How to Clean Your Receiver-in-the-Ear Hearing Aid: A Step-by-Step Guide

When your receiver-in-the-ear hearing aid suddenly stops working properly, it can be incredibly frustrating—especially when you’re relying on it to stay connected with family, friends, and the world around you. The good news? Most sound issues with receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) hearing aids can be fixed at home. 

This guide will walk you through cleaning and maintaining the receiver canal so you can get back to hearing clearly.

Is your receiver-in-the-ear hearing aid not working? The most common culprit is a blocked wax filter in the receiver canal. Remove the dome, replace the small filter using the tool in your kit, reattach the dome, and test. The process is simple and will often be the thing you need to get you back on the air. We are always here if you need a hand with the process!

Understanding Your Receiver-in-the-Ear Hearing Aid

What Is a Receiver-in-the-Ear Hearing Aid?

Receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) hearing aids—also called receiver-in-canal (RIC) aids— consist of a small device that sits behind your ear connected by a thin wire to a tiny speaker (the receiver) that sits in your ear canal.

Why the Receiver Canal Needs Regular Cleaning

The receiver sits in your ear canal where it’s exposed to earwax, moisture, and debris. A tiny wax filter protects the delicate speaker inside, but this filter can become blocked over time. When that happens, sound can’t pass through properly, and it may feel like you have an earplug in your ear instead of a hearing aid! 

How Do I Know My Receiver Needs Cleaning?

The Simple Rustle Test

Here’s a quick way to check if your receiver is blocked: pop the hearing aid in your ear and gently rub the back part of the device behind your ear. You should hear a distinct rustling sound through the receiver.

If you don’t hear anything—or the sound is very faint—your receiver filter is likely blocked.

This is the most common issue we see with RITE hearing aids, and it’s also the easiest to fix.

What You’ll Need for Receiver Canal Cleaning

Before we begin, gather these items (most should be in your hearing aid kit):

• Clean tissue or cloth
• Replacement wax filters for your specific brand

Understanding Your Brand’s Receiver Filter System

Different manufacturers use slightly different filter systems for their hearing aids. Generally, they all consist of two parts: a part to remove the old blocked filter, and a clean filter to replace it with. 

Oticon and Bernafon: Small disc-shaped ProWax filters. 

Phonak and Unitron: CeruShield disk filters or Cerustop stick filters. 

Starkey: HearClear wax filters

Can’t find your cleaning kit? Visit any of our Adelaide clinics—Norwood, Unley, or Salisbury—and we’ll provide you with the correct filters for your specific hearing aid brand and show you exactly how to maintain your receiver.

Step-by-Step: Cleaning Your Receiver Canal

Watch and Learn

Watch these helpful video tutorials that demonstrate receiver canal cleaning step-by-step:

Oticon/Bernafon Filter Replacement Tutorial

Watch: How to replace your Oticon/Bernafon receiver filter

This detailed video shows you exactly how to:

• Remove the dome from your receiver
• Use the two-ended tool correctly
• Replace the ProWax filter safely
• Reattach the dome securely

How to clean a Phonak/Unitron Receiver-in-the-ear hearing aid

Watch: Troubleshooting common receiver problems

Learn how to:

• Identify common receiver issues
• Test if your hearing aid is working properly
• Maintain your receiver for optimal performance

How to clean a Starkey Receiver-in-the-ear hearing aid

Watch: How to clean a Starkey receiver-in-the-ear hearing aid

Prefer hands-on learning? Drop into any of our Adelaide clinics—Norwood, Unley, or Salisbury (Salisbury is by appt only) – and we’ll demonstrate the receiver cleaning process in person and answer all your questions.

Testing Your Receiver After Cleaning

Time for the rustle test again!

1. Place the hearing aid behind your ear as usual
2. Insert the receiver (with its fresh filter and dome) into your ear canal
3. Gently rub the back section of the hearing aid
4. Listen carefully through the receiver

You should now hear a clear, crisp rustling sound. If you do—brilliant! You’ve successfully cleaned your receiver canal and restored your hearing aid’s performance.

The difference should be immediate and noticeable. Patients often tell us, “I forgot how clear my hearing aids sounded!” after a simple receiver filter change.

