Hearing aids are essential for strengthening day-to-day communication by improving the clarity of sound. To keep them performing at their best, regular maintenance and professional cleanings are essential. As an outcome of extended use, an accumulation of earwax, moisture, and other particles can happen, causing functionality to decline. Identifying when to seek professional servicing can help prolong the longevity of your hearing aids and maintain optimal performance.
Why it’s important to have your hearing aids professionally cleaned
Even with regular at-home care, hearing aids progressively collect buildup that might impact sound quality and performance. Routine upkeep provides a number of advantages:
- Extensive Sanitizing– Effectively eliminates stubborn earwax, dust, and moisture that regular cleaning techniques frequently miss.
- Improved efficiency – Removes blockages that may cause muted audio or distortion.
- Increased Longevity – Helps to avoid premature deterioration, thereby minimizing the necessity for repairs or replacements.
Regular skilled cleanings keep your hearing aids working efficiently, decreasing the risk of unexpected malfunctions.
Indications that your hearing aids need professional upkeep
If you’re uncertain whether it’s time for an expert cleaning, watch for these common warning signs:
- Muted or Distorted Sound Quality: If speech and environmental sounds seem muffled, dull, or distorted, it may be due to wax or debris blocking the microphone or speaker.
- Constant Feedback or Screeching: A squeaky 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 adjusting the fit accurately.
- Problems with Volume Control: If changing the volume doesn’t seem to have the desired effect, internal elements might require maintenance or software reset.
- High humidity can affect the device’s internal components, causing sporadic audio disruptions or unreliable button control. A skilled expert can evaluate and resolve problems related to dampness or water damage.
- Visible Wax or Gunk Accumulation: If you notice a considerable buildup of wax or debris on your hearing aids, professional cleaning ensures a more complete clearing than at-home care.
- Implement specialized tools to meticulously remove wax, debris, and humidity from sensitive elements without doing damage.
- Inspect and service components to confirm all elements are working properly.
- Examine both software and hardware to determine any performance problems that may be impacting the quality of sound.
- Replace any tubing or filters that may be impacting the performance of the device.
- General maintenance should be carried out every 3 to 6 months.
- More frequent cleanings are advised for people predisposed to excessive earwax accumulation or those living in humid environments.
- Dealing with small issues quickly can help steer clear of expensive repairs down the road.
What to expect during a professional hearing aid cleaning
A professional cleaning appointment goes beyond standard upkeep and ensures your devices function optimally. During the appointment, specialists will:
What is the suggested time frame for setting up professional maintenance?
The frequency of professional cleanings depends on factors including earwax production, moisture levels, and usage habits. Commonly recommended best practices are:
Keep your hearing aids in top condition
To keep your hearing aids working optimally and providing crisp, clear audio, it’s crucial to schedule regular check-ups and maintenance with a hearing care professional.
If you’re noticing muffled audio, feedback, or performance issues, it may be time to schedule a professional cleaning.
Set up an appointment for your hearing aid cleaning and maintenance now.
