Harbor City Hearing Solutions audiologists in Melbourne, FL, are trained how to service hearing aids and provide tailored-fit hearing solutions.
When you acquire hearing aids, you are not just merely purchasing a device. Consider it as an investment towards better hearing. The secret to maintaining your hearing aids in good working order for the duration of their lifetime is regular maintenance. You must maintain a consistent nightly routine at home and schedule clean and check appointments with your audiologist, or a professional who knows how to service hearing aids.
If you think your hearing aids are not working as they should, you may have found yourself searching in Google ‘how to service hearing aids’ at one time or another. While basic troubleshooting may be helpful for minor issues, it’s still best to consult an audiologist if you suspect that your device needs servicing or repair.
How to Service Hearing Aids: Basic Hearing Aid Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
- Never skip daily device cleaning. Always clean the inside and outside of your hearing aids with a gentle, dry cloth. To reach all confined spaces, we advise utilizing a cleaning instrument or cleaning supply. Another excellent choice for keeping your electronics dry and prepared for each day is to use a dehumidifier.
- Keep hearing aids clean and dry. Hearing aids are frequently exposed to substances that could be harmful, such as lotions, hairsprays, rain, snow, dirt, debris, and dust. The likelihood of a problem decreases as you take more precautions to protect your hearing aids from the external elements.
- Seek professional advice. You should make an appointment with your audiologist whenever you have any doubts about whether you are getting the most benefit possible from your hearing aids. Due to the complexity of today’s technologies, poor programming and lack of hearing aid maintenance can significantly affect how effectively your hearing aids function.
- Be mindful of hearing aid accessories. Even the top hearing aids on the market may not always be sufficient. Instead of getting upset when you can’t hear as expected, discuss potential options with your audiologist. It is nearly always possible to address your concerns using either specialized programming methods or one of the many available hearing aid accessories.
Daily and Weekly Cleaning Routine by Hearing Aid Style
The right cleaning routine depends on the style of hearing aid you wear, since each style is exposed to earwax, moisture, and debris a little differently. Here’s how to care for the most common styles.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) and Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) Hearing Aids
Daily routine:
Wipe down the case (the part that sits behind your ear) with a soft, dry cloth every evening. Check the earmold or dome for visible earwax and gently brush it away with the soft-bristle brush that came with your device. Open the battery door or place rechargeable devices in their charger overnight to allow any trapped moisture to evaporate.
Weekly routine:
Inspect the tubing (BTE) or wire (RIC) for cracks, discoloration, or hardening, and replace if needed. Check the wax guard or filter at the tip of the dome or earmold, and replace it if it looks clogged or discolored. Wipe the microphone ports (small openings on the case) with a dry brush to clear dust and debris.
In-the-Ear (ITE), In-the-Canal (ITC), and Completely-in-Canal (CIC) Hearing Aids
Daily routine:
Wipe the entire shell of the device with a soft, dry cloth after each use to remove skin oils and debris. Check the sound outlet (where sound exits the device) for visible wax buildup and brush gently. Store the device in a dry, ventilated case overnight, or use a dehumidifier if you live in a humid climate.
Weekly routine:
Inspect and replace the wax guard if it appears clogged or discolored. Check the vent (a small opening on some models) for blockages and clear it with the cleaning tool provided. Look over the entire shell for cracks or wear, especially around the battery door or charging contacts.
A Few Tips That Apply to Every Style
Never use water, alcohol, or cleaning sprays directly on your hearing aids. Always clean your hands before handling your devices. Keep hearing aids away from hairspray, perfume, and lotion, since these can clog microphones and vents.
No matter which style you wear, daily care prevents most of the issues that lead to a hearing aid needing repair, and a quick weekly check catches small problems before they become bigger ones.
How often should hearing aids be serviced?
Professionals who are trained how to service hearing aids would recommend at least six months to one year interval when it comes to hearing aid maintenance.
Depending on usage and care, a hearing aid can last between three and five years. In addition to cleaning your hearing aids every day, you should have a hearing healthcare specialist examine them every six months or so.
When To Take Your Hearing Aids To A Professional
We advise you to take your hearing aids to a specialist in hearing aids and related equipment if they are not functioning properly. Self-help solutions could make the issue worse. Anything that involves opening the hearing aids should be left to a professional. You can perform some basic troubleshooting on your own but other than that, it’s best to leave the complicated troubleshooting and hearing aid repairs to the experts.
Hearing Aid Services and Repair in Melbourne, FL
At Harbor City Hearing Solutions, we believe that well-maintained hearing leads to a better quality of life! We offer hearing aid repairs in Melbourne, FL.
In order to give you the comprehensive hearing healthcare you require, our team is skilled not only in the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of hearing issues but also in servicing hearing aids.
For any concerns or issues about the performance of your hearing aid, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Remember, it’s best to let a professional examine and repair your hearing aid rather than fiddle around with the device and risk further damage.
Call us today to make an appointment with hearing aid experts and audiologists in Melbourne, FL!