Can You Clean Hearing Aids With Alcohol Wipes?
Not according to the makers we checked. Starkey says not to use water, alcohol swabs or cleaning solvents because they can damage hearing aids, and Oticon says to use a soft, dry cloth and never wash or immerse them in liquids. Follow your own model's manual or ask your hearing professional.
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Rubbing Alcohol Dilution Chart (PDF)
How much 99%, 91% or 70% rubbing alcohol and water to mix for a 70% or 60% cleaning solution, for 100, 250 and 500 ml. Every line shows its source and the date we read it. Print it or keep it on your phone.
- Ready-made amounts for 99%, 91% and 70% bottles
- The 60-90% range the CDC gives for alcohol disinfectants, and safety notes
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We use your email only for this download.What the manufacturers say
Starkey’s care page says: “Do not use water, alcohol swabs or cleaning solvents as they can break down or damage your hearing aids.” For nightly cleaning it advises wiping with a dry soft cloth. Its page does not mention wipes.
Oticon says hearing aids “must never be washed or immersed in water or other liquids” and to clean them with a soft, dry cloth. Its page mentions neither alcohol nor wipes. For behind-the-ear ear molds and tubes only, it allows mild soap, rinsed and dried completely before reconnecting.
How to remove earwax
- Use the soft brush and small picks or loops that came with your aids, as Starkey advises.
- Use an Oticon MultiTool brush or wire loop for microphone and mold openings.
- If you cannot remove all the wax, see a hearing professional.
Check your own brand
Instructions differ by maker and model. We did not find one rule that covers every brand, so do not assume that any alcohol wipe is safe. Use only what your manual names, or ask your audiologist.
For uses of rubbing alcohol around the home, see our rubbing alcohol dilution calculator.
People also ask
What should I use to clean hearing aids?
Starkey and Oticon both advise a soft, dry cloth.
Is it safe to put hearing aids in water or liquid?
Oticon says they must never be washed or immersed in water or other liquids.
How do I get earwax out of hearing aids?
Use the brush and picks that came with them, per Starkey, and see a hearing professional if wax remains.
Sources
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