Hearing aids are sophisticated medical devices which are designed to collect and specifically amplify sounds that a hearing aid user requires. These are considered Class B (Low to medium risk) medical devices under Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) medical device classification system and Class 1 Medical Devices (Air conduction hearing aids) under The Food And Drug Administration (FDA) of The United States.
Hearing aids are durable devices which are water-resistant, sweat-resistant and drop proof from reasonable heights. However they need to be still properly maintained.
Very often, audiologists and hearing professionals rely on listening checks to determine if there is an issue with your hearing aid. This may not be the best method for reliability testing the actual functioning level of your hearing aid. Proper tests should be conducted inside a controlled environment, to determine if your hearing aid is functioning properly.
To keep your hearing aids functioning optimally and delivering the best possible listening experience, let’s explore the steps about hearing aid maintenance and cleaning to keep your devices in good condition, as well as who you can turn to for hearing aid maintenance services and cleaning solutions.
Cleaning Your Hearing Aid Before Testing
Hearing aids should be cleaned and cleared before it is checked. A hearing aid can underperform if its receiver (speaker) is blocked by earwax so to prevent such inaccurate readings, hearing aids should be properly cleaned and all foreign particles that affect its output should be removed.
The Listening Lab employs an advanced approach with specialised equipment to clean and clear out all foreign objects such as earwax, sweat, dead skin cells or other oils and solids that could affect the performance of your hearing aid. Only after a thorough cleaning and drying process like this, can we proceed to evaluate your hearing aid’s functioning level.
Test Facility For Your Hearing Aid
The hearing device needs to be measured in a quiet environment and pushed to its maximum setting to see its performance level. To do this, your hearing professional will need a specialised sound chamber to measure the output levels of your hearing aid. Many hearing professionals use a listening check in place of this objective test procedure.
The Listening Lab utilises a purpose-built hearing instrument test chamber to determine the actual performance level of your hearing aid as it is. This is then compared against the specifications of your model of hearing device when it is brand new. If there is an obvious discrepancy, our systems are able to find out and isolate where the issue with the hearing device might be, and the hearing professional can proceed with a review, repair or overhaul.
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article regarding hearing aid maintenance is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional or audiologist for personalised recommendations and treatments. Regular hearing aid maintenance should be conducted under the guidance of licensed professionals. Individual results may vary, and professional consultation is recommended to address specific needs and concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hearing Aid Maintenance
How do I know if my hearing aid needs professional maintenance?
If your hearing aid exhibits issues such as reduced sound quality, intermittent performance, or physical damage, it may be time for professional maintenance. Common signs include difficulty hearing, frequent feedback, or a clogged device due to earwax buildup. If you ever encounter hearing issues, Instead of attempting to fix the issues by yourself such as trying earwax removal headphones or disassembling your hearing aid, opt for regular check-ups and cleaning solutions for your hearing aid can help identify problems early and ensure your devices are functioning optimally.
How often should I have my hearing aids professionally serviced?
It is generally recommended to have your hearing aid professionally serviced every six months to a year. This ensures that any potential issues are addressed promptly and that your hearing aid remains in good working condition. Regular professional maintenance can keep your device in good shape, including providing ear cleaning services to address earwax buildup that can affect the performance of your hearing aid.
Can all types of hearing aids be maintained professionally?
Yes, all types of hearing aids, including Behind-The-Ear (BTE), In-The-Ear (ITE), and Receiver-In-The-Ear (RITE) styles, can be maintained professionally. Professional hearing aid maintenance services include cleaning, checking for physical and electronic issues, and ensuring that the devices are properly fitted and functioning well.
How long does professional hearing aid maintenance take?
The duration of professional hearing aid maintenance can vary depending on the complexity of the issues. Typically, a routine maintenance check can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. More extensive repairs or adjustments might take longer and could require leaving the hearing aids with the professional for a few days.
Is professional hearing aid maintenance covered by warranty?
Many hearing aid warranties cover professional maintenance and repairs, especially during the warranty period, which usually lasts between one to three years. It's important to check the specific terms of your warranty to understand what services are included. With Listening Lab’s Lifetime Aftercare Programme, you’ll get two to four years of product warranty with free cleaning service and more.
