How to Look After Your Hearing Aids in Preparation for Christmas

I wrote this blogpost because, this morning, my right hearing aid started bleeping at me. A quick trip to Google, search the symptoms (I was concerned it might need a service) but it transpired that all it needed was a cleaning of the microphones. 

However, this led me to think about all our readers who have hearing aids and what we will need to do to ensure our hearing aids don't let us down over Christmas or the New Year.

The run-up to Christmas is a joyful, bustling time filled with music, conversation, family gatherings, carol services and festive nights out. If you use hearing aids, the last thing you need is for them to fail just when the festive season reaches its peak. A little preparation now can help you enjoy every conversation, every carol and every Christmas film without interruption.

Here’s how to keep your hearing aids in excellent working order as we head towards the busiest social season of the year.

Keep on Top of Cleaning

Winter weather, central heating, scarves and hats can all trap moisture and dust around your hearing aids. A quick daily clean can make all the difference.

Wipe the casing with a soft, dry cloth.

Use a small cleaning brush to remove wax from the microphone ports and receivers.

Check your domes or moulds for blockages.

Never use water, alcohol wipes or household cleaners, as these can damage components.

A weekly deeper clean, following your manufacturer’s guidance, helps reduce the risk of Christmas-morning surprises.

Check Your Batteries or Charging Case

Few things are more frustrating than a silent hearing aid during a party. Make sure you’re fully stocked ahead of time.

For traditional batteries:

Buy an extra pack now, before the seasonal rush. Or if you have an NHS hearing aid, order your batteries from your NHS audiologist or Doctor's surgery, well before Christmas.

Store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat sources.

For rechargeable aids:

Check your charging case is working properly.

Give the case a thorough wipe to remove any dust from the charging contacts.

Bring your charger if you’re staying with friends or family over the holidays.

Protect Against Moisture

Cold-to-warm temperature changes (walking in from frosty air into a heated living room) can cause condensation, which affects performance.

Consider using a hearing aid dehumidifier or drying pot overnight.

If you’re caught in rain or sleet, dry the exterior with a soft cloth as soon as you get indoors.

Avoid wearing them while using hairspray or scented products, do these before putting your aids in.

Check for Fit and Comfort

Scarves, hats, woolly jumpers and giant Christmas jumpers can all tug at behind-the-ear devices.

Make sure your tubing isn’t cracked or stiff.

Ensure domes or moulds still fit snugly and comfortably.

If you’ve noticed any whistling, feedback or changes to fit, now’s the perfect time to book a quick check with your audiologist before Christmas.

Update Any Bluetooth or App Settings

With so many festive events on the horizon, you might want to tweak your sound settings.

Update your hearing aid’s smartphone app if applicable.

Check connection settings for watching Christmas films on TV or tablets.

Save custom programmes for noisy environments such as pubs, parties or Christmas markets.

A few minutes of prep can help you glide through the season with minimal fiddling.

Prepare a Travel Kit

If you’re visiting family or going away for Christmas, pack a small kit so you’re never caught out.

Include:

Spare batteries or the charging cable

Cleaning brush and wipes

Drying pot or dehumidifier tub (travel-sized ones exist)

Spare domes or wax guards

Pop it all in a small pouch inside your overnight bag and you’re sorted.

Book a Pre-Christmas Check-Up (If Needed)

If you’ve noticed reduced clarity, muffled sound, crackling or poor battery performance, it may be worth booking a quick maintenance appointment. Audiology departments and hearing aid providers often get busy in December, so earlier is better.

Enjoy a Clear, Confident Christmas

Well-maintained hearing aids ensure you don’t miss a single festive moment, whether that's the punchline of a cracker joke, the children singing at the school nativity, or a toast around the dinner table.

A little care now means a smoother, more enjoyable Christmas season where you can focus on what matters: connection, conversation and celebration.