Hearing aids are powerful little devices that make an enormous difference in daily communication, but like any piece of technology, they work best with proper maintenance. Replacing the filters is one of the most important and often overlooked parts of care. These tiny components greatly impact whether your hearing aids deliver clear, reliable sound.
What Hearing Aid Filters Do
Hearing aid filters act as protective barriers. They keep earwax, oils, dust and other debris from making their way into the sensitive parts of your device.
Why Replacing Filters Matters
A clogged filter can cause muffled or distorted sound, make speech harder to follow and even create high-pitched feedback noises. Regular filter changing ensures your hearing aids keep functioning at their best, helping you stay connected to all the sounds that are important to you, from your partner’s voice to the wind rushing through the trees in Acorn Urban Park.
How Often to Replace Filters
Most people benefit from changing their filters about once a month. However, everyone’s needs are different. If you produce more earwax, you might need to replace them more frequently. If you have minimal wax, you may be able to go a little longer. The key is to watch for signs like muted sound, feedback or a visibly clogged filter. Daily cleaning can help extend the life of your filters.
How to Change Hearing Aid Filters
Swapping out a filter is quick, and most hearing aid kits come with the tools you need. Depending on your device, you may use either:
- A stick tool with the old filter on one end and a fresh one on the other
- A disc tool with a hole for the old filter and one for the new filter
Some models may require removing the dome before accessing the filter. Follow your hearing aid’s manual instructions if you’re unsure what to remove.
Cleaning vs. Replacing
Replacing filters doesn’t mean you can skip cleaning. Daily or weekly cleaning with your hearing aid kit helps prevent buildup, while monthly filter changes provide a fresh start that cleaning alone can’t achieve.
Protecting Your Investment
Approximately 15% of U.S. adults have hearing loss. If you’re among that 15%, hearing aids are an important investment in your health and quality of life. Staying on top of filter maintenance helps extend their lifespan and ensures you always get the clearest sound possible. For more guidance on caring for your devices, schedule an appointment with one of our hearing aid experts at Hearing Center Silver Spring.