How Often Should You Get Your Hearing Aids Professionally Cleaned?

Audiologist puts modern BTE hearing aid in patients' hand.

Hearing aids play a vital role in improving sound clarity and enriching daily communication. For optimal performance, it’s crucial to schedule periodic upkeep and periodic professional cleaning sessions. With time, earwax, moisture, and debris can accumulate, resulting in reduced functionality. Recognizing when to find professional cleaning can help prolong the longevity of your hearing aids and maintain optimum performance.

The significance of professional hearing aid cleaning

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

  • Thorough Sanitizing– Thoroughly eliminates obstinate earwax, dust, and moisture that regular cleaning methods often miss.
  • Enhanced Performance– Removes blockages that can cause muffled sound or distortion.
  • Improved Longevity – Helps to prevent early deterioration, thereby minimizing the necessity for repairs or replacements.

Routine professional cleanings keep your hearing aids functioning efficiently, minimizing the risk of unforeseen malfunctions.

Indications that your hearing aids require professional maintenance

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

  • Unclear or Jumbled Audio: If voices and background sounds appear feeble, muffled, or altered, the issue may be caused by obstructions, such as earwax or debris, obstructing the device’s microphone or speaker.
  • Relentless Shrieking or Feedback: A high-pitched whistling sound (feedback) can indicate wax accumulation or a poor fit. A professional cleaning can help eliminate obstructions and fine-tune the fit.
  • Troubleshooting Volume Problems: When volume adjustments fail to yield the expected result, it might be necessary to carry out maintenance on internal components or recalibrate the system’s software settings.
  • Moisture-Related Breakdowns: Too much moisture can damage internal components, resulting in intermittent sound loss or malfunctioning buttons. A qualified expert can assess and resolve issues related to dampness or water damage.
  • If you recognize an obvious increase of wax or dirt on your hearing aids, it is recommended to have them professionally cleaned for a more extensive removal compared to cleaning them at home.
  • What does a professional hearing aid cleaning look like?

    A professional cleaning visit goes past standard maintenance and ensures your devices function efficiently. During the appointment, specialists will:

    • Employ specialized tools to carefully extract wax, debris, and humidity from sensitive elements without doing damage.
    • Verify the proper functioning by examining and repairing any broken components.
    • Inspect both software and hardware to identify any performance problems that may be affecting the quality of sound.
    • Replace any tubing or filters that might be impacting the performance of the device.

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

    The need for professional cleanings differs depending on factors like how much earwax is produced, the levels of moisture, and how the device is typically used. General suggestions include:

    • General maintenance should be carried out every 3 to 6 months.
    • Regular cleanings are suggested for people who tend to produce a lot of earwax or live in locations with high humidity, as these conditions can exacerbate wax accumulation.
    • Managing small issues promptly can help steer clear of expensive repairs down the line.

    Keep your hearing aids in top condition

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

    If you’re noticing muffled audio, feedback, or functionality problems, 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.