Removing a hearing aid is a simple two-step process for most styles: you lift or grip the device, then gently pull the earpiece free from your ear canal. The exact technique depends on whether your hearing aid sits behind your ear, inside your ear bowl, or deep in your canal. Here’s how to handle each type safely.
Removing Behind-the-Ear Styles (BTE and RIC)
Behind-the-ear and receiver-in-canal hearing aids are the most common types, and they’re the easiest to remove. Start by lifting the main body of the hearing aid (the piece that hooks over the top of your ear) up and forward, letting it hang down in front of your ear. Then gently pull the earpiece, whether it’s a custom earmold or a small silicone dome, out of your ear canal. A slight twist as you pull can help break the seal and make it slide out more smoothly.
Always remove the body first, then the earpiece. Pulling the earpiece while the body is still hooked over your ear puts unnecessary strain on the thin tube or wire connecting the two pieces, which can weaken or snap it over time.
Removing In-the-Ear Styles (ITE and ITC)
In-the-ear and in-the-canal hearing aids sit inside your ear bowl with no piece behind the ear. To remove one, place your fingertip or thumb on the faceplate of the device (the outermost surface you can see or feel) and gently push upward and outward. Some people find it easier to press on the bottom edge of the shell to lever it loose, then grip it between thumb and forefinger to pull it free. If the fit is snug, pulling down slightly on your earlobe with your other hand can open the canal just enough to release the seal.
Removing Invisible-in-Canal Styles (CIC and IIC)
Completely-in-canal and invisible-in-canal hearing aids sit deep enough that you can’t easily grip them with your fingers. These devices come with a small removal filament, a short, thin strand that sticks out just past the opening of your ear canal. To remove the device, locate the filament by feel, pinch it between your thumb and forefinger, and pull it straight out in a slow, steady motion. Avoid yanking, which can be uncomfortable if the device fits tightly.
If the filament is hard to find, try pulling your earlobe down and back to straighten the canal slightly. This often brings the filament within reach. If the filament has been trimmed too short or you consistently struggle to locate it, your audiologist can adjust its length at your next appointment.
What to Do if a Dome Gets Stuck
Occasionally, the silicone dome on a RIC or CIC hearing aid will detach and stay in your ear canal when you pull the device out. If this happens, don’t panic. A dome sitting in your ear canal is very unlikely to damage your eardrum or affect your hearing, and removing it is almost always quick and painless for a professional.
The most important thing is to resist the urge to dig it out yourself. Inserting tweezers, bobby pins, or any other tool into your ear canal is how real injuries happen. Instead, call your audiologist or hearing provider. Most offices will have you stop by the same day and use specialized instruments to remove the dome safely in a matter of seconds. An emergency room visit is only necessary if you’re experiencing pain, bleeding, or discharge, which could mean the dome is pressing against your eardrum or deeper canal wall.
To prevent this from happening, check that your dome is firmly attached to the wire before each use, and replace domes on the schedule your provider recommends, typically every one to three months. Domes that have become stiff, cracked, or stretched are more likely to slip off during removal.
What to Do Right After Removal
Getting into a quick cleaning habit each time you take your hearing aids out will keep them working well and extend their lifespan. Wipe the entire outer surface with a soft, dry cloth to remove moisture and skin oils. Then use a small brush (most hearing aids come with one) to clear any earwax from the microphone openings and the sound outlet. Wax buildup in these tiny ports is one of the most common reasons hearing aids stop working or sound muffled.
Never use water, alcohol, or household cleaners on hearing aids. Moisture is the enemy. After wiping them down, store them in a dry, room-temperature spot with the battery door open (if your model has one) to let air circulate. A dedicated drying case or dehumidifier container is ideal, especially if you live in a humid climate or tend to sweat. Keeping this routine takes less than a minute and saves you from avoidable repair visits.