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How to clean behind-the-ear hearing aids

Your ear canal produces earwax, which serves the important purpose of protecting and lubricating your ear. But wax buildup is one of the main causes for hearing aid repair, because wax clogs up the sound outlet and/or the ventilation opening, resulting in weak, distorted sound or absence of sound.

Your hearing aids are an important investment and have been designed to be both reliable and durable. Use a few minutes each day to clean them. Most hearing aids come with a filter to stop wax getting into the hearing aid or into the speaker or earpiece. Check the wax filter and replace it if necessary.

 

Cleaning the speaker unit and shell

As a general rule, clean your hearing aids each day with a soft, dry cloth. Make sure your hands are clean and dry before handling your aids.

 

Important notice!

The speaker unit in RITE styles should be cleaned on a regular basis using a cloth to rub off any earwax. The domes that cover the speaker units should not be cleaned, but instead replaced if it is filled with wax.



Watch this video on how to clean the shell:

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Cleaning specific behind-the-ear parts

Depending on the model and make of your device, you will need to clean your molds and tubes regularly. Some types of molds and tubes will need replacing.

Be aware that there are several different molds — and they should be cleaned differently — so make sure you know which solution you have.

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    RITE molds
    Regularly clean your RITE molds using a brush or cloth

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    BTE ear molds

    Regularly brush or wash your BTE ear molds

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    Corda miniFIT thin tube
    Regularly clean your thin tubes using cleaning tool

How to clean the mold for RITE models

Be aware that there are several different molds – and that they should be cleaned differently – so make sure you know which solution you have.

Molds used for RITE styles cannot be detached from the hearing aid, and since they contain electronics they must never be washed or immersed in water or other liquids.

Micro mold, LiteTip or Power flex mold
There are 3 different types of molds: micro mold, LiteTip and Power flex mold. These molds are customized for your ear shape.

Maintain the micro mold, LiteTip or Power flex mold
The mold should be cleaned regularly. The wax filter in the earpiece should be replaced when clogged or when the hearing aid does not sound normal. Use the wax filter delivered by your hearing care professional.

If you are unsure which type your mold is, please consult your hearing care professional.

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Molds for speakers range from micro mold and LiteTip to Power mold solutions, and they are used with RITE styles. For Corda miniFit only, the micro mold is used.

Since they are custom-made from an ear impression, molds keep the hearing aid more securely locked in the ear, as they take advantage of all the curves and contours of the ear.

How to clean molds for BTE hearing aids

BTE ear molds can be washed when detached from the hearing aid. Be aware that RITE molds can’t be washed, so make sure you know which solution you have.

BTE ear molds should be cleaned regularly. Use a soft cloth to clean the surface of the mold.

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    Step 1

    Make sure you are able to identify which mold is for which hearing aid before disconnecting them from the hearing aid.

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    Step 2

    Disconnect the tube and mold from the hook. Hold the hook firmly when pulling off the tube. Otherwise, the hearing aid may be damaged.

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    Step 3

    Wash the mold and tube using mild soap. Rinse and dry completely before reconnecting to the hearing aid.

Important notice!

Never wash or immerse the BTE hearing aid in water or other liquids.

How to replace the thin tube in MiniRITEs

Read the following if your hearing aid has a thin tube (Corda miniFit) with either a dome, Grip Tip or micro mold earpiece.

Corda miniFit is a thin tube that brings the sound into your ear. The thin tube should always be used with an earpiece attached. Use only parts designed for your hearing aid. 

Clean the thin tube
The thin tube should be cleaned to keep it clear from moisture and wax. If not, cleaned it could become blocked with wax, meaning no sound will be able to get out.

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    1. Pull the thin tube out of the hearing aid
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    2. Push the cleaning tool all the way through the thin tube
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    3. Reconnect the thin tube to the hearing aid

Watch the instruction video on how to clean a thin tube:

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About the thin tube

Corda miniFit is a thin tube mounted on BTE and miniBTE styles with a dome, Grip Tip or micro mold as earpiece. This is an ultra-thin, discreet solution.

Get extra thin tubes
We recommend that you replace the thin tube occasionally. Contact a hearing care professional to purchase extra thin tubes, cleaning tools and other accessories.

Questions or concerns? 

We are just a phone call away. Contact us at 877-702-9629 if you have questions about your new hearing aid.