ENT Specialists of Alaska

ENT Specialists of Alaska

How Frequently Should You Have Your Hearing Aids Professionally Cleaned?

Audiologist puts modern BTE hearing aid in patients' hand.

Hearing aids are vital for strengthening day-to-day communication by improving the clarity of sound. To keep them performing at their best, routine 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. Recognizing when it is time to arrange professional maintenance can help prolong the longevity of your hearing aids and ensure they continue to work at their best.

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

Despite routine maintenance at home, hearing aids can slowly collect debris that could impact how well they work and the quality of sound they generate. Professional maintenance provides numerous major benefits:

  • Deep Cleaning– Eliminates earwax, dust, and moisture that day-to-day cleaning tools may not effectively remove.
  • Enhanced efficiency – Removes blockages that might result in muted audio or distortion.
  • Improved Longevity – Helps to prevent premature deterioration, thereby minimizing the necessity for repairs or replacements.

Regular skilled cleanings keep your hearing aids working efficiently, minimizing the chance 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 call in the experts:

  • Muffled or Distorted Sound Quality: If speech and ambient sounds seem muffled, weak, or distorted, it may be due to wax or debris blocking the microphone or speaker.
  • Constant Feedback or Screeching: A squealing noise at a high frequency (feedback) could indicate a blockage from earwax or a poorly device. Professional cleaning can assist in clearing blockages and fine-tuning the fit accurately.
  • Addressing Volume Issues: When volume changes fail to produce the anticipated result, it may be necessary to perform maintenance on internal components or recalibrate the system’s software settings.
  • Moisture-Related Malfunctions: Too much moisture can damage internal components, leading to sporadic sound loss or malfunctioning buttons. A skilled expert can assess and resolve issues caused by moisture or water damage.
  • If you recognize an obvious increase of wax or dirt on your hearing aids, it is encouraged to get them professionally cleaned for a more thorough removal compared to cleaning them at home.
  • What to expect during a professional hearing aid cleaning

    A professional cleaning visit goes past routine maintenance and ensures your devices function efficiently. Here a number of things your hearing specialist will accomplish during a cleaning:

    • Utilize precision tools to remove wax, dirt, and moisture without damaging delicate parts.
    • Confirm the proper performance by inspecting and repairing any broken parts.
    • Check software and hardware for any functionality problems affecting sound quality.
    • Replace any tubing or filters that might 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. Basic suggestions include:

    • General maintenance should be carried out every 3 to 6 months.
    • More frequent cleanings are advised for individuals predisposed to excessive earwax buildup or those living in humid settings.
    • As soon as problems arise, addressing modest issues early can prevent costly repairs.

    Maintain your hearing aids for optimal performance

    Regular professional maintenance is crucial for preserving your hearing aids and ensuring clear, high-quality sound.

    If you’re noticing muffled audio, feedback, or performance problems, it might be time to set up a professional cleaning.

    Schedule your hearing aid cleaning and maintenance today.

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.

Questions? Talk To Us.