The parts, one by one

  • Dome or tip. A soft silicone cap on the end of the speaker wire or thin tube that sits in the ear canal. Domes come in several types and sizes.
  • Wax filter. A tiny filter that stops earwax getting into the speaker or the hearing aid. Many hearing aids have one; it is replaced, not cleaned.
  • Speaker unit. On receiver-in-canal hearing aids, the speaker sits in the ear canal at the end of a thin wire. Speaker units come in different lengths and strengths.
  • Hook or thin tube. On classic behind-the-ear hearing aids, sound travels from the device through a hook and tubing, or through a thin tube with a dome.
  • Earmold. A custom piece made from a measurement of your ear. See custom earmolds for hearing aids.

A real example: Philips HearLink 50

To show how specific these parts are, here is what Philips lists in the user instructions for HearLink 50 miniRITE hearing aids. The standard earpieces are the OpenBass dome, the Bass dome with double vent, the Power dome and the Grip Tip. Dome sizes listed are 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12 mm, with the 5 mm size available only as an OpenBass dome with the 60 speaker. The speakers listed are miniFit Detect speakers 60, 85 and 100.

The point is not to memorise these names. It is that the speaker, the dome type and the dome size are chosen together at the fitting, according to your hearing and your ear. Replacing a dome with the same type and size is everyday maintenance; changing the type or the speaker is a fitting decision. More about the family on Philips HearLink hearing aids in Israel.

Signs a part needs replacing

  • The hearing aid sounds weak, muffled or unusual, especially on one side.
  • You can see wax on or inside the dome or filter.
  • The dome has hardened, changed colour, split or no longer clicks firmly into place.
  • The earpiece slips out of the ear more easily than before.
  • A thin tube has become stiff, cracked or yellowed.

ASHA’s daily care guide suggests checking whether the microphone or the sound opening is blocked when a hearing aid sounds weak.

Replace, don’t wash

Philips says the domes that cover the speaker units should not be cleaned; if they are filled with wax, replace them. Philips also says the wax filter should be replaced when it is clogged or if the hearing aid sounds unusual. Changing a filter usually uses a small tool with two ends: Philips describes using one pin to remove the old filter and the other to insert the new one. Tools and filters differ between makes, so follow the steps for your own model.

When you fit a new dome, Philips advises pushing it on firmly so that it is secure. A loose dome can stay behind in the ear canal. If that ever happens, do not try to dig it out yourself; see a doctor or a hearing care professional.

How often?

Philips recommends replacing domes and Grip Tips at least once a month, or as your hearing care professional directs. Filters are changed when they are blocked, which depends on how much wax your ears make. A weekly look is a good habit; see the full schedule in hearing aid maintenance.

Before you ask for parts

Have these details ready when you contact G-Sound:

  • The make, model and style of the hearing aid.
  • The earpiece type and size, if you know it. It may be written on the packaging of your spare domes.
  • For receiver-in-canal hearing aids, any marking on the speaker wire.
  • For thin-tube hearing aids, the tube size, if you know it.

G-Sound offers Philips and Oticon hearing aids. For Philips users: G-Sound provides first-line customer support for Philips hearing aids, including help with device use, app connectivity, cleaning, wax filters, accessories and basic troubleshooting. When a repair requires manufacturer laboratory service, the device is routed to Philips’s separate authorized laboratory. If your hearing aids are from another brand or were bought abroad, mention it when you call; see hearing aids bought abroad.

When a new part does not help

If the hearing aid is still weak or silent after a new filter and dome, the problem may be elsewhere. Go through hearing aid not working: checks by symptom, and read how to clean hearing aids for the daily routine.

Sources

Updated 22 October 2026 · Written by the G-Sound editorial team. General information only; it does not replace a hearing assessment or medical advice.

Frequently asked questions

Can I wash hearing aid domes?

Philips says the domes that cover the speaker units should not be cleaned; if they are filled with wax, replace them.

How often should I change the wax filter?

When it is clogged or the hearing aid sounds unusual. How often depends on how much wax your ears make, so check it weekly.

Which dome size do I need?

The type and size are chosen at the fitting with the speaker. Replace like for like, and ask before changing the type or size.

What if a dome stays in my ear?

Do not try to dig it out yourself. See a doctor or a hearing care professional.

What should I have ready when I ask for parts?

The make, model and style of the hearing aid, and the earpiece type and size if you know them.