What are Hearing Aid Domes And How to Clean Them

Hearing aids are small electronic assistive listening devices worn in the ears that amplify sound for people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. 

Hearing aids have been around for a while and have experienced significant technological advancements, making them more efficient, comfortable, and even discrete to wear. 

Perhaps you've considered getting a hearing aid or discussed it with your audiologist, but you're worried about how it works or whether it's easy to maintain. 

If this is your first experience with hearing aids or you’ve just started to explore your options, it may help ease your concerns to learn more about:

• How Hearing Aids Work
• What is a Hearing Aid Dome?
• How to Clean Hearing Aids
• Replacing Your Hearing Aid Domes
• Tips for Preventing Earwax Build-Up on Hearing Aid Domes

How Hearing Aids Work

There are several types and styles of hearing aids, but they all share the same mechanics to amplify sound from the environment into the ear. 

Some are more sophisticated than others, boasting comfort and connectivity features such as waterproof capabilities, noise reduction, long-lasting batteries, Bluetooth, and more. Choosing the right hearing aid depends on the severity of the hearing loss, personal preferences, comfort level, and lifestyle.

The main parts of the hearing aid and their roles are:

• The microphone, positioned above the user's ear, captures external sound and converts it into a digital signal.
• The amplifier, located behind the ear, strengthens the digital signal.
• The speaker (receiver) produces the amplified sound into the ear.
• The outer part of the hearing aid connects to the ear canal through a slim wire attached to hearing aid domes, designed to fit securely in the ear canal.
• The battery powers the device. Most batteries are now rechargeable.

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What is a Hearing Aid Dome?

Hearing aid domes, also known as tips, sit snugly inside the ear canal and send sound directly into the ear. 

What do they look like?

These small, flexible, bell-shaped parts attach to the hearing aid receiver via a slim wire, protecting the small speaker inside that delivers sound to the ear. 

How do they work?

The hearing aid dome leaves space for sufficient airflow and low-frequency sound to pass through, allowing the hearing aid to amplify higher frequencies and hear more clearly and with appropriate volume. This makes it ideal for people who can still hear lower frequencies (such as thunder or car engine noise).

How are they fitted?

Hearing aid domes are not one-size-fits-all. Since they live in close contact with your inner ear and everyone’s ear shape and size are different, your audiologist or healthcare provider determines the correct dome and tubing for the width and length of your ear canal, ensuring comfort and effectiveness.

Proper sizing is important for optimal comfort, which will determine the quality and effectiveness of your device and consistent usage.

How to Clean Hearing Aids

The hearing aid dome is just one part of the device that needs to be cleaned. But since it’s important to clean all the parts of your hearing aid to ensure they function properly, let’s review the best way to clean your hearing aids.

How to Clean Hearing Aid Domes

Hearing domes sit inside the ear canal, accumulating earwax, bacteria, and other debris. Cleaning them regularly and properly helps prevent ear infections and irritation. Plus, keeping your hearing aid domes clean will also ensure the proper effectiveness of the device and extend its lifespan.

After use, gently detach the hearing aid dome from the wire or speaker and wipe any visible dirt or earwax with a clean cloth each night. For a deeper clean, wash it with warm, soapy water and allow it to air dry. 

How to Clean Hearing Aid Dome Vent

Run a cleaning brush from the back side of the hearing aid dome vent to ensure it remains free and clear of debris.

How to Clean the Wax Trap

When dirty, the wax trap needs to be replaced, not cleaned. When it becomes clogged with wax, replace it. Ensure you have adequate replacement parts that match the style of your hearing aid. 

How to Clean the Microphone Ports

The microphone ports receive sound from the environment so the hearing aid can amplify it. However, if they are clogged or dusty, they won’t function properly. Clean the microphone ports on the hearing aid's body with a soft bristle brush every two weeks. 

As you can see, cleaning your hearing aids is easy and fast. If you’re consistent with this simple cleaning routine your hearing and and hearing aid domes will last longer and work as they’re supposed to. 

Replacing Your Hearing Aid Domes

Hearing aid domes should generally be replaced every 2-3 months. If you're unsure when to replace the dome or if you experience consistent issues, consult your audiologist or refer to the manufacturer's guidelines. They can offer specific advice based on your hearing aid model and personal needs.

Signs It's Time to Replace a Hearing Aid Dome

• While cleaning, inspect the dome for signs of wear, such as cracks or tears.

• If you see signs of excessive earwax buildup, it can lead to poor sound transmission, so it is better to replace it. 

• If the dome becomes too loose and frequently falls off, it might have lost its elasticity or shape. 

• The hearing dome may be worn out if you’re experiencing discomfort or pain. 

• Poor-fitting may also cause pain and discomfort. Consider trying a different size or type of hearing dome to improve comfort.
  

• If you experience reduced sound quality despite cleaning the dome, it might be due to wear and tear. 
  

Tips for Preventing Earwax Build-Up on Hearing Aid Domes

Earwax buildup in the ear is normal, but excessive buildup is a common issue affecting the performance of your hearing aid domes. Here are some tips to help you:

Make cleaning a habit

When you consistently clean your hearing aids and hearing aid domes every night before bed, you’ll ensure they are completely clean every time you wear them. 

Clean your ears

Cleaning your ears safely can help reduce the excessive buildup of earwax. Experts recommend earwax removal drops or having an ENT or audiologist perform a fast and painless professional cleaning. 

Keep your ears dry

Dry out your ears after bathing or swimming to reduce moisture, contributing to earwax build-up. You may use a towel or cloth to wipe the outer ear and tilt your head to remove the remaining water. 

Store your hearing aids properly

Store your hearing aids in a clean space where they don’t accumulate dust or dirt, preferably away from direct sunlight. Good storage places include your nightstand or a jewelry box.  

Conclusion

Now that you’ve learned what hearing domes are and how to clean them properly remember that it takes time to get used to your new hearing aid. But the more you use it, the faster you'll adjust to amplified sounds and the feeling of the hearing dome inside the ear.

If you experience pain, discomfort or excessive earwax buildup, consult your healthcare provider or audiologist.