A close-up photograph of a pair hearing aids resting on a clean white surface beside an 8 piece hearing aid cleaning kit

How to Clean and Look After Your Hearing Amplifiers

Care Guide

How to Clean and Look After Your Hearing Amplifiers

📅 16 April 2026 🕒 4 min read
A simple cleaning routine takes less than a minute and makes a real difference to long-term performance.
Sound familiar? Your hearing amplifiers sounded clear when they first arrived. But lately the sound seems more muffled, quieter, or slightly different. Nothing dramatic — just not quite as sharp as it used to be. In most cases, the cause is simple: a buildup of ear wax or debris on the sound port. And the fix takes less than a minute.

A small amount of daily care keeps your hearing amplifiers performing well for much longer. Most problems — reduced sound quality, whistling, charging issues — can be prevented with a simple routine. Here’s exactly what to do.

Why Cleaning Matters

Hearing amplifiers sit in or around the ear canal. Over time, ear wax, skin oils, dust, and moisture build up on the device — particularly on the sound port and ear tips. This buildup is the most common cause of reduced sound clarity and muffled output.

Regular cleaning prevents this. It also extends the life of the device and keeps it hygienic for daily wear.

Good to know If your hearing amplifier has started sounding quieter or more muffled than usual, cleaning the sound port and ear tip is the first thing to try before assuming the device has a fault.

Daily Cleaning Routine

You don’t need specialist products for day-to-day cleaning. The brush included with your device and a soft, dry lint-free cloth are all you need. Good lighting helps so you can see the sound port clearly. If you’d like a more complete set of tools, our Hearing Aid Cleaning Kit includes everything in one place.

Never use these Water, wet wipes, alcohol wipes, cotton buds, compressed air, or any liquid cleaner. Most hearing amplifiers are not waterproof. Moisture inside the device is one of the most common causes of damage.

A quick clean after each use takes under a minute. It’s the single most effective habit for maintaining sound quality and hygiene.

After each use

Takes approximately 60 seconds

  1. 1Remove the hearing amplifier from your ear
  2. 2Use the cleaning brush to gently clear any debris from the sound port
  3. 3Wipe the body of the device with a soft, dry cloth
  4. 4Check the ear tip for wax buildup and brush it clear
  5. 5Place the device in the charging case to store and recharge

Weekly Cleaning Routine

Once a week, spend a few extra minutes on a more thorough check. This catches anything the daily brush misses.

  1. 1Remove the ear tip from the device
  2. 2Check the ear tip for wax or debris and clean with a dry brush
  3. 3Inspect the sound port with good lighting — clear any visible blockage with the brush
  4. 4Wipe the full body of the device, including any grooves or buttons
  5. 5Check the charging contacts or port for dust and brush clear if needed
  6. 6Reattach the ear tip and store in the charging case
Ear tip tip If an ear tip has visible wax that won’t brush off, remove it from the device and clean it separately with a dry cloth. Allow it to dry fully before reattaching. Never clean the ear tip while it is still attached to the device.

Protecting Against Moisture and Sweat

Moisture is the most common cause of hearing amplifier damage. Sweat, humidity, and accidental contact with water can all affect performance over time. Good storage habits directly reduce this risk — which is why the charging case and how you use it matters as much as the cleaning routine itself.

  • Remove your hearing amplifiers before exercise, showering, or any activity likely to cause heavy sweating
  • After wearing in warm conditions, wipe the device with a dry cloth before storing
  • Never store a damp or sweaty device directly in the charging case
  • If you live in a humid environment, a drying solution helps absorb residual moisture overnight
  • Never wear hearing amplifiers in the rain unless your model specifically states it has water resistance
For regular wearers If you wear your hearing amplifiers daily or live in a humid environment, consider using our Smart Drying Box. It removes residual moisture from the device overnight, which helps maintain sound quality and extends the life of the device over time.
If your device gets wet Remove it immediately. Wipe the exterior with a dry cloth. Leave it in a dry, well-ventilated area — not a hot airing cupboard or on a radiator. Do not attempt to charge it until it is fully dry. Check your product guide for model-specific guidance.

Caring for the Charging Case

The charging case protects your device when it’s not in use. It needs occasional care too.

  • Wipe the inside of the case with a dry cloth once a week
  • Keep the charging contacts inside the case free from dust and debris
  • Check the charging cable connection is secure and undamaged
  • Store the case in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
  • Avoid leaving the case in a hot car or on a sunny windowsill

Storage and Everyday Habits

A few simple habits make a significant difference to how long your hearing amplifiers last and how well they perform.

  • Always store in the charging case when not in use — not loose in a pocket, bag, or drawer
  • Handle the devices carefully — dropping them on hard surfaces is a common cause of damage
  • Keep them away from pets and young children when not in use
  • Don’t leave them in extreme temperatures — very hot or very cold environments can affect battery performance
Related reading For guidance on battery life, how long hearing amplifiers typically last, and when to consider replacing them, read our guide: How Long Do Hearing Amplifiers Last?

Ear Wax and Your Hearing Amplifiers

Ear wax is natural and healthy. But it can block a hearing amplifier’s sound port over time. If your device sounds quieter or more muffled than usual, a blocked sound port is the most likely cause.

Clean the sound port with the brush first. If the issue persists after cleaning, check whether ear wax buildup in your ear itself might be affecting how the amplifier sits and seals. Excessive ear wax can reduce the effectiveness of any in-ear device. Speak to your GP or pharmacist if you think ear wax buildup may be a factor.

If Cleaning Doesn’t Resolve the Issue

If you’ve cleaned the device thoroughly and sound quality or performance still isn’t right, there are a few next steps worth trying:

  • Check the ear tip is fitted correctly and creating a good seal
  • Try a different ear tip size — a poor fit is often mistaken for a device fault
  • Check the battery or charge level before assuming something is wrong with the device
  • If the device is still under the return period, contact our UK support team for advice
Need help? If you’re still having issues after cleaning and checking the fit, our UK support team can help. You can also start a return within your trial period at account.jdhealthtech.co.uk if the product isn’t right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

A quick clean after each use is ideal. Use the cleaning brush to remove debris from the sound port and ear tip. A more thorough clean once a week — wiping down the body and checking the ear tip — keeps the device in good condition.

No. Most hearing amplifiers are not waterproof. Never rinse them under water or use wet wipes. Use a soft, dry cloth or the cleaning brush provided. If you need to remove stubborn debris from an ear tip, remove it from the device first, clean it separately with a dry cloth, then allow it to dry fully before reattaching.

Store them in the charging case when not in use. The case protects the devices from dust, moisture, and physical damage. Keep the case in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Yes. Moisture from sweat is one of the most common causes of reduced performance. Remove the devices during exercise or heavy physical activity. After wearing them in warm conditions, wipe them down before storing. For daily wearers or those in humid environments, our Smart Drying Box removes residual moisture overnight and helps maintain performance over time.

Use the cleaning brush to gently remove any dust or debris from the charging port. Never use liquids near the port. If the device is not charging reliably, check the port for debris before assuming the battery or charger is at fault.

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J
JD Health Tech Product Specialist
Last updated: 16 April 2026

 

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