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Your hearing care tool kit: 8 things every hearing aid wearer should have on hand
Keeping these items close by can simplify your life at home and when you’re on the go.
Hearing aid wearers don’t need too many accessories. But there are some tools that are key for keeping devices in top shape.
It’s a good idea to stock up on a few essentials so you can have them on hand. Here’s an expert-approved list of the items you need, plus others to consider.
Brush and wax loop
It’s important to keep your hearing aids clean. Dust and earwax can build up and prevent your devices from working as well as they should.1
That’s why some manufacturers include tools with their hearing aids. And even if yours didn’t, chances are your hearing care professional included some in your care kit, says Kristen Conners, Au.D. She’s the chief audiologist at Prescription Hearing in Palos Park, Illinois.
“The standard tool that we want patients to have is the cleaning loop,” she says. That’s a tool with a brush on one end and a metal loop on the other for scooping out wax. You can use both to get rid of the hard wax that can build up on your hearing aids.
Some manufacturers also include a cloth for wiping off debris. But you can also use a tissue or paper towel instead of a cloth, notes Conners.
Cleansing spray
Some people produce more earwax than others. And wearing hearing aids can also cause earwax to build up in your ear canal.2
A cleansing spray made specially for hearing aids can help. Squirt a small amount on a tissue or cloth so it’s moist. (Do not spray the solution directly onto your hearing aid.) Then clean the part of the hearing aid that goes into your ear canal.
“It gets all the sticky wax off of the hearing aid,” Conners says. “Getting rid of the wax also helps tame some of the itchiness that people can get from wearing hearing aids.”
Replacement domes and wax guards
Do you wear behind-the-ear hearing aids? The dome is that silicone cap that covers the receiver (the part that goes into your ear canal).3
Domes help hearing aids fit more securely and comfortably in your ear. They do develop wear and tear, though, and they get dirty. So domes need to be changed every few months.
The wax guard (also known as a wax filter or trap) goes underneath the dome. It protects your device from wax and debris.
Wax guards also need to be changed. But how often depends on how much wax builds up on them, says Conners. “For some people it could be once a month, and for some it could be every three months.”
A good way to tell when your domes and wax guards need replacing? When you can’t hear as clearly, says Conners. “I tell patients when the sound is reduced, always check the device for wax,” she adds. Most times, that’s the issue.
And because you must replace domes and wax guards regularly, it’s important to have extras at home. Remember to take them with you when you travel, too.
Did you know that you may be able to request a no-cost hearing exam and consultation through AARP Hearing Solutions? Request an appointment.
Dehumidifier
Not everyone needs to protect their hearing aids from sweat, humidity and other sources of moisture. But you may need a dehumidifier (also known as a dry aid kit or dry box) if:
- You live in a humid part of the country
- You exercise regularly or play sports
- You work outside and perspire a lot
These small boxes can be electric or have moisture-absorbing beads. You place your hearing aids in the dehumidifier overnight to help dry out the moisture.
Portable charger
Most hearing aids come with rechargeable batteries. And they typically stay charged for a full day of wear, even if you’re streaming music or TV shows.
But you may want to have a portable charger, especially if you travel a lot. You can keep it in a suitcase or carry-on bag. That way you can recharge your devices on the go, such as at an airport.
Batteries
Do you have hearing aids that use disposable batteries? “You absolutely want to have spare batteries on you,” says Conners. That way you’re prepared to do a quick change if your hearing aids lose their charge at work. Or when you’re out with friends.
A pouch or carrying case
Having a place to store your hearing aids can prevent them from getting lost when you’re out and about, says Conners. You can use a special pouch or plastic carrying case.
Let’s say you need to take your devices off because you’re going swimming or getting your hair washed and styled. You can drop them in your pouch instead of your purse or pocket, Conners notes.
You can also keep other things in your pouch or carrying case, like disposable batteries (if you use them), a cleaning tool and wax guards.
Earwax softening drops
These over-the-counter ear drops help soften earwax so it’s easier to flush out. If you're a person with waxy ears, the drops can keep your ear canal clear so that the hearing aids work better. But not everyone needs them, Conners adds.
Of course, your hearing care professional will help you choose the right accessories for you. And they may even suggest high-tech add-ons like a microphone or streaming device.
But a cleaning tool and extra domes and wax guards are must-haves. They’ll help keep your devices working well so you can keep hearing clearly.
Sources
- Hearing aid accessories National Council on Aging. Accessed September 1, 2025.
- Earwax blockage Cleveland Clinic. Accessed September 1, 2025.
- Hearing aids: How to choose the right one Mayo Clinic. Accessed September 1, 2025.
Information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a licensed medical provider. Consult your provider prior to making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine.
AARP Hearing Solutions is available to all AARP members and does not require a health insurance plan from UnitedHealthcare. The AARP hearing program discount cannot be combined with any other discounts, promotions, coupons or hearing aid benefit plans unless noted herein. Products or services that are reimbursable by federal programs including Medicare and Medicaid are not available on a discounted or complimentary basis. AARP commercial member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details. UnitedHealthcare Hearing is provided through UnitedHealthcare, offered to existing members of certain products underwritten or provided by UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company or its affiliates to provide specific hearing aid discounts. This is not an insurance nor managed care product, and fees or charges for services in excess of those defined in program materials are the member's responsibility. UnitedHealthcare does not endorse nor guarantee hearing aid products/services available through the hearing program. This program may not be available in all states or for all group sizes. Components subject to change.
