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

Audiologist puts modern BTE hearing aid in patients' hand.

Hearing aids are essential for strengthening daily communication by boosting the clarity of sound. For optimal performance, it’s crucial to schedule periodic maintenance and routine professional cleaning sessions. With time, earwax, moisture, and debris can accumulate, leading to reduced functionality. Recognizing when it is time to arrange professional maintenance can help extend the longevity of your hearing aids and ensure they continue to operate at their best.

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

Despite regular maintenance at home, hearing aids can gradually collect debris that could impact how well they work and the quality of sound they produce. Professional maintenance offers numerous key benefits:

  • Extensive Sanitizing– Effectively eradicates stubborn earwax, dust, and moisture that regular cleaning methods often miss.
  • Enhanced Performance– Clears blockages that can cause dampened sound or distortion.
  • Increased Longevity – Helps to prevent premature deterioration, thereby minimizing the need for repairs or replacements.

Having your hearing aids cleaned by a specialist helps ensure they function at their best, decreasing the likelihood of sudden breakdowns.

Indications that your hearing aids require professional upkeep

Not certain if your device is due for a deep clean by a pro? Look out for these telltale indicators that it’s time to call in the experts:

  • Unclear or Jumbled Audio: If voices and background sounds appear feeble, muted, or altered, the issue may be caused by blockages, including earwax or debris, obstructing the device’s microphone or speaker.
  • Constant Feedback or Squealing: A squeaky noise at a high frequency (feedback) could indicate a blockage from earwax or an ill-fitting device. Professional cleaning can assist in removing obstructions and adjusting the fit accurately.
  • Troubleshooting Volume Problems: When volume adjustments fail to produce the expected result, it might be necessary to perform maintenance on internal components or recalibrate the system’s software settings.
  • Moisture-Related Breakdowns: Too much moisture can damage internal parts, resulting in intermittent sound loss or malfunctioning buttons. A professional repair professional can assess and address any moisture-related concerns.
  • If you recognize an obvious increase of wax or dirt on your hearing aids, it is encouraged to get them professionally cleaned for a more thorough removal compared to cleaning them at home.
  • 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 optimally. During the appointment, specialists will:

    • Use precision tools to remove wax, dirt, and moisture without damaging fragile parts.
    • Verify the proper performance by inspecting and fixing any broken parts.
    • Examine both software and hardware to determine any performance issues that may be impacting the quality of sound.
    • Switch out worn-out filters or tubing that may be impede device performance.

    What is the recommended time frame for scheduling professional maintenance?

    The frequency of professional cleanings relies on factors such as earwax production, moisture levels, and usage habits. Frequently suggested best practices are:

    • Every 3 to 6 months for standard maintenance.
    • Regular cleanings are recommended for individuals who tend to generate a lot of earwax or live in areas with high humidity, as these environments can intensify wax accumulation.
    • Managing small problems quickly can help avoid expensive repairs down the line.

    Take care of your hearing aids for ideal performance

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

    If you’re noticing muffled audio, feedback, or functionality issues, it might 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.