What’s the Suggested Schedule for Professional Hearing Aid Upkeep?

Audiologist puts modern BTE hearing aid in patients' hand.

Hearing aids are essential for enhancing day-to-day communication by boosting the clarity of sound. To keep them functioning at their best, routine maintenance and professional cleanings are essential. Over time, earwax, moisture, and debris can build up, resulting in decreased performance. Recognizing when it is time to arrange professional maintenance can help prolong the longevity of your hearing aids and ensure they continue to operate at their best.

Why it’s important to have your hearing aids professionally cleaned

Even with regular at-home care, hearing aids progressively collect accumulation that may affect sound quality and performance. Professional routine maintenance provides several major benefits:

  • Thorough Sanitizing– Thoroughly eradicates obstinate earwax, dust, and moisture that regular cleaning methods often miss.
  • Enhanced efficiency – Removes barriers that may result in muted audio or distortion.
  • Prolonged Lifespan– Prevents premature wear and tear, reducing the need for repair work or replacements.

Getting your hearing aids cleaned by a professional helps ensure they function at their best, decreasing the likelihood of unforeseen breakdowns.

Indications that your hearing aids require professional maintenance

If you’re unsure whether it’s time for a professional cleaning, look for these common warning signs:

  • Unclear or Jumbled Audio: If voices and background sounds appear faint, muted, or altered, the issue may be caused by obstructions, such as earwax or debris, obstructing the device’s microphone or speaker.
  • Continuous Feedback or Squealing: A squeaky noise at a high frequency (feedback) could indicate a blockage from earwax or a poorly device. A professional cleaning can help remove blockages and refine the fit.
  • Issues with Volume Control: If changing the volume doesn’t seem to have the intended effect, internal components may need maintenance or software recalibration.
  • Moisture-Related Breakdowns: Too much moisture can damage internal components, resulting in sporadic sound loss or broken buttons. A professional technician can assess and address any moisture-related issues.
  • Visible Wax or Dirt Build-up: If you see a considerable accumulation of wax or debris on your hearing aids, professional cleaning ensures a more thorough removal than at-home care.
  • What to expect in the course of a professional hearing aid cleaning

    A professional cleaning visit goes beyond routine maintenance and ensures your devices operate efficiently. Here a few things your hearing specialist will accomplish during a cleaning:

    • Implement specialized instruments to carefully extract wax, debris, and humidity from sensitive components without doing damage.
    • Verify the proper performance by inspecting and fixing any broken parts.
    • Assess software and hardware for any functionality issues impacting sound quality.
    • Switch out deteriorated filters or tubing that might be limiting device performance.

    What is the suggested time frame for setting up professional maintenance?

    The need for professional cleanings varies depending on factors such as how much earwax is produced, the levels of humidity, and how the device is typically used. Commonly suggested best practices are:

    • General maintenance should be carried out every 3 to 6 months.
    • More regular cleanings are advised for individuals prone to excessive earwax buildup or those living in humid environments.
    • Dealing with small problems quickly can help steer clear of expensive repairs down the road.

    Keep your hearing aids in top condition

    Routine professional maintenance is crucial for maintaining your hearing aids and ensuring clear, high-quality sound.

    If you’re noticing muffled audio, feedback, or performance issues, it may be time to set up a professional cleaning.

    Schedule your hearing aid cleaning and maintenance now.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.