Hearing aids are sophisticated electronic devices that work tirelessly to improve your quality of life, but like any precision instrument, they require regular maintenance to perform at their best. While daily cleaning at home is important, there are clear indicators that your hearing aids need professional attention from an experienced audiologist.
Performance Changes You Shouldn't Ignore
One of the most obvious signs that your hearing aids need professional service is a noticeable change in sound quality. If you find yourself asking people to repeat themselves more often, or if voices sound muffled or distorted, your devices may have accumulated debris that's affecting their performance. Similarly, if you notice that sounds seem quieter than usual even when you've turned up the volume, this could indicate that the receivers or microphones need professional cleaning.
Intermittent sound cutting in and out is another red flag. This issue often stems from moisture buildup or earwax blockage in the receiver, problems that require the specialized tools and expertise that we provide during professional cleanings. Don't dismiss these changes as normal aging of your devices – they're often completely reversible with proper maintenance.
Physical Signs of Buildup
Your hearing aids face daily exposure to earwax, skin oils, dust, and moisture. Over time, visible accumulation of these substances signals the need for professional intervention. Look for yellowish or brownish buildup around the receiver, microphone ports, or battery compartment. White, chalky residue might indicate moisture damage that needs immediate attention.
If you notice that your hearing aids feel sticky or oily to the touch, or if the battery door doesn't close smoothly, these physical signs suggest that debris has worked its way into areas that home cleaning can't reach. Professional cleaning involves disassembly and specialized tools that can address these deep-seated issues without damaging delicate components.
Battery and Power Issues
Unusual battery drain often indicates that your hearing aids are working harder than they should to deliver clear sound. When receivers are clogged or microphones are partially blocked, the amplification system must work overtime, significantly reducing battery life. If you find yourself changing batteries more frequently than usual, this could signal the need for professional maintenance.
Corrosion around the battery contacts is another concern that requires professional attention. This greenish or white buildup can prevent proper electrical contact and may damage your hearing aids if left untreated. We have the appropriate cleaning solutions and techniques to safely remove corrosion without harming sensitive electronic components.
Feedback and Whistling Problems
While occasional feedback might occur when putting on or removing your hearing aids, persistent whistling or squealing sounds during normal wear indicate a problem. Earwax buildup can change how your hearing aids fit in your ears, creating gaps that allow sound to leak out and cause feedback. Professional cleaning can restore the proper fit and eliminate these annoying sounds.
Sometimes, feedback issues stem from changes in your ear canal due to wax impaction. During a professional cleaning appointment, we can examine your ears and determine whether the feedback is due to hearing aid issues or changes in your hearing that might require adjustment to your devices' programming.
Comfort and Fit Issues
If your hearing aids have started feeling uncomfortable or seem to fall out more easily, accumulated debris might be affecting their fit. Earwax and skin cell buildup can change the shape and texture of your custom ear molds or the receivers of your devices, making them feel different in your ears.
Professional cleaning restores the original contours of your hearing aids, ensuring they fit comfortably and securely. We can also assess whether the discomfort stems from the devices themselves or changes in your ear canals that might require new impressions or adjustments.
Moisture-Related Problems
Living in areas with high humidity or engaging in activities that cause perspiration can lead to moisture accumulation inside your hearing aids. Signs of moisture problems include condensation visible in the tubing, intermittent function that improves after the devices have been out of your ears for a while, or a musty smell emanating from your hearing aids.
Professional cleaning includes thorough moisture removal using specialized drying equipment that goes beyond what home drying kits can achieve. We can also assess whether your hearing aids' moisture protection is adequate for your lifestyle and recommend appropriate solutions.
When Technology Features Stop Working
Modern hearing aids like the Phonak Infinio, Oticon Intent, Starkey Edge AI, ReSound Vivia, and Widex Allure come equipped with sophisticated features including Bluetooth connectivity, directional microphones, and automatic program switching. When these advanced features stop working properly, it's often due to debris interfering with sensors or connectivity components.
If your hearing aids no longer connect reliably to your smartphone, if automatic programs aren't switching as they should, or if directional features seem less effective, professional cleaning and inspection can often restore full functionality. These issues rarely resolve themselves and typically worsen over time without intervention.
The Professional Cleaning Advantage
At our practice, professional cleaning goes far beyond what you can accomplish at home. We use specialized tools including ultrasonic cleaners, vacuum systems, and microscopic inspection equipment to thoroughly clean every component of your hearing aids. This process includes disassembly when necessary, allowing us to reach areas that accumulate debris over months of use.
During professional cleaning appointments, we also conduct electroacoustic analysis testing to verify that your hearing aids are performing within manufacturer specifications. This testing can identify problems before they become noticeable to you, preventing more serious issues that might require expensive repairs.
We utilize Real Ear Measurements to ensure that your newly cleaned hearing aids are delivering the appropriate amplification for your hearing loss. This verification process guarantees that the cleaning hasn't altered your devices' performance and that you're receiving maximum benefit from your investment.
Prevention and Maintenance Schedule
While recognizing the signs that your hearing aids need professional cleaning is important, establishing a regular maintenance schedule prevents many issues from developing. We recommend professional cleaning and inspection every three to six months, depending on your individual factors such as earwax production, activity level, and environmental conditions.
Between professional cleanings, daily maintenance at home helps extend the time between service appointments. Simple steps like wiping down your hearing aids with a dry cloth, using a hearing aid dehumidifier overnight, and checking for visible debris can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
Schedule Your Professional Cleaning Today
Don't wait for hearing aid problems to worsen. If you've noticed any of the signs mentioned above, or if it's been more than six months since your last professional cleaning, contact our office to schedule an appointment. Audiologist and University Instructor, Dr. Ivory provides comprehensive hearing aid maintenance services, including professional cleaning, electroacoustic testing, and performance verification to keep your devices functioning at their best. Call us at (818) 928-1400 to ensure your hearing aids continue providing you with the clear, comfortable hearing experience you deserve.
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