Hearing aids are a lifeline to those that rely on them. They enable you to continue enjoying life to the fullest, whether that means communicating with loved ones, enjoying music, or just listening to the birds.

But hearing aids also require their fair share of maintenance in order to keep operating as intended. During the course of an average day, hearing aids will be subjected to a wide range of corrosive agents, including but not limited to atmospheric moisture, sweat, salts, and of course, ear wax.

The bad news is that wearing hearing aids can actually increase the amount of earwax your body produces, but a little bit of routine maintenance can help prevent your hearing aids from being damaged.

For one, storing your hearing aids in a special hearing aid dehumidifier while they are not in use will help prevent a good deal of moisture-related damage. Also, routinely cleaning your hearing aids will do its fair share.

Another thing you can do to help protect your hearing aids and secure their long-term operability is to properly utilize wax guards, such as Phonak wax guards, and replace them as needed.

How Do Wax Guards Work?
Not all hearing aids are the same, and therefore not all wax guards are exactly alike either - but, regardless of style or orientation, a wax guard is a small plastic device or screen that helps to protect your hearing aids from damage arising from excessive exposure to ear wax.

Wax guards are typically applied to the sound outlet which is a component of the hearing aid that sits in the ear canal. They help to prevent this outlet from being blocked by excessive ear wax, but they also protect the hearing aid from dust and particulate matter as well as against moisture - whether in the form of sweat or from the air.

Wax guards are one of the first barriers to damage the hearing aid’s microphone or receiver, and by blocking out ear wax, they help prevent long-term damage. Using them properly - and changing them when needed - can protect the functionality of your hearing aids in the long run, not only improving your quality of life but also saving you money.

Are All Wax Guards the Same?
No, not all hearing aid wax guards are the same, as there are many different types and many different manufacturers that produce them. You can check product specifics, consult your doctor or call us to ensure that the wax guards you’re looking at will work with your hearing aids.

It is also important to note that not even branded wax guards are necessarily alike. For example, Even two Phonak wax guards are not necessarily going to be the same. Phonak produces several different types of wax guards and protective devices such as Phonak Cerustop Wax Traps and Smartguard Wax Protectors.

Can You Clean Hearing Aid Wax Guards?
Wax guards are considered disposable, so instead of cleaning one with the intention of reinstalling it, it’s advisable to replace the wax guard entirely (see below).

You can (and should) however clean your hearing aids as needed, if not daily. We sell special hearing aid cleaning tools that are specially designed for wiping down your hearing aids and dislodging wax, dust, and other debris from them.

Remember when wiping down the outside of your hearing aids that it’s inadvisable to use alcohol. Despite the fact that alcohol is a good solvent and can easily remove ear wax, it can also potentially damage your hearing aids.

How Often Do I Need to Change My Phonak Wax Guards?

When you’re cleaning your hearing aids, inspect your wax guards (or domes or filters if they are present) for wax buildup. If during an inspection you notice that your wax guards are dirty or obstructed, it’s time to change them.

There is, unfortunately, no single universal rule for how often you need to change your wax guards. Everyone’s ears produce wax at a different rate, so some people may be able to go a week without changing them whereas others may not.

The rule of thumb is to change them as needed or as soon as they become dirty or obstructed. If your ears don’t produce a lot of wax and the guards seem always to be clean, then a good benchmark to observe is always to change them at least once per month, though others might find it helpful to replace them every two weeks or even more frequently.

Why Do You Need to Change Wax Guards?
Wax guards are only one line of defense against moisture like sweat and rain, ear wax, salts, and other corrosives. Over time, these things can adversely affect the sensitive electrical connections in your hearing aids, corroding the contacts and rendering expensive hearing aids inoperable.

Even before that happens, ear wax, dust, and other debris can obstruct the device’s microphone or sound outlet, distorting, muffling, or otherwise adversely affecting the quality of the sound the device delivers. Changing your wax guards periodically can help prevent this.

Beyond Wax and Moisture: Wind and Weather Protection
In addition to producing Phonak wax guards, Phonak also produces Wind and Weather Protectors for behind the ear (BTE) hearing aids. As their name suggests, these protect BTE hearing aids from wind, rain, and other weather, safeguarding the microphone and protecting sound quality.

These, like Phonak wax guards, help to protect the device, enabling it to last longer. These also should be changed every month or so, or as needed.

Contact Us!
Not sure what type of wax guards your hearing aids need, or how to replace them? Looking for advice on which hearing aid cleaning tools you’ll need and how to clean your hearing aids? We can help.

Get in touch with us at Sales@LocalBattery.com, let us know a little bit more about what types of hearing aids you use and what you’re looking to do and we’ll fill you in.