5 Signs It’s Time for a Hearing Aid Tune-Up

Hearing aids can connect us to what matters most, which is why it’s so important that they are well cared for and always operating at their best. Provide them the care they need, and you can extend the life of your technology, reduce wear and tear, and help maintain the clear hearing you deserve. Your hearing aids are the roadsters of your hearing world, and just like any high-performance vehicle, they deserve a pit stop for a tune-up.

Proper Maintenance Ensures Stellar Performance

Like most electronic devices, hearing aids need love to stay in their best condition. Your hearing aids work tirelessly to navigate the auditory highway, contributing to your physical, mental, and even financial wellness. To keep them in top gear, basic behaviors like protecting them from moisture, extreme temperatures, and potential damage from dropping become second nature to the wearer early on. In less dramatic fashion, routine maintenance can significantly impact your device’s performance, just like a well-maintained car ensures a smooth drive and continued performance.

Address Issues Early

Most of the time hearing aids work well, helping you experience the sounds that matter in your life. Improved hearing contributes to overall health — we see evidence of that every day. Every now and then, however, your hearing instruments might not be at their best. The devices may sound weak, for instance. A little maintenance can go a long way, most issues are easily addressed. Tackle less-than-perfect performance early, before it becomes a bigger problem.

If you notice any of the following issues, you’ll want to take those hearing devices to your local hearing professionals right away.

Signs It’s Time for a Tune-up:

1. Diminished Sound Quality

If you notice that the clarity and quality of the sounds you hear through your hearing aids have decreased, it’s a clear sign that a tune-up may be needed. This can show up as muffled sounds, or sounds that fade in and out, making it harder to understand conversations or hear the lyrics to your favorite song.

2. Difficulty With Lower Volumes

A faded soundscape from your hearing aid calls for a pit stop at your audiologist’s office. If you find yourself struggling to hear soft or whispered speech, it could mean that it’s time for an adjustment. Hearing aids are designed to amplify different levels of sound, and if they’re not adjusted correctly for your unique hearing needs, you might miss out on subtle conversations or intimate moments.

3. Short Battery Life

Nothing kills a good conversation faster than a dying battery in the middle of it. Avoid those awkward silences by getting a handle on your battery situation. Whether you use disposable batