How Often Should You Get Your Hearing Aids Professionally Cleaned?

Audiologist puts modern BTE hearing aid in patients' hand.

Hearing aids play a crucial role in improving sound clarity and enriching daily communication. To keep them performing at their best, regular maintenance and professional cleanings are crucial. As an outcome of prolonged use, an accumulation of earwax, moisture, and other particles can happen, causing functionality to decline. 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.

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

In spite of regular upkeep at home, hearing aids can slowly collect debris that might impact how well they work and the quality of sound they produce. Regular upkeep provides a number of advantages:

  • Extensive Sanitizing– Effectively eliminates stubborn earwax, dust, and moisture that regular cleaning methods frequently miss.
  • Improved efficiency – Removes blockages that might cause muted audio or distortion.
  • Prolonged Lifespan– Protects against early wear and tear, decreasing the need for repairs or replacements.

Getting your hearing aids cleaned by a specialist helps ensure they work at their best, decreasing the likelihood of unforeseen malfunctions.

Indications your hearing aids need professional servicing

Not sure 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:

  • Muffled or Distorted Sound Quality: If voices and environmental sounds seem unclear, dull, or distorted, it may be due to wax or debris blocking the microphone or speaker.
  • Continuous Feedback or Squealing: A squeaky noise at a high frequency (feedback) could indicate a blockage from earwax or a poorly device. A professional cleaning can help remove obstructions and fine-tune the fit.
  • Troubleshooting Volume Problems: When volume adjustments fail to produce the expected outcome, it might be necessary to perform maintenance on internal parts or recalibrate the system’s software configurations.
  • Moisture-Related Malfunctions: Excessive moisture can damage internal components, resulting in sporadic sound loss or broken buttons. A professional technician can evaluate and address any moisture-related issues.
  • Noticeable Wax or Dirt Accumulation: If you notice a significant buildup of wax or debris on your hearing aids, professional cleaning ensures a more complete clearing than at-home care.
  • What to expect during a professional hearing aid cleaning

    A professional cleaning appointment goes beyond standard upkeep and ensures your devices operate efficiently. During the appointment, specialists will:

    • Employ specialized instruments to carefully remove wax, debris, and moisture from sensitive components without doing damage.
    • Confirm the correct performance by examining and fixing any broken parts.
    • Assess software and hardware for any functionality problems impacting sound quality.
    • Replace any tubing or filters that may be affecting the performance of the device.

    What is the recommended time frame for setting up professional maintenance?

    The need for professional cleanings differs based on factors like how much earwax is produced, the levels of moisture, and how the device is typically used. Frequently suggested best practices are:

    • Every 3 to 6 months for standard maintenance.
    • More frequent cleanings are recommended for individuals predisposed to excessive earwax buildup or those living in humid environments.
    • Dealing with small issues quickly can help avoid expensive repairs down the road.

    Maintain your hearing aids for ideal performance

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

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

    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.