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

Audiologist puts modern BTE hearing aid in patients' hand.

Hearing aids are vital for strengthening daily communication by improving the clarity of sound. To keep them functioning at their best, regular maintenance and professional cleanings are essential. Over time, earwax, moisture, and debris can build up, leading to reduced functionality. Knowing when it is time to arrange professional maintenance can help prolong the life of your hearing aids and ensure they continue to work at their best.

The importance of professional hearing aid cleaning

Despite routine maintenance at home, hearing aids can gradually collect debris that could affect how well they work and the quality of sound they produce. Professional maintenance provides several key benefits:

  • Deep Cleaning– Eliminates earwax, dust, and moisture that day-to-day cleaning tools may not successfully eliminate.
  • Enhanced efficiency – Gets rid of blockages that might cause muted audio or distortion.
  • Improved Longevity – Helps to prevent premature degeneration, thereby minimizing the necessity for repairs or replacements.

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

Signs your hearing aids need professional servicing

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

  • Muted or Distorted Sound Quality: If speech and environmental sounds seem unclear, dull, or distorted, it might be due to wax or debris obstructing the microphone or speaker.
  • Relentless Whistling or Feedback: A high-pitched screeching sound (feedback) can indicate wax accumulation or a poor fit. Professional cleaning can assist in removing obstructions and fine-tuning the fit accurately.
  • Problems with Volume Control: If changing the volume doesn’t seem to have the desired effect, internal components might require maintenance or software recalibration.
  • Moisture-Related Breakdowns: Excessive moisture can damage internal parts, leading to sporadic sound loss or malfunctioning buttons. A professional repair professional can evaluate and address any moisture-related concerns.
  • Visible Wax or Gunk Build-up: If you see a significant buildup of wax or debris on your hearing aids, professional cleaning ensures a more complete removal than at-home care.
  • What to expect in the course of a professional hearing aid cleaning

    A professional cleaning visit goes beyond routine upkeep and ensures your devices function optimally. During the appointment, specialists will:

    • Employ specialized instruments to meticulously remove wax, debris, and humidity from sensitive components without doing damage.
    • Examine and repair components to confirm all elements are functioning properly.
    • Assess software and hardware for any performance issues affecting sound quality.
    • Swap out any tubing or filters that may be impacting the performance of the device.

    What is the recommended time frame for scheduling 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 typically used. Commonly suggested best practices are:

    • General maintenance should be conducted every 3 to 6 months.
    • Routine cleanings are suggested for individuals who tend to produce a lot of earwax or reside in areas with high humidity, as these conditions can intensify wax accumulation.
    • Managing small issues quickly can help steer clear of expensive repairs down the road.

    Keep your hearing aids in top condition

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

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

    Set up an appointment for 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.

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