjustments.

Don’t skip maintenance or professional visits

Even with daily cleaning, hearing aids benefit from routine checkups with a hearing care specialist. Professional cleanings, tube replacements, and software adjustments help prevent long term problems. Organizations such as HLAA and ASHA recommend routine follow ups for the best long term results.

Don’t store hearing aids loosely

Leaving hearing aids on nightstands, countertops, or in pockets increases the risk of damage. Pets, children, and accidental spills can create major issues. A protective case or storage pouch helps keep hearing aids secure.

How to Put In Hearing Aids Correctly

For behind the ear (BTE) models

Hold the hearing aid body behind the ear and guide the earmold or dome into the canal with gentle pressure. Make sure it sits comfortably without forcing it in. The tubing should not be twisted or bent.

For receiver in canal (RIC) models

Insert the dome into your ear canal first, then position the hearing aid body behind your ear. Check that the receiver wire rests smoothly against your skin without pulling.

For in the ear (ITE) and in the canal (ITC) models

Use a gentle twisting motion as recommended by your provider. These devices should slide comfortably into place. If you experience resistance or discomfort, your provider may need to adjust the shell or mold.

Proper dome size and wax guard condition matter for secure fit. Replacement parts can be found in ADCO’s domes and wax guard collections.

How to Clean and Maintain Hearing Aids Safely

Daily routine

Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior. Brush microphone ports gently. Inspect domes and wax guards for buildup. Store hearing aids in a clean, dry case when not in use.

Weekly deep cleaning

A more thorough cleaning includes wax guard replacement, dome cleaning or replacement, and checking tubing or wires. Avoid using soap, solvents, or alcohol. Tools such as brushes and wax loops from ADCO’s hearing aid supplies section provide safe cleaning options.

Replacing wax guards

Wax guards prevent debris from blocking the speaker. Most users replace them every few weeks, or sooner if sound becomes muffled. Keeping a supply of wax guards on hand helps maintain consistent sound.

Replacing domes

Domes can tear, stretch, or collect material over time. Many manufacturers recommend replacing them every four to six weeks. ADCO offers a range of replacement domes for various hearing aid brands.

Common Hearing Aid Problems and Fixes

Weak or muffled sound

This is often caused by a clogged wax guard or dirty dome. Replacing these parts usually restores clarity.

Whistling or feedback

Feedback often comes from poor fit or improper dome placement. A new dome or professional adjustment can solve this issue.

Sudden silence

Check batteries first. If the hearing aid still does not turn on, inspect wax guards and domes for blockages. Tools in ADCO’s hearing aid supplies collection can help.

Moisture issues

If you hear crackling or intermittent sound, moisture may be the cause. Placing your hearing aids in a case or drying kit can help remove excess moisture.

What Caregivers Should Know

Caregivers play an important role in hearing aid success, especially for older adults or individuals with limited dexterity. Daily tasks such as cleaning, storage, and battery checks make a big difference in long term performance.

Caregivers should become familiar with:

• Daily cleaning steps
• Where the wax guard and dome are located
• How to replace simple parts
• Where to store hearing aids safely
• When to notify a hearing care provider

Caregivers often find it helpful to keep extra domes, wax guards, and a secure hearing aid case nearby.

Recommended Accessories for Long Term Hearing Aid Care

Small accessories can make a significant difference in hearing aid performance. ADCO offers:

• Cleaning supplies for daily maintenance
• Wax guards for clearer sound
• Replacement domes for comfort and fit
• Battery accessories for reliable power
• Adhesive pads and stickers for secure placement
• Hearing aid cases for safe storage

Choosing the right accessories helps maintain clear sound and comfortable wear throughout the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I wear my hearing aids all day?

Most hearing care professionals recommend wearing hearing aids during all waking hours. Consistent use helps your brain adjust to sound and improves speech understanding over time.

How often should I clean my hearing aids?

Daily cleaning is ideal. Wipe them down with a soft cloth, brush the microphone ports, and inspect wax guards. Weekly deep cleaning with proper tools supports long term sound quality.

How long do domes last?

Domes generally last four to six weeks. Replace them sooner if they become discolored, soft, torn, or loose inside the ear canal.

Why do my hearing aids whistle?

Whistling or feedback is often caused by poor fit, a loose dome, or debris blocking the receiver. Replacing domes or wax guards usually resolves the issue.

Should hearing aids hurt?

No. Hearing aids should always be comfortable. Pain or pressure typically means the dome or mold is not fitting correctly and requires adjustment.

What should I do if my hearing aids get wet?

Dry them immediately and store them in a protective case. If moisture affects the sound or function, a drying kit or dehumidifier may help. Contact your provider if issues continue.

Why does my hearing aid sound weak or muffled?

Weak output is often caused by wax buildup or a clogged wax guard. Replacing wax guards and cleaning domes usually restores clarity.

Final Thoughts

Hearing aids are powerful tools, but they work best when handled and maintained correctly. Using the right cleaning supplies, protecting them from moisture, replacing small parts regularly, and storing them safely helps ensure long term performance. Whether you are new to hearing aids or supporting someone who wears them, establishing good habits early makes the listening experience clearer and more comfortable.

ADCO offers everything you need to keep hearing aids performing well, including cleaning kits, wax guards, domes, battery accessories, and secure storage cases.