Free Hearing Aid Cleaning in Wilmington & Southport, NC

Regular professional cleaning is one of the most important — and most overlooked — things you can do to keep your hearing aids performing at their best. Earwax, moisture, and debris are the leading causes of hearing aid malfunction, and many issues that appear to be major repairs turn out to be simple maintenance problems that are resolved with a thorough cleaning.

At Excel Audiology in Wilmington & Southport, NC, we offer free professional hearing aid cleaning for all patients. Whether you purchased your hearing aids from us or from another provider, you are welcome to stop by either of our locations for a complimentary clean and check.

Why Regular Hearing Aid Cleaning Matters

Hearing aids live in one of the harshest environments a small electronic device can occupy — inside the ear canal, where they are exposed daily to earwax, moisture, skin oils, and body heat. Over time, these elements degrade performance in ways that aren’t always obvious:

  • Wax blocking the receiver (speaker) causes muffled or absent sound
  • Moisture in the microphone ports reduces sound pickup and processing quality
  • Clogged wax guards cause the hearing aid to stop working entirely
  • Debris on contacts and charging ports affects rechargeable device function
  • Buildup on custom earmolds causes poor fit and acoustic feedback (whistling)

Regular cleaning prevents these issues from escalating into costly repairs or replacements.

What’s Included in a Professional Hearing Aid Cleaning

When you bring your hearing aids in for a free cleaning at Excel Audiology, our team will:

  • Remove and replace wax guards/filters — the most common cause of sudden hearing aid failure
  • Clean microphone ports with specialized tools to remove any debris affecting sound pickup
  • Clear and clean the receiver opening to restore full sound delivery
  • Wipe down the shell, tubing, and earmolds with appropriate cleaning materials
  • Inspect the device for cracks, worn components, damaged wires, or other issues that may need attention
  • Perform a listening check to verify the devices are functioning properly
  • Check your ear canals for earwax buildup that may be affecting device performance or causing feedback

If any issues are identified during the cleaning, we’ll let you know and discuss next steps — whether that’s a simple in-office repair or a manufacturer service referral.

Hearing Aid Cleaning Tips for Home Care

Between professional cleanings, daily home care significantly extends the life of your hearing aids:

DO

  • Wipe your hearing aids down each evening with a soft, dry cloth
  • Store hearing aids in their case or charger when not in use
  • Open the battery door overnight on non-rechargeable devices to allow moisture to escape
  • Use a hearing aid dehumidifier or drying kit — especially important in humid coastal environments like Wilmington and Southport
  • Replace wax guards regularly, typically every 2–4 weeks depending on your wax production

Don't

  • Use water, alcohol, or household cleaning sprays on hearing aids
  • Use cotton swabs or sharp objects to clean the receiver opening
  • Leave hearing aids in the bathroom, where steam and humidity are high
  • Expose hearing aids to hairspray, sunscreen, or perfume

How Often Should You Have Your Hearing Aids Professionally Cleaned?

We recommend a professional cleaning at Excel Audiology every 3–6 months for most patients. However, some individuals benefit from more frequent visits, including:

  • Heavy earwax producers
  • Patients in humid environments (like coastal North Carolina)
  • Hearing aid users who are physically active and perspire heavily
  • Patients whose hearing aids are more than a year or two old

When in doubt, bring them in — it’s free, it takes only a few minutes, and it can make a significant difference in how your devices sound and function.

We Service All Brands

You do not need to have purchased your hearing aids from Excel Audiology to take advantage of our free cleaning service. We clean and service hearing aids from all major manufacturers, including Phonak, Oticon, Widex, ReSound, Starkey, Signia, and others.

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Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend calling ahead to schedule a time, though we do our best to accommodate walk-ins. Contact either of our locations to arrange a convenient time.

Yes — completely free, for all patients, regardless of where you purchased your hearing aids.

Most cleaning appointments take 15–30 minutes, depending on the condition of the devices and whether any additional issues are identified.

Very likely, yes. A clogged wax guard or blocked receiver is the number one cause of sudden drops in hearing aid performance. A professional cleaning often restores normal function immediately.

Absolutely. Consistent cleaning and maintenance dramatically reduces the likelihood of receiver failure, moisture damage, and other common repair issues. It is the single best way to protect your hearing aid investment.