Hearing Loss in Adults: Strategies at Home

Caring for Your Hearing Aids at Home

Hearing aids provide support to those with hearing difficulties—but like other technology, they need regular upkeep to function properly. A few simple maintenance habits can go a long way in protecting the performance and lifespan of your device.

Do a visual check of your hearing aids each day:

• Inspect the body of the hearing aid for cracks or damage, including any part that sits behind or inside your ear.
• Look for earwax blocking any openings in the hearing aid, including tubing and wiring. Even a small amount can muffle sound.

Clean your hearing aids regularly. For example:

• Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe down your hearing aids each day.
• Use hearing aid cleaning tools (e.g., a dry hearing aid brush or cleaning wire) to gently clean the device, including the small microphones and any part that sits inside your ear.
• Remove earmolds and wash with warm, soapy water. Make sure they’re completely dry before reattaching.
• Gently clean and remove debris from domes—the small soft caps at the end of the hearing aid—or replace them if they appear discolored or deteriorated.
• Consult with your user manual and your audiologist for a cleaning routine specific to your hearing aid.

Take care of your hearing aid battery. Here are some tips on battery care:

• Use a battery tester to check performance or track battery life in a journal. Standard batteries typically last 3–10 days depending on battery size, usage, and features like Bluetooth.
• Store spare batteries in a cool, dry place (not the refrigerator).
• For rechargeable models, follow the recommended charging time. If your charge doesn’t last as long as it should, contact your audiologist.

Protect your hearing aid from damaging moisture buildup:

• Use a drying jar—a sealable container with material to absorb moisture—nightly.
• Remove batteries before storing hearing aids.
• Talk to your audiologist about electronic drying solutions, especially for humid conditions.

Information is available on common hearing aid problems that a user may be able to resolve [PDF].

How to Improve Listening at Home

Living with hearing loss doesn’t have to mean missing out on daily conversations or entertainment. With a few mindful adjustments, you can create a more hearing-friendly home.

Practice Better Communication Habits

Some strategies that can benefit both the person with hearing loss and their communication partners include:

• Always talk face-to-face. Turn off devices or put down your phone when speaking.
• Don’t shout from another room. Make sure you’re in the same space before starting a conversation.
• Speak clearly and at a moderate pace. Slowing down slightly can help others follow more easily.
• Let others know if you’re having trouble hearing. Don’t pretend to understand—ask for clarification or repetition when needed.
• Take breaks. Listening with hearing loss can be tiring. Give your ears and brain short rests throughout the day.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

Make use of tools already at your fingertips:

• Turn on closed captioning when watching TV or streaming movies.
• Consider TV streaming accessories that connect directly to hearing aids for clearer sound.
• Use smartphone apps that turn speech into text in real-time for one-on-one conversations or group settings.

Speak Up About Hearing Loss

It’s common to feel frustrated, embarrassed, or even isolated when hearing is difficult. Talk with your loved ones about strategies to improve communication at home. See your audiologist regularly to monitor your hearing, explore technology that can enhance hearing at home, and develop a personalized plan to manage your hearing and communication needs.

To find an audiologist near you, visit ProFind.