Hearing aids are an investment in your health and quality of life—but they also require regular maintenance to keep functioning properly. A common question many users ask is: How often should I change the tubing, domes, and wax traps on my hearing aids?

In general, follow these timelines for replacement:

• Tubing (BTE style): Every 4–6 months
• Domes (RIC and thin-tube styles): Every 1–3 months
• Wax traps: Every 2–4 weeks

Let’s break down each component so you know what signs to look for, how to replace them, and why proper care matters. For an overview of hearing aid types and parts, check out Everything to Know About Hearing Aids.

When To Replace Hearing Aid Tubing

Hearing aid tubing is the clear or opaque plastic tube that connects the hearing aid body (behind-the-ear) to the earmold inside your ear. This flexible tubing helps deliver sound efficiently and comfortably.

When should it be changed? Over time, tubing becomes stiff, brittle, or clogged with debris. This can reduce sound quality and comfort. Replace it every 4–6 months, or sooner if you notice:

• Cracks or stiffness
• Visible condensation or wax inside
• Decreased sound quality

How to Change Tubing

You can ask your audiologist to replace the tubing during a follow-up appointment, or you can do it yourself at home. Here’s a quick guide:

1. Remove old tubing from the earmold. Save it to measure the new one.
2. Insert the tapered end of new tubing into the earmold and pull it through.
3. Trim excess tubing, matching the old tubing’s length.
4. Attach the tubing to the hearing aid hook, ensuring a snug fit.

When To Replace Hearing Aid Domes

Domes are soft, disposable tips that cover the receiver on RIC or thin-tube hearing aids. They help direct sound and ensure a comfortable fit in your ear canal. They come in three main types:

• Open domes: Ventilated for natural sound and reduced occlusion.
• Closed domes: More amplification and less sound leakage.
• Power domes: Maximum occlusion and amplification for severe hearing loss.

When should you change domes? Replace domes every 1–3 months or sooner if they become:

• Stiff or discolored
• Loose or uncomfortable
• Clogged with wax or debris

Domes can be cleaned with a brush between changes. To make dome removal easier, check out our article on the Best Dome Removal Tools.

For step-by-step cleaning help, read the Complete Guide to Cleaning a Hearing Aid Dome.

When To Change Hearing Aid Wax Traps

Wax traps (aka wax guards or filters) protect the receiver from wax, dust, and moisture. These tiny components are essential to prevent costly damage or reduced sound quality.

How often should you replace them? Typically, every 2–4 weeks, depending on how much wax your ears produce. Replace them immediately if your hearing aid sounds weak or dead, even with a new battery.

To see if a wax trap is clogged, remove the dome and look closely at the tiny holes on the trap. If the holes are blocked, it’s time for a change.

Each brand has its own wax trap system. Typically, the replacement kit includes a tool with two ends: one to remove the old trap and one to insert a new one. For a visual guide, read the Illustrated Guide to All Hearing Aid Wax Traps.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your hearing aids clean and well-maintained will extend their life, preserve sound quality, and save you money in the long run. Replace tubing every few months, domes every few weeks to months, and wax traps at least monthly. Bookmark this page or check out more resources in our Hearing Aid Maintenance Library.