Know Your Device Parts
Identify each part before you start cleaning. Each area has a different cleaning method and risk level.
Microphone Ports
Tiny holes on the top spine. They capture sound for the AX processor. Debris here causes muffled audio.
Rocker Switch
The button on the back for adjusting volume and switching listening programs.
Charging Contacts
Gold points on the bottom curve. Must stay clean for the contact charging system to work reliably.
Click Dome / Receiver
The thin wire and rubber tip that sits in your ear canal. The wax guard filter is housed inside this tip.
The AX platform uses dual-processor architecture with dedicated sensors for directionality. Even partial blockage of a microphone port can degrade the separation between the primary and support processor โ reducing the signature AX sound experience you paid for.
Step-by-Step Daily Routine
Perform these 4 steps every morning before inserting your hearing aids. The entire routine takes under 10 minutes.
Wipe the Housing
Why this mattersOils from your skin and hair degrade the plastic casing over time and seep into internal seams โ causing corrosion that voids the manufacturer warranty.
- Hold the hearing aid by the main body โ never by the receiver wire.
- Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth or dry tissue only.
- Wipe the entire outer surface with gentle, sweeping strokes.
- WARNING: Never use alcohol wipes, water, or chemical sprays. They strip the AX nano-coating and void your warranty.
Brush the Microphone Ports
Why this mattersClogged microphone ports directly impair the AX processor's ability to separate environments โ causing muffled sound and reduced directionality, especially on the 7 AX model.
- Locate the tiny holes on the top spine of the device.
- Turn the hearing aid upside down so holes face the floor.
- Brush downward with the small cleaning brush โ gravity pulls debris out.
- IMPORTANT: Never push bristles into the ports โ only sweep across the surface.
Check the Ear Piece (Dome)
Why this mattersThe dome sits in earwax all day. Wax buildup on or inside the wax guard filter is the #1 cause of completely silent hearing aids โ and the most preventable.
- Inspect the rubber dome tip โ is there visible yellow or brown wax?
- Wipe the rubber dome firmly with a clean tissue or cloth.
- Check the small white wax guard filter in the center โ if it contains dark wax, it must be replaced immediately.
- Replace the rubber dome completely every 4โ6 weeks regardless of appearance.
Clean the Charging Contacts
Why this mattersThe Pure Charge&Go relies entirely on metal contact charging. Even a thin layer of oil or dust creates electrical resistance โ causing incomplete charges or overnight charging failures.
- Locate the gold metal points on the bottom curve of the hearing aid.
- Wipe firmly with your dry lint-free cloth.
- Pro Tip: Also wipe inside the charger case wells โ dust accumulates there and blocks the connection from the case side.
Clean your hearing aids first thing each morning, before insertion. Night cleaning is a close second โ removing the day's accumulation before it dries and hardens. Never clean immediately after removing from the ear, as the devices may still be warm and slightly humid.
Why Precision Maintenance Matters
The data below from service repair records explains exactly which maintenance steps have the highest return โ and what happens when you skip them.
Common Failure Points โ Charge&Go Models
Based on service repair data
60% of all failures originate at the Receiver and Wax Guard (Step 3). Another 25% are caused by dirty Charging Contacts (Step 4). Together, these two steps alone prevent 85% of avoidable repairs.
Impact of Dirty Contacts on Charging Time
Hours required to reach 100% charge
Dirty or oily contacts can more than double charging time from the standard 4 hours to 8+ hours โ or prevent a full charge entirely, leaving you with a dead device by mid-afternoon.
When to Change the Wax Guard
The wax guard is the smallest part of your hearing aid โ and the one most likely to cause a complete failure. Here's exactly when to replace it.
Replace Immediately If:
Use the double-ended wax guard tool. The black end removes the old, clogged filter by inserting it and pulling out. The white end inserts the fresh new filter into place. Always consult your audiologist if you are unsure of the process.
Weekly Maintenance Checklist
In addition to your daily routine, these four tasks keep your Signia AX performing like new long-term.
| Task | Why It Matters | Done? |
|---|---|---|
|
Change Domes
|
Rubber degrades, changes color, and traps earwax that cannot be fully removed by wiping alone. | |
|
Clean Charger Wells
|
Dust accumulates inside the charging case and blocks the metal contacts from both sides of the connection. | |
|
Vent Cleaning
|
Pass the thin wire tool through the mold vent to clear blockages that cause occlusion (hollow or echoing sensation). | |
|
Dehumidifier Treatment
|
Place aids in a UV drying jar or desiccant box overnight for deep moisture removal โ especially important in humid climates across the US. |
Patients in humid regions should use a dehumidifier nightly (not just weekly) and consider upgrading to IP68-rated devices. Ask your audiologist about moisture-resistant options from the Signia AX lineup. Our licensed specialists serve all 50 states via telehealth โ no in-office visit required.
Need Help With Your Signia AX?
Our licensed audiologists can professionally clean your devices, replace your wax guards, reprogram your settings, and verify your fit โ all remotely, serving all 50 states.
Professional Device Cleaning
Deep-clean service for microphone ports, receivers, and charging contacts by a licensed audiologist.
Free Reprogramming Check
Has your hearing changed? We'll re-verify your Real Ear Measurement and reprogram your AX at no cost.
Warranty & Repair Support
We'll help you navigate your Signia warranty, submit repair claims, and get loaner devices if needed.
Educational resource only. Always consult your audiologist for personalized care instructions.