What If My Receiver Still Isn’t Working After Cleaning?

Check the Receiver Wire Connection

Sometimes the issue isn’t in the receiver canal itself, but in the connection between the receiver wire and the hearing aid body.

1. Look at where the receiver wire connects to the hearing aid behind your ear
2. Ensure the connection is firm and secure
3. If it seems loose, gently push it in until you feel or hear a small click
4. The wire should not wobble or come out easily

Examine the Receiver Wire for Damage

Inspect the thin wire carefully:

• Are there any kinks or breaks in the wire?
• Is the wire frayed or damaged?
• Does the wire seem intact but worn?

If you notice any damage to the receiver wire, it will need replacing. Pop into our Norwood or Unley clinics and we can happily assist with this! 

Still No Sound? It Might Be Time for Professional Help

If you’ve cleaned the receiver filter, checked all connections, and the hearing aid still isn’t working, there may be an issue with:

• The receiver itself (the speaker may need replacing)
• Internal components
• Settings that need adjustment
• Moisture damage

Feel free to pop into our Norwood or Unley clinic, or make an appointment at our Salisbury clinic, and we can check your hearing aid out and help get you back on the air. 

When Should I Replace My Receiver Filter?

How Often Should I Clean the Receiver Canal?

How often you need to change your hearing aid filter varies based on:

• Your earwax production: Some people produce more earwax than others
• How often you wear your hearing aids: Daily wearers need more frequent changes
• Your activities: Dusty environments or outdoor work may require more frequent cleaning

Signs Your Receiver Needs Immediate Cleaning

• Reduced sound volume through the receiver
• Distorted or muffled sound
• Complete sound loss
• Intermittent sound (works sometimes, stops others)
• Sound only in one hearing aid (if you wear two)

Proper Care for Your Receiver Between Filter Changes

Daily Receiver Care

Each evening when you remove your hearing aids:

1. Wipe the receiver wire with a clean, dry cloth
2. Check the dome for visible wax or debris
3. Gently wipe the dome with a tissue if needed
4. Never use water to clean the hearing aids. A dry cloth or an alcohol wipe will do the job! 
5. Store your hearing aids in a dry, safe place (not the bathroom!)

What NOT to Do to Your Receiver

Never:

• Poke at the receiver opening with cotton buds, toothpicks, or other objects
• Use water on the receiver
• Pull on the receiver wire roughly
• Allow the receiver to get wet (remove hearing aids before showering or swimming)
• Leave wax buildup on the dome between cleanings

Protecting Your Receiver in Adelaide’s Climate

Summer care: Adelaide’s hot, dry summers (December to March) can make earwax harder. You might need to replace receiver filters more frequently during these months.

Beach and pool days: Make sure no sand or water has gotten into your receiver. Even small amounts of moisture can damage the delicate speaker.

Outdoor activities: Love the Adelaide Hills or cycling along Linear Park? Dust and wind can introduce debris into your receiver. Give it a quick wipe-down after outdoor adventures.

Why Receiver Canal Cleaning Matters for Your Hearing

The Impact of a Blocked Receiver

When your receiver filter is blocked:

• Sound can’t pass through properly from the speaker to your ear
• You miss conversations, phone calls, and environmental sounds
• You might turn up the volume, which can be uncomfortable
• You’re not getting the full benefit of your hearing aid’s technology

The Benefits of Regular Receiver Maintenance

Clean receivers mean:

• Clear, crisp sound quality through the speaker
• Optimal performance from your hearing aid’s advanced features
• Longer receiver life (blocked filters can damage the speaker over time)
• Better hearing in challenging environments like restaurants
• Confidence that your hearing aids will work when you need them

Professional Receiver Service at Hearing Sense

When to Visit Our Adelaide Clinics

While receiver filter changes are easy to do at home, you should visit us if:

• You’re not confident cleaning the receiver yourself
• The receiver wire appears damaged
• You’ve cleaned the filter but still have no sound
• You need new domes or filters
• You want a thorough professional clean
• It’s been more than 6 months since your last check-up

What We Can Do for Your Receivers

Comprehensive receiver cleaning:

• Professional deep cleaning of the receiver canal
• Inspection of the receiver wire and connections
• Replacement of damaged receivers while you wait
• Full hearing aid performance testing

Receiver wire replacement:

• We stock replacement receivers for all major brands, and can often replace the damaged wire the same day for you 
• Different receiver strengths for changing hearing needs

Dome fitting and replacement:

• Multiple dome sizes and styles in stock
• Expert fitting to ensure comfort and optimal sound

Free lifetime servicing: For hearing aids purchased from Hearing Sense, all hearing aid cleaning and adjustments are completely free for life. It’s our commitment to your ongoing hearing health.

