What’s the Recommended Schedule for Professional Hearing Aid Maintenance?

Audiologist puts modern BTE hearing aid in patients' hand.

Hearing aids play a crucial role in enhancing sound clarity and enriching daily communication. For ideal performance, it’s crucial to schedule periodic upkeep and periodic professional cleaning sessions. Over time, earwax, moisture, and debris can build up, leading to decreased functionality. Identifying when to seek professional cleaning can help prolong the lifespan of your hearing aids and maintain optimal performance.

The importance of professional hearing aid cleaning

In spite of regular maintenance at home, hearing aids can slowly collect debris that could impact how well they work and the quality of sound they generate. Professional maintenance provides several major benefits:

  • Deep Cleaning– Removes earwax, filth, and moisture that day-to-day cleaning tools may not effectively eliminate.
  • Enhanced efficiency – Removes barriers that may result in muted audio or distortion.
  • Prolonged Lifespan– Protects against premature wear and tear, decreasing the need for repairs or replacements.

Having your hearing aids cleaned by a professional helps ensure they operate at their best, reducing the likelihood of unforeseen breakdowns.

Indications that your hearing aids need professional maintenance

Not sure if your device is due for a deep clean by a pro? Keep an eye out for these telltale signs that it’s time to call in the experts:

  • Unclear or Garbled Audio: If voices and background noises seem faint, muted, or altered, the issue might be caused by obstructions, such as earwax or debris, obstructing the device’s microphone or speaker.
  • Continuous Feedback or Screeching: A squealing noise at a high frequency (feedback) could suggest a blockage from earwax or an ill-fitting device. Professional cleaning can help in clearing blockages and fine-tuning the fit accurately.
  • Issues with Volume Control: If adjusting the volume doesn’t seem to have the intended effect, internal components may require repair or software recalibration.
  • High humidity can impact the device’s internal components, resulting in random audio interruptions or faulty button control. A professional repair professional can assess and resolve any moisture-related issues.
  • Noticeable Wax or Dirt Build-up: If you see a substantial buildup of wax or debris on your hearing aids, professional cleaning ensures a more thorough clearing than at-home care.
  • What does a professional hearing aid cleaning look like?

    A complete cleaning service not only keeps your devices in good working order but also guarantees top performance and efficiency. Here a few things your hearing specialist will accomplish during a cleaning:

    • Use precision tools to remove wax, dirt, and moisture without damaging fragile parts.
    • Inspect and service components to confirm all elements are working properly.
    • Assess software and hardware for any performance issues impacting sound quality.
    • Replace any tubing or filters that might be affecting the performance of the device.

    How frequently should you schedule professional maintenance?

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

    • Every 3 to 6 months for standard maintenance.
    • More frequent cleanings are suggested for individuals prone to excessive earwax buildup or those living in humid environments.
    • As soon as problems arise, dealing with minor issues early can avoid costly repairs.

    Take care of your hearing aids for ideal performance

    To keep your hearing aids functioning efficiently and delivering crisp, clear audio, it’s essential to schedule regular exams and maintenance with a hearing care professional.

    If distorted sound, echoing, or technical problems are disrupting your experience, it’s likely that a thorough, expert cleaning is in order.

    Schedule your hearing aid cleaning and maintenance today.

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.

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