Hearing aids are sophisticated medical devices that are designed to collect and specifically amplify sounds that a hearing aid user requires. According to the Medical Device Authority (MDA) Malaysia, these are considered Class B devices, meaning they pose a moderate risk and require specific regulatory controls to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Hearing aids are durable devices that are water-resistant, sweat-resistant, and drop-proof from
reasonable heights. However, they need to be properly maintained. In Malaysia, hearing aids can be further grouped based on their design, sound amplification, and communication technologies. Examples include Behind-the-Ear (BTE) aids, In-the-Ear (ITE) aids, In-the-Canal (ITC) aids, and Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC) aids.
Very often, audiologists and hearing professionals rely on listening checks to determine if there is an issue with your hearing aid. However, this may not be the best method for 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.
Let’s explore the steps for maintaining and cleaning your hearing aid to keep it in good condition, as well as who you can turn to for professional hearing aid maintenance services and cleaning solutions.
Why Hearing Aid Care and Maintenance Matters
As mentioned above, listening checks alone may not be sufficient to assess your hearing aid's optimal performance, as they lack the objective, detailed analysis of a specialised test chamber. Hence, regular care and maintenance are crucial.
This typically involves a thorough physical inspection of the hearing aid for any visible damage or wear and a professional deep cleaning. Technical diagnostics, such as real-ear measurements and frequency response analysis, will then be conducted in a purpose-built test chamber to ensure the hearing aid's output precisely matches its factory specifications and is performing optimally for your individual needs.
Routine professional maintenance can guarantee stable performance, ensuring your device always delivers the clearest sound. Crucially, they can also ensure warranty compliance, preventing voided coverage due to neglect.
Furthermore, consistent cleaning and servicing can ensure your device is hygienic and prevent infections by removing harmful bacteria and debris that can accumulate in and on your hearing aids.
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 or other foreign particles. You can clean your hearing aids yourself, or you can opt for professional cleaning services for a more thorough approach.
Professional hearing aid care and maintenance servicing at The Listening Lab employs a systematic approach with specialised equipment to clean and clear out all foreign objects, such as earwax, sweat, dead skin cells, and other oils and solids that could affect the performance of your hearing aid. Only after a thorough cleaning and drying process like this can your hearing aid’s functioning level be properly assessed.
Test Facility For Your Hearing Aid
During professional servicing, the hearing aid 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. Some hearing professionals may use a listening check in place of this objective test procedure.
At The Listening Lab, we utilise a purpose-built hearing instrument test chamber to determine the actual performance level of your hearing aid as it is. This involves comprehensive technical diagnostics, including precise real-ear measurements, assessing the hearing aid's frequency response across various sound environments.
The measured performance is then compared against the specifications of your model of hearing device when it is brand new. This detailed analysis ensures the output accurately matches original factory specifications, confirming optimal amplification across the full spectrum of sounds.
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.
Book a Hearing Aid Maintenance Service in Malaysia Now!
Contact us today to learn more about our hearing aid care and maintenance services. We have multiple branches located across Malaysia for your convenience. Additionally, we can provide remote hearing care for you to receive hearing support from the comfort of your home.
We also provide a comprehensive range of other hearing care services to ensure your convenience and comfort, such as home visits for hearing tests and hearing aid fitting.
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. Other common signs that your hearing aid may need professional servicing include difficulty hearing, frequent feedback, and a clogged device due to earwax buildup.
If you ever encounter hearing issues, instead of attempting to fix the issues by yourself or disassembling your hearing aid, opt for regular check-ups and cleaning solutions to 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 and 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.
