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Care & Maintenance

Care for your
hearing aids.

A few simple habits keep your devices clean, clear, and working their best for years. Here's everything you need, from inserting them correctly to your long-term maintenance schedule.

First, A Simple Rule
Which Ear Is Which

Red is right,
blue is left.

Every hearing aid is marked with a small colored dot or marker so you always know which is which. It's the same across every brand, an easy rule to remember.

Red · Right

Right Ear

The hearing aid for your right ear is marked with a red dot or indicator. Red, right, both start with "R."

Blue · Left

Left Ear

The hearing aid for your left ear is marked with a blue dot or indicator. Keep them paired correctly for the best sound.

Putting Them In & Taking Them Out
Inserting & Removing

Different styles,
different steps.

The two most common styles go in a little differently. Take your time at first, it gets quick and automatic within a week or two.

Style 01

Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)

  1. Hold the body of the aid and rest it behind your ear.
  2. Hold the thin wire where it bends toward the canal.
  3. Gently push the soft tip and dome into your ear canal.
  4. Press until it sits snug and comfortable, not painful.
  5. Tuck any over-the-ear portion neatly behind the ear.

To remove: lift the aid from behind the ear, then gently pull the wire to slide the dome out of the canal. Never pull the thin wire alone.

Style 02

Custom In-the-Ear (ITE)

  1. Hold the custom shell between your thumb and finger.
  2. Line up the shape with the contour of your ear.
  3. Gently push it into the bowl of your ear.
  4. Twist back slightly to seat it fully and comfortably.
  5. Use the removal line or handle, if yours has one.

To remove: grasp the edge or removal line and pull up and out, following the natural shape of your ear. Tilt slightly forward to release the seal.

Every Night
Your Daily Routine

Two clean minutes
before bed.

A quick nightly habit prevents most hearing aid problems. Do this when you take them out for the day.

01

Wipe Them Down

Wipe each aid with a soft, dry cloth to remove earwax, moisture, and oils. Never use water, wipes, or alcohol on the device.

02

Brush the Openings

Use the small brush to gently clear the microphone ports and the dome or wax guard, where debris likes to collect.

03

Store or Charge

Place them in their charger or, for battery models, open the battery door in a dry case or dehumidifier overnight.

Maintenance Schedule
Keep This Handy

Your care
at a glance.

Every Night

Clean & Charge

Wipe, brush, and charge or dry your aids before bed.

3–4 Months

Wax Filters

Replace the wax guard or filter to keep sound crisp and clear.

Every 6 Months

Domes + Visit

Swap domes (if you wear them) and come in for a follow-up.

Every Year

Hearing Test

An annual hearing test keeps your prescription accurate.

4–5 Years

Consider New

Most hearing aids last about four to five years before an upgrade.

Good Habits
Protect Your Investment

A few do's
and don'ts.

Hearing aids are water-resistant, but not waterproof. These simple habits protect them from the two biggest threats: moisture and wax.

Do

  • Clean them every night with a dry cloth and brush.
  • Store them in a dry case or dehumidifier overnight.
  • Keep them away from heat, like radiators and car dashboards.
  • Replace wax filters and domes on schedule.
  • Handle them over a soft surface in case they drop.

Don't

  • Sleep with your hearing aids in.
  • Shower, swim, or get them wet, they're water-resistant, not waterproof.
  • Wear them with hairspray, lotions, or perfumes nearby.
  • Use water, alcohol, or wet wipes to clean them.
  • Leave them where pets or children can reach.
4–5 yrs

Typical Lifespan

With good care, most hearing aids last about four to five years. We'll help you keep yours performing, and tell you honestly when an upgrade is genuinely worth it.

1 & 6

See Your Audiologist

Come in once a year for a hearing test to keep your prescription accurate, and every six months for a follow-up to clean, check, and fine-tune your devices.

We're Here to Help

Need a hand
with your aids?

Cleaning, adjustments, new filters, or a check-up, we're a call away, in office, at home, or remotely. Let's keep you hearing your best.

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