How Often Should You Get Your Hearing Aids Professionally Cleaned?

Audiologist puts modern BTE hearing aid in patients' hand.

Hearing aids are vital for strengthening daily communication by boosting the clarity of sound. For optimal performance, it’s crucial to schedule routine upkeep and routine professional cleaning sessions. With time, earwax, moisture, and debris can build up, leading to reduced functionality. Knowing 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

Even with consistent at-home care, hearing aids progressively collect buildup that might affect sound quality and performance. Professional maintenance offers several key benefits:

  • Deep Cleaning– Eliminates earwax, dust, and moisture that everyday cleaning tools might not effectively eliminate.
  • Enhanced Performance– Clears obstructions that can cause dampened sound or distortion.
  • Extended Lifespan– Protects against premature wear and tear, reducing the need for repair work or replacements.

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

Indications that your hearing aids need professional upkeep

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

  • Muted or Distorted Sound: If speech and environmental sounds seem muffled, weak, or distorted, it may be due to wax or debris obstructing the microphone or speaker.
  • Relentless Whistling or Feedback: A high-pitched screeching sound (feedback) can signify wax accumulation or an improper fit. A professional cleaning can help remove obstructions and fine-tune the fit.
  • Addressing Volume Issues: When volume changes fail to yield the expected outcome, it might be necessary to perform maintenance on internal components or recalibrate the system’s software configurations.
  • High humidity can impact the device’s internal components, causing sporadic audio interruptions or faulty button control. A qualified expert can assess and resolve issues related to dampness or water damage.
  • Noticeable Wax or Dirt Build-up: If you notice a considerable buildup of wax or debris on your hearing aids, professional cleaning ensures a more thorough clearing than at-home care.
  • Employ specialized instruments to meticulously extract wax, debris, and moisture from sensitive components without causing harm.
  • Examine and service components to confirm all elements are working correctly.
  • Examine both software and hardware to pinpoint any performance problems that may be impacting the sound quality.
  • Swap out any tubing or filters that might be impacting the performance of the device.
  • General maintenance should be conducted every 3 to 6 months.
  • More frequent cleanings are advised for people prone to excessive earwax accumulation or those living in humid environments.
  • Dealing with small issues promptly can help steer clear of expensive repairs down the line.

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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