Frequently Asked Questions About Receiver Canal Cleaning

Can I clean the receiver filter instead of replacing it?

No, receiver filters can’t be cleaned and reused. They’re designed to be disposable and replaced regularly. Attempting to clean them can damage the delicate filter material and won’t restore proper function.

What if I lose the filter removal tool?

Visit any of our Adelaide clinics and we can provide you with a new tool and spare filters. We stock filter kits for all major brands. 

Can I use a different brand’s filter in my receiver?

It’s best to use the correct filters designed for your specific brand. While some filters might look similar, they’re engineered differently. Using the wrong filter might not fit properly or provide adequate wax protection for your receiver. We stock genuine filters for all brands we service.

My receiver filter looks clean but I still have no sound—what’s wrong?

It’s still a good idea to change the wax filter, just in case. If it’s still not working, this could indicate an issue with the receiver speaker itself, internal wiring, or other components. The receiver may need replacing, or there might be moisture damage. Bring it to one of our clinics for professional diagnosis.

How do I know if my receiver wire needs replacing?

Signs your receiver needs replacement:

• Visible damage, kinks, or fraying in the wire
• Intermittent sound that comes and goes
• Sound in only one hearing aid when both should work
• Physical damage to the receiver housing
• The wire feels loose or unstable in its connection

Can I swim or shower with my receiver-in-the-ear hearing aids?

No! While some modern RITE hearing aids have water-resistant coatings, none are waterproof for swimming or showering. Always remove your hearing aids before water activities. The receiver is particularly vulnerable to moisture damage.

What should I do if my receiver gets wet?

1. Remove the hearing aid immediately
2. Take it off the charger or remove the battery
3. Remove the dome from the receiver
4. Gently shake out any water
5. Pat dry with a clean cloth
6. If you have a hairdryer, use it on a gentle cool setting to dry the hearing device
7. Let it air dry completely 
8. Bring it to one of our clinics—we have professional drying equipment

Do different receiver power levels use different filters?

Generally no—most receivers from the same brand use the same filter system regardless of power level. However, some power receivers or specialised receivers might have slightly different filters. Check your user guide or ask us at your next appointment.

Take the Next Step for Better Hearing

You now know how to clean and maintain your receiver canal at home—a skill that will keep your hearing aids performing beautifully between professional services. But remember, we’re always here when you need us.

Book Your Professional Receiver Service

Whether you need help with receiver cleaning, replacement filters, or a comprehensive hearing aid check, our Adelaide team is ready to help:

Norwood Clinic Perfect for eastern suburbs residents and those shopping on The Parade.

Unley Clinic Convenient for Unley, Goodwood, Hyde Park, and nearby areas.

Salisbury Clinic Easy access for northern suburbs residents.

How to Reach Us

• Call our clinics directly 
• Request an appointment online at hearingsense.com.au
• Drop into our Norwood or Unley clinic—we’re always happy to help with quick receiver fixes and provide spare filters

Your Receiver Care Commitment

Taking just two minutes to replace your receiver filter regularly ensures you never miss a moment of clear hearing. Whether it’s your grandchild’s laughter, a friend’s story at a Norwood café, or the kookaburras calling in your Adelaide backyard—clean receivers mean you hear it all.

Our promise to you: At Hearing Sense, we’re passionate about keeping you connected through better hearing. Expert receiver care, genuine parts for all brands, free lifetime servicing on hearing aids purchased from us, and compassionate support—that’s what makes us Adelaide’s trusted independent hearing specialists.

Remember, a tiny filter in your receiver canal makes an enormous difference to your hearing. Keep them fresh, keep them clean, and keep hearing your best!