Getting Your Hearing Aids Cleaned & Checked
Similar to how new cars require routine maintenance, so do hearing aids. 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. Your local hearing aid professional is here to ensure your hearing aids stay in excellent working condition and support your hearing health throughout the life of your hearing instrument.
Your local hearing aid professional 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 hearing aid professional 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 hearing aid professional can send your hearing instrument to the manufacturer on your behalf.
It may be time to schedule an appointment if you are experiencing any of 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
Problems usually occur because debris builds up in important areas. Obstructed microphone and speaker openings can have detrimental effects on performance. Simply wiping off the hearing aids at the end of every day is the most effective way to maintain your devices. Brushing off the speaker and microphone covers with the brush provided can also prevent the buildup of debris.
Change your wax guards as needed
Audibel’s innovative Hear Clear wax guards prevent earwax accumulation in your hearing aids’ receivers — but need to be changed when clogged. The frequency depends on your ear wax production, as this will influence the need for replacement. Most people should perform this at least once a month. Your hearing aid professional will show you how to perform this task and can provide replacement kits.
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 hearing aid expert for guidance and recommendations.
Perform “Self Checks” monthly
Several Audibel hearing aids have a “Self Check” feature that lets you run a diagnostic test to evaluate the hearing aids’ speaker, microphone and circuit. This works easily and quickly via the Thrive app. A green check indicates everything is good. Yellow means the unit is functioning but not at optimal levels. Red indicates the need for maintenance. If red, contact your hearing aid professional.
What does a hearing aid clean & check cost?
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.
Keep your hearing devices in working order with the help of a hearing aid professional, contact your local hearing aid professional for more information or to schedule an appointment today!
Sources:
*WorldHealth Organization
**Centers for Disease Control & Prevention
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