Getting Your Hearing Aids Cleaned & Checked
A hearing aid is a wonderful tool for improving your hearing health and overall quality of life, ensuring you never miss out on important life moments. However, like any sophisticated electronic device, if you don’t commit to regular check-ups and maintenance, your hearing aids will eventually encounter problems.
Fortunately, your local audiologist is here to ensure your hearing aids stay in excellent working condition and support your hearing health throughout the life of your hearing instrument.
A hearing aid check-up appointment is more than just testing the batteries. Through daily use, your hearing aids are exposed to heat, moisture, earwax, and other debris that can degrade the device’s functionality.
A professional audiologist will carefully test each component of your hearing aid and fix minor malfunctions. This includes inspection of the receiver, microphones, controls, battery door/compartment, and any other applicable components. Occasionally, your hearing aid may require a considerable repair or even a replacement, in which case your local audiologist can ship your hearing instrument to the manufacturer on your behalf.
It may be time to schedule an appointment if you are experiencing the following:
- Feedback or whistling noise when inserting device
- No sound at all
- Distorted or unclear sound
Clean and check appointments are the best way to keep your hearing aids working properly and it is recommended to have your devices professionally cleaned every 6 months or as needed.
Hearing Aid Home Care
Regular hearing aid maintenance is the key to getting the most out of your hearing devices. Below is a list of things you can do at home between your regularly scheduled appointments.
Daily Cleaning – Hearing aids should be gently cleaned daily with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid water, solvents, and alcohol to prevent premature degradation.
Test Batteries Frequently – The batteries are often the first place to look if your hearing device isn’t functioning properly. Remove batteries at night to prolong battery life and to prevent accidentally turning on the hearing device when not in use.
Wash Hands – It is important to thoroughly wash and dry your hands and anything else that will be making contact with your hearing aids. This will help prevent the risk of a possible bacterial infection.
Proper Storage – You should store your hearing aids inside of a protective case when not in use to protect from accidental damage or dirt and dust.
If you ever have trouble with your hearing aids, do not hesitate to contact your local audiologist for guidance and recommendations.
If you are wondering whether you’ll be spending extra money for your checkup and cleaning, you’ll be glad to know that most appointments are free or require a nominal fee.
If your hearing aid is still under the manufacturer’s warranty, we can assist you with understanding the terms and repairs covered as well as shipping the device on your behalf.
Contact Your Local Audiologist
Regular cleaning and maintenance can help prevent problems and prolong the life of your hearing instruments. Hearing aids are a big investment and your hearing health is well worth investing in. Keep your hearing devices in working order with the help of a hearing instrument professional, contact your local audiologist for more information or to schedule an appointment today!