5 Essential Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Your RIC Hearing Aids: A Complete Maintenance Guide
Good maintenance keeps your RIC hearing aids working better and lasting longer. Since these devices have their speaker sitting right in your ear canal, they need special care to protect against moisture, earwax, and handling damage. Taking proper care of them saves you money on repairs and ensures you hear clearly every day. The five maintenance tips we’ll cover help you clean them properly, protect the delicate receiver, keep moisture away, prevent earwax problems, and know when to get professional help.
Tip 1: Daily Cleaning Routine for RIC Hearing Aids
Why It Matters
Tiny specks of earwax and debris can clog your hearing aid’s receiver and microphone vents. When clogged, the sound quality reduces significantly, and you may feel your hearing aid is faulty when it only requires cleaning. Routine cleaning avoids clogging before it impacts your listening experience.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Put your hearing aid receiver end down so dirt falls out rather than in
2. Gently brush the microphone openings (usually at the top of the device) with a soft-bristled brush and short strokes to remove visible debris
3. Clean around the receiver opening with caution, being especially gentle as this area is delicate
4. Clean the entire device with a dry, lint-free cloth to remove oils from skin contact
5. Clean and inspect the battery compartment, removing corrosion with a soft, dry cloth
6. Never attempt to clean with household cleaners, alcohol-based cleaning wipes, or wet wipes since they could damage sensitive parts
Recommended Tools
- Soft cleaning brush for your hearing aid (most likely provided with your device)
- Wax removal loops or picks for excavating embedded detritus
- Anti-static cleaning cloths designed for use on electronic devices
- Multifunction cleaning gadgets with both brushes and picks in one device
- Hearing aid cleansing kits from your audiologist
Don’t omit cleaning your hearing aids nightly as part of the routine. It is an effortless five-minute schedule that can last years longer for your device while maintaining your audio quality at top levels.
Tip 2: Protecting the Receiver (Speaker) from Damage
Why the Receiver is Vulnerable
The receiver (speaker) is the most delicate part of your RIC hearing aid. Since it sits directly in your ear canal, it’s exposed constantly to moisture from sweat and humidity, as well as earwax that can make its way inside. This location makes the receiver about three times more likely to fail than any other part of the hearing aid. Because the receiver is connected to the main unit by a thin wire, it’s also prone to failure from rough handling.
Best Practices
1. Replace wax filters regularly- These are the white discs that sit over the receiver opening and should be changed every 1-2 weeks or when discolored. To change them:
- Remove the dome or ear tip
- Use the removal tool to pull out the old filter
- Press the new filter into place using the opposite end of the tool
- Reattach the dome securely
2. Use protective receiver covers—Sleeves or covers made from silicone offer an extra layer of protection against wax and moisture without sacrificing comfort in the ear
3. Handle with care when removing—Never tug on the wire to remove your hearing aid; instead, hold onto the dome or ear tip and gently pull out the whole device
4. Keep receivers dry—After removing your hearing aids, open the battery door and place them in a hearing aid dryer overnight
5. Avoid hairspray and cosmetics—Apply these products before inserting your hearing aids to prevent chemical damage to the receiver
Recommended Tools
- Wax filters specific to your hearing aid model
- Wax guard changing tool (typically provided with new filters)
- Silicone receiver covers or sleeves
- Hearing aid extractor tool for gentle removal
- Hearing aid dehumidifier or electronic dryer
With proper protection, receivers can last significantly longer. Most manufacturers recommend having your audiologist check the receiver’s function every six months, as early detection of problems can prevent complete failure.
Tip 3: Moisture Control and Drying Strategies
Why Moisture is a Threat
Moisture is one of the greatest enemies of your hearing aid. Sweat, rain, humidity, and even steam from cooking can seep into the tiny electronic components of your device. The moisture causes corrosion of circuit boards and battery contacts, creating static, intermittent function, and eventual complete failure. In fact, moisture damage accounts for about 60% of hearing aid repairs.
