Maintaining Your BTE Hearing Aid: Essential Cleaning & Care Tips

Hearing hope

May 30, 2025

Table of Content

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids are a popular choice for individuals experiencing hearing loss. Their design, which places the device behind the ear with a tube leading to an earmold or earbud, offers comfort, durability, and versatility. To ensure optimal performance and longevity, it’s essential to maintain and care for your BTE hearing aid properly. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore effective cleaning and care tips to help you keep your device in top condition.

Understanding Your BTE Hearing Aid

Before delving into maintenance, it’s crucial to understand the components of your BTE hearing aid:

Microphone: Captures sound from the environment.
Amplifier: Increases the volume of the sound signals.
Receiver: Delivers the amplified sound into the ear canal.
Battery Compartment: Houses the power source for the device.
Earmold or Earbud: Sits in the ear canal, delivering sound.

Regular cleaning and proper care of these components are vital to ensure clear sound quality and prevent potential issues.

Daily Cleaning Routine for BTE Hearing Aids

Establishing a daily cleaning routine helps prevent the buildup of earwax, moisture, and debris, which can affect the performance of your hearing aid.

1. Clean the Microphone and Receiver

Use a Soft Brush: Gently brush the microphone and receiver openings to remove any debris or earwax. Avoid inserting objects into these openings to prevent damage.
Use a Wax Pick or Loop: For stubborn wax buildup, use a wax pick or loop to carefully remove the debris.

2. Wipe the Surface

Use a Dry Cloth: Wipe the entire surface of the hearing aid with a soft, dry cloth to remove oils and moisture. Avoid using tissues, as they can leave fibers behind.

3. Clean the Earmold or Earbud

Remove the Earmold: Detach the earmold or earbud from the hearing aid.
Wash with Warm Soapy Water: Clean the earmold with warm soapy water, ensuring no moisture enters the tubing. Use a bulb blower to expel water from the tubing.
Dry Completely: Allow the earmold to dry completely before reattaching it to the hearing aid.

Weekly Maintenance for BTE Hearing Aids

In addition to daily cleaning, weekly maintenance ensures comprehensive care of your hearing aid.

1. Replace the Wax Guard

Check the Wax Guard: Inspect the wax guard for any buildup. If it’s clogged or discolored, replace it.
Replace Every 4-8 Weeks: Regularly replacing the wax guard prevents wax from entering the receiver and affecting sound quality.

2. Clean the Tubing

Use a Cleaning Tool: Use a cleaning tool designed for hearing aid tubing to remove any debris or moisture.
Replace Tubing Periodically: Over time, tubing can become stiff or discolored. Replace it as recommended by your audiologist.

Protecting Your BTE Hearing Aid from Moisture

Moisture is one of the leading causes of hearing aid malfunction. Taking steps to protect your device from moisture can prolong its lifespan.

Remove During Wet Activities: Always remove your hearing aid before showering, swimming, or engaging in activities where it might get wet.
Use a Drying Kit: Place your hearing aid in a hearing aid dehumidifier or drying kit overnight to remove any residual moisture.
Avoid Humid Environments: Store your hearing aid in a dry environment, away from bathrooms or kitchens where humidity levels are high.

Proper Storage of Your BTE Hearing Aid

When not in use, proper storage is essential to protect your hearing aid from damage.

Open the Battery Door: Opening the battery door allows moisture to escape and conserves battery life.
Store in a Safe Place: Keep your hearing aid in a safe, dry place, away from children and pets.
Use a Protective Case: When traveling, store your hearing aid in a protective case to prevent physical damage.

Handling Batteries for BTE Hearing Aids

The battery is a crucial component of your hearing aid. Proper battery care ensures consistent performance.

Remove Batteries When Not in Use: If you don’t plan to use your hearing aid for an extended period, remove the batteries to prevent leakage.
Replace Batteries Regularly: Replace batteries as needed, typically every 5-7 days, depending on usage.
Use the Correct Battery Size: Ensure you’re using the correct battery size as specified by your hearing aid manufacturer.

Signs That Your BTE Hearing Aid Needs Professional Attention

While regular maintenance can prevent many issues, some problems may require professional attention.

Reduced Sound Quality: If you notice a decrease in sound quality, despite cleaning, it may indicate an internal issue.
Feedback or Whistling Sounds: Persistent feedback or whistling sounds can be a sign of a problem with the microphone or receiver.
Physical Damage: Cracks, dents, or other physical damage to the hearing aid warrant professional inspection.

If you experience any of these issues, consult your audiologist or hearing care professional promptly.

Importance of Regular Professional Check-ups

Regular check-ups with your audiologist ensure that your hearing aid is functioning optimally.

Annual Evaluations: Schedule annual evaluations to assess the performance of your hearing aid and make necessary adjustments.
Hearing Assessments: Regular hearing assessments help determine if your hearing needs have changed and if your hearing aid settings need adjustment.

Conclusion

Maintaining your BTE hearing aid through regular cleaning, proper storage, and professional check-ups ensures optimal performance and longevity. By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can enjoy clear sound quality and a better hearing experience. If you have any concerns or questions about your hearing aid, don’t hesitate to consult your audiologist or hearing care professional.

Meta Title: Maintaining Your BTE Hearing Aid: Essential Cleaning & Care Tips
Meta Description: Learn how to clean and care for your BTE hearing aid to ensure optimal performance, extend its lifespan, and avoid common issues. Easy maintenance tips included.
Meta Tags: #btehearingaid