How Often Should You Have 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 enhancing daily communication. For ideal performance, it’s essential to schedule periodic maintenance and routine professional cleaning sessions. As an outcome of extended use, an accumulation of earwax, moisture, and other particles can occur, causing functionality to decline. Recognizing when it is time to schedule 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

Even with regular at-home care, hearing aids progressively collect accumulation that might impact sound quality and performance. Regular upkeep provides numerous advantages:

  • Extensive Sanitizing– Effectively eliminates obstinate earwax, dust, and moisture that regular cleaning techniques frequently miss.
  • Increased Performance– Clears blockages that can cause muffled sound or distortion.
  • Extended Lifespan– Protects against early wear and tear, reducing the need for repair work or replacements.

Regular skilled cleanings keep your hearing aids functioning efficiently, minimizing the chance of unexpected malfunctions.

Signals that your hearing aids require professional upkeep

If you’re uncertain whether it’s time for an expert cleaning, look for these common warning signs:

  • Muted or Distorted Sound Quality: If voices and ambient sounds seem muffled, dull, or distorted, it might be due to wax or debris blocking the microphone or speaker.
  • Continuous Feedback or Squealing: A squealing noise at a high pitch (feedback) could suggest a blockage from earwax or an ill-fitting device. A professional cleaning can help remove obstructions and fine-tune the fit.
  • Issues with Volume Control: If changing the volume doesn’t seem to have the desired effect, internal components might need maintenance or software reset.
  • Moisture-Related Breakdowns: Too much moisture can damage internal parts, leading to intermittent sound loss or broken buttons. A professional technician can assess and address any moisture-related concerns.
  • Noticeable Wax or Gunk Build-up: If you notice a substantial buildup of wax or debris on your hearing aids, professional cleaning ensures a more complete clearing than at-home care.
  • What does a professional hearing aid cleaning look like?

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

    • Implement specialized instruments to meticulously extract wax, debris, and moisture from sensitive components without doing damage.
    • Inspect and service components to verify all elements are functioning correctly.
    • Assess software and hardware for any performance issues impacting sound quality.
    • Replace deteriorated filters or tubing that may be limiting device performance.

    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. Frequently suggested best practices are:

    • Standard maintenance should be carried out every 3 to 6 months.
    • More frequent cleanings are advised for individuals predisposed to excessive earwax accumulation or those living in humid settings.
    • Dealing with small problems quickly can help steer clear of expensive repairs down the line.

    Keep your hearing aids in great condition

    To keep your hearing aids working efficiently and providing crisp, clear audio, it’s essential 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 comprehensive, expert cleaning is in order.

    Book an appointment for 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.