Daily Habits
1. Wipe down after exposure to moisture—Wipe your hearing aids with a dry, soft cloth after sweating, exposure to rain, or being in very humid conditions
2. Remove in humid environments—Remove hearing aids temporarily during hot yoga, sauna use, or intense exercise when possible
3. Open the battery door at night—This allows air to circulate within the devicee
4. Use a dehumidifier every night—Make this part of your bedtime routine just like charging your phone
5. Consider a sweatband for exercise—Special moisture-wicking covers can protect devices during physical activityy
6. Keep hearing aids away from bathroom steam—Insert your hearing aids after showering and applying hair products
Recommended Tools
- Electric hearing aid dryers (provide gentle heat and moving air)
- UV hearing aid sanitizers with drying function (address both moisture and bacteria)
- Silica gel drying jars (affordable option without requiring electricity)
- Hearing aid dehumidifier cases (perfect for travel)
- Hearing aid sweatbands or covers (for active users)
For individuals who live in extremely humid climates or who lead active lives, the best protection is to invest in a quality electronic dryer with a UV sanitizing function. These devices typically cost $40-100 but can extend the life of your hearing aid by years and are well worth the investment.
Tip 4: Preventing Earwax Buildup in the Receiver
The Silent Killer
Earwax buildup is often called the “silent killer” of hearing aids because it happens gradually, without you noticing until significant damage occurs. Earwax (cerumen) naturally migrates from your ear canal onto your hearing aid’s receiver, where it hardens and blocks sound. This creates a domino effect: as sound gets blocked, many users instinctively turn up the volume, forcing the receiver to work harder. This extra strain leads to premature receiver failure. If not addressed, the wax can eventually travel deeper inside the device, causing damage that can’t be fixed at home.
Preventive Measures
1. Maintain proper ear hygiene—Gently clean the outer part of your ear canal with a washcloth, but never insert cotton swabs or other objects deep into your ears
2. Consider professional ear cleaning—If you produce excessive earwax, visit your doctor or audiologist for safe removal every 3-6 months
3. Choose the right dome size and style—Domes that fit too loosely allow more wax to travel to the receiver; work with your audiologist to find the perfect fit
4. Try wax-repelling domes—Some domes have special coatings or designs that minimize wax accumulation
5. Invest in custom earmolds—These create a better seal in your ear canal, reducing wax migration to the receiver
6. Replace domes regularly—Even with cleaning, domes should be replaced every 1-3 months as they can harbor invisible wax
Recommended Tools
- Custom-fitted silicone earmolds (most effective for heavy wax producers)
- Wax-guard domes with protective filters
- Hearing aid cleaning picks (for removing wax from dome openings)
- Hearing aid vacuum devices (professional tools sometimes available for home use)
- Regular hearing aid cleaning kits
Many audiologists now offer special coatings for receivers and domes that repel earwax, similar to water-repellent treatments. Ask whether this option is available for your specific hearing aid model during your next checkup.
Tip 5: Professional Maintenance and Checkups
Why DIY Isn’t Enough
While daily home care is essential, professional maintenance provides benefits you simply can’t achieve on your own. Audiologists have specialized tools to measure sound output, check for microscopic cracks in casings, and access internal components safely. They can detect and fix small issues before they become major problems. In fact, hearing aids that receive regular professional care last an average of 1-2 years longer than those that don’t. Think of these checkups like dental cleanings – necessary even if you brush daily.
Recommended Schedule
1. Schedule checkups every 3-6 months—Your audiologist can test the receiver function, clean areas you can’t reach, and thoroughly inspect for damage
2. Get a deep cleaning twice yearly—Professional ultrasonic cleaning removes buildup that home methods can’t touch
3. Have performance testing done annually—Makes sure your hearing aids still match your prescription and work at optimal levels
4. Replace soft components as recommended—Tubing, domes, and wax filters all degrade over time and need regular replacement
5. Update programming as needed—Your hearing needs may change slightly over time; regular visits ensure your devices keep pace
Professional Services to Request
- Real Ear Measurement (REM) to verify proper function
- Ultrasonic cleaning service
- Pressure testing for moisture resistance
- Battery contact cleaning and testing
- Receiver performance verification
- Software updates for your hearing aid model
Most hearing aid warranties require proof of regular professional maintenance, making these visits doubly important. Many audiologists offer maintenance plans or packages that include several visits per year at a reduced cost, making professional care more affordable in the long run.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Never use sharp tools for cleaning—Toothpicks, pins, or paperclips can puncture the delicate receiver screen or scratch components. Even a tiny hole in the receiver mesh can allow debris inside, causing permanent damage. Stick to soft brushes and tools specifically designed for hearing aids.
- Avoid chemical exposure—Hairspray, cologne, sunscreen, and insect repellent contain chemicals that can deteriorate the plastic casing and clog openings. Always apply these products before putting in your hearing aids, and wash your hands before handling your devices.
- Protect from extreme temperatures—Never leave hearing aids in direct sunlight, hot cars, or near heaters. Heat can warp casings, damage internal components, and degrade batteries. Similarly, very cold temperatures can affect battery performance and make plastic components brittle.
- Don’t ignore intermittent problems—If your hearing aid occasionally cuts out, produces static, or changes volume on its own, these are early warning signs of trouble. Addressing these issues immediately can prevent complete failure. Many users wait until their device stops working entirely, missing the chance for simpler, less expensive repairs.
- Never sleep with hearing aids in—This increases moisture exposure from perspiration and can bend or break components if you roll onto them. It also prevents your ear canals from “breathing” and can increase cerumen production.
- Don’t clean with water or alcohol—These liquids can enter the device and damage internal electronics. Always use dry cleaning methods unless specifically directed otherwise by your audiologist.
- Never attempt DIY repairs—Opening the casing or attempting to fix internal components yourself typically voids warranties and often creates more damage. Always seek professional help for anything beyond basic maintenance.
Avoiding these common mistakes can significantly extend your hearing aid’s lifespan and maintain its performance quality, saving you from frustration and unnecessary replacement costs.
FAQs About RIC Hearing Aid Maintenance
Q1: Can I wash my RIC hearing aids with water?
No, never clean your RIC hearing aids with water or any liquid. Water will ruin the delicate electronic parts within your hearing aids and cause permanent damage. Use a soft, dry cloth and specialized hearing aid cleaning devices to sweep away dirt. If your hearing aids must be cleaned deeper, have them professionally cleaned at your audiologist’s office with methods that remove buildup safely without risking water damage.
Q2: How often should I replace the receiver?
The receiver will need to be replaced every 18-24 months under regular usage despite regular servicing. However, this duration is based on the waxing capacity of your ear, weather conditions, and frequency of device utilization. Signs that you need a new receiver include reduced sound quality, random cutting out, or unexpected feedback. The function of the receiver can be checked by your audiologist through regular check-ups to determine whether replacement is necessary before the breakdown occurs.
Q3: Why does my receiver sound muffled even after cleaning?
If your receiver is usually muffled even after cleaning, there are various reasons for this. The wax filter could be internally clogged even when it appears clean outwardly and requires replacement. The receiver itself could be water-damaged or have failed internal components. The dome or ear tip could not be seated correctly, leading to a bad seal. In some cases, wax can have penetrated through the filter into the receiver itself. If cleaning and replacement of the wax filter does not clear up the muffled sound, visit your audiologist as quickly as possible to prevent further harm.
Keeping Your RIC Hearing Aids Working Their Best: The Maintenance Bottom Line
Caring for your RIC hearing aids properly is easy enough, but it must be done regularly. By incorporating these five maintenance tips into your routine—daily cleaning, guarding the receiver, moisture management, earwax prevention, and professional checkups—you’ll add years to the life of your devices while delivering top sound quality daily. Every little bit of preventive maintenance saves you from repair costs and frustrating downtime without your hearing aids. Start building these habits today, and schedule a professional cleaning if it has been more than six months since your last one. Your future self (and your bank account) will appreciate you saving these valuable tools that keep you connected to the world around you.
