Earwax and hearing aids

Did you know this about earwax?

Earwax does not have the best reputation. Many people think of it as something dirty, annoying or unhygienic. But earwax is actually a natural and useful part of the ear’s own protection system. It helps protect the ear canal, traps dust and small particles, and supports a healthy environment inside the ear.

At the same time, too much earwax can cause problems. It can block the ear canal, make sounds seem weaker or muffled, and affect how well hearing aids work. For hearing aid users, earwax is one of the most common reasons why the sound suddenly becomes unclear, weak or unstable.

What is earwax?

Earwax, also called cerumen, is produced in the outer part of the ear canal. It is made from natural secretions, skin cells, dust and small particles. The exact amount and texture can vary from person to person. Some people produce very little earwax, while others naturally produce more.

Earwax is not a sign of poor hygiene. In normal amounts, it is healthy and protective. It helps keep the ear canal lubricated, supports the skin inside the ear and helps move dirt and debris out of the ear.

Why do we have earwax?

Earwax plays an important role in ear health. It helps protect the ear canal from dust, dirt and small foreign particles. It also helps prevent the skin in the ear canal from becoming too dry. Earwax has many useful functions for our general ear health:

  • It helps trap dust, dirt and small particles.
  • It helps keep the ear canal from drying out.
  • It supports the ear’s natural cleaning process.
  • It can help protect against irritation in the ear canal.

In most cases, the ear cleans itself. Jaw movement from talking and chewing helps move earwax slowly outwards, where it can be wiped away from the outer ear.

When can earwax become a problem?

Earwax becomes a problem when it builds up, becomes hard or blocks the ear canal. This can make sounds seem dull, blocked or distant. Some people may also experience a feeling of fullness in the ear, ringing in the ear, itching, discomfort or temporary hearing changes.

If you already use hearing aids, it can be harder to notice whether the problem comes from the ear itself or from the hearing aid. A blocked wax filter, dirty dome or clogged sound outlet can make a hearing aid sound weak even if the device is still working normally.

Earwax and the effect on hearing aids

Hearing aids are worn in or around the ear for many hours each day. This means they are regularly exposed to earwax, moisture, skin oils and dust. Over time, these can collect around the dome, earmould, receiver, sound outlet or microphone openings.

If earwax blocks the sound outlet or wax filter, the hearing aid may suddenly sound weaker, distorted or completely silent. In many cases, the hearing aid is not broken. It may simply need cleaning, a new wax filter or a replacement dome.

Common signs of excess earwax
  • The sound becomes weak or muffled.
  • The hearing aid cuts in and out.
  • The hearing aid whistles or gives feedback.
  • The dome or earmould looks dirty or blocked.
  • The wax filter is visibly clogged.
  • One hearing aid sounds weaker than the other.

If this happens, it is a good idea to check the small parts first. A quick daily check can often prevent unnecessary worry and help keep the sound clear.

Why cotton swabs can make earwax worse

Many people use cotton swabs to try to remove earwax from the ear canal. But this can push earwax deeper into the ear instead of removing it. It can also irritate the ear canal or create a blockage closer to the eardrum.

For everyday care, it is usually better to clean only the outer ear with a soft cloth. Avoid pushing anything into the ear canal. If you feel blocked, have pain, sudden hearing changes, discharge, dizziness or recurring earwax problems, contact a healthcare professional or hearing care specialist.

How to keep hearing aids clear of earwax

Good hearing aid care is about small habits. You do not need to do a deep clean every day, but a short daily check can make a big difference. Earwax, moisture and dirt are much easier to remove before they dry, harden or block small openings.

1. Wipe your hearing aids daily

After wearing your hearing aids, wipe them with a soft, dry cloth or suitable cleaning wipes. This removes surface dirt, skin oils and fresh earwax before it builds up.

