How to Clean Hearing Aid Ear Molds Properly

Keeping your hearing aid ear molds clean is essential for both hygiene and sound quality. Dirty ear molds can harbor bacteria, cause ear infections, block sound, and create unpleasant odors. A simple daily cleaning routine takes just a few minutes and dramatically extends the life of your ear molds while keeping your ears healthy.

Daily Cleaning Routine

Every evening when you remove your hearing aid, spend 2-3 minutes on these daily cleaning steps:

• Wipe Down: Use a soft, dry cloth or hearing aid cleaning wipe to wipe the entire surface of the ear mold, removing any earwax, oil, or moisture.
• Brush the Sound Outlet: Use the small brush that came with your hearing aid to gently clean the sound bore (the opening where sound comes out). Brush away from the hearing aid to prevent debris from entering the device.
• Check the Vent: If your ear mold has a vent hole, use the vent cleaner tool to push through any wax or debris that may have accumulated during the day.
• Dry Storage: Place your hearing aid in a dry box or with a dehumidifier capsule overnight to remove any accumulated moisture.

Weekly Deep Cleaning

Once a week, give your ear molds a thorough deep cleaning. This process requires detaching the ear mold from the hearing aid body if your model allows it.

For Detachable Ear Molds (BTE Hearing Aids)

• Step 1: Carefully disconnect the ear mold and tubing from the BTE hearing aid body. Set the electronic unit aside in a safe, dry place.
• Step 2: Soak the ear mold in warm, soapy water for 15-20 minutes. Use mild soap only, never alcohol or harsh chemicals.
• Step 3: Use a small brush to scrub the ear mold, paying attention to the sound bore and vent holes.
• Step 4: Rinse thoroughly under running water to remove all soap residue.
• Step 5: Use a puffer bulb to blow water out of the tubing and sound bore.
• Step 6: Leave the ear mold to dry completely, preferably overnight. Never reattach a wet ear mold to your hearing aid.

For Non-Detachable Ear Molds (CIC, IIC)

If your CIC or IIC hearing aid has a non-removable shell, you cannot soak it in water. Instead, use these dry cleaning methods:

• Wipe with a slightly damp cloth (not wet), then immediately dry with a clean cloth.
• Use hearing aid cleaning spray designed for electronics.
• Use the wax pick tool to carefully remove any hardened wax from the sound outlet.
• Replace the wax guard regularly as described in our wax guard guide.

Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Alcohol or Chemicals: These can damage the ear mold material, causing it to become brittle and crack. Use only mild soap and water or products specifically designed for hearing aid cleaning.
• Using Sharp Objects: Pins, needles, or toothpicks can scratch the smooth surface of the ear mold, creating places for bacteria to grow and making the mold uncomfortable.
• Reattaching While Wet: Moisture entering the hearing aid electronics through the tubing or sound bore can cause serious damage. Always ensure the ear mold and tubing are completely dry before reconnecting.
• Skipping Regular Cleaning: Allowing wax to build up over time makes it harder to remove and can permanently stain or damage the ear mold material.

When to Replace Your Ear Molds

Even with excellent cleaning, ear molds eventually need replacement. Signs that it is time for new molds include persistent discoloration that cleaning cannot remove, a loose fit due to ear canal changes, cracks or rough spots in the material, or a persistent odor despite thorough cleaning. Most ear molds last 1-2 years with proper care.

Our audiologists can make new ear impressions and have custom molds fabricated for your Signia hearing aid quickly, ensuring continued comfort and optimal sound delivery.