2. Use the right cleaning brush

A small cleaning brush helps remove dry earwax and debris from domes, earmoulds, microphone openings and sound outlets. For very small areas, cleaning brushes and other tools can make it easier to reach the parts that are difficult to clean with a cloth.

3. Replace wax filters when needed

Wax filters protect the receiver from earwax. If the hearing aid suddenly sounds weak, dull or silent, the wax filter is one of the first parts you should check. A blocked filter can stop sound from coming through properly.

Wax filters should be replaced regularly, but the exact timing depends on how much earwax you produce and how often you wear your hearing aids.

4. Check and replace domes

Domes sit directly in the ear canal and can collect earwax quickly. If a dome is sticky, discoloured, stiff, damaged or blocked, it should be replaced. A fresh dome can improve comfort, fit and sound quality.

If you are unsure which size you need, use our dome size guide before choosing replacement domes.

5. Use cleaning spray correctly

Cleaning spray can be useful for external cleaning of hearing aids, earmoulds and accessories. Always apply the spray to a cloth or suitable brush first. Do not spray directly into microphone openings, receivers, battery compartments or charging contacts.

6. Keep hearing aids dry

Earwax is not the only thing that affects hearing aids. Moisture, sweat and humidity can also reduce performance. A drying cup with drying capsules or an electronic drying box such as PerfectDry Lux can help reduce moisture overnight.

Earwax or a hearing aid problem?

When a hearing aid sounds weak, many users immediately worry that the device is broken. But very often, the cause is something simple: a blocked wax filter, a dirty dome, moisture or other dirt around the receiver.

Before sending a hearing aid for service, check these parts first:

  • Is the dome clean and open?
  • Is the wax filter blocked?
  • Is there visible earwax around the sound outlet?
  • Are the microphone openings clean?
  • Is the hearing aid dry?
  • Does the sound improve after replacing small parts?

If cleaning and replacing the small parts does not improve the sound, the hearing aid may need professional service or adjustment.

When should earwax be removed professionally?

You should not try to remove deep or impacted earwax yourself. If earwax causes discomfort, blocked hearing, pain, tinnitus, dizziness, discharge or repeated hearing aid problems, contact a healthcare professional, doctor or hearing care specialist.

Professional earwax removal may be needed if the ear canal is blocked or if earwax makes it difficult for the hearing aid to work properly. This is especially important if you wear hearing aids every day and often experience weak sound or feedback.

Recommended products for hearing aid users

The right maintenance products can help keep your hearing aids clean, dry and working reliably. For everyday care, many users benefit from a simple routine with wipes, a brush, replacement wax filters and drying products.

FAQ about earwax and hearing aids

Is earwax bad?

No. Earwax is natural and protective. It only becomes a problem when it builds up, blocks the ear canal or interferes with hearing aids.

Can earwax cause hearing loss?

Too much earwax can block the ear canal and reduce hearing temporarily. If you experience sudden or persistent hearing changes, you should contact a healthcare professional or hearing care specialist.

Can earwax make hearing aids sound weak?

Yes. Earwax can block the dome, wax filter or sound outlet, making the hearing aid sound weak, muffled, distorted or silent.

How often should I clean my hearing aids?

Most hearing aids should be wiped daily and checked regularly for earwax, moisture and dirt. Wax filters and domes should be replaced when they are blocked, dirty, damaged or when the sound changes.

Should I use cotton swabs to clean my ears?

Avoid pushing cotton swabs into the ear canal. They can push earwax deeper and may cause irritation or blockage. Clean only the outer ear and seek professional help if you feel blocked.

What should I check first if my hearing aid stops working?

Check the wax filter, dome, sound outlet, microphone openings and battery or charging status. If the sound does not improve after cleaning or replacing small parts, contact your hearing care professional.

Can cleaning products remove earwax from inside the ear?

No. Hearing aid cleaning products are made for the hearing aid and its removable parts, not for removing earwax from inside the ear canal. Earwax problems in the ear should be handled safely by a healthcare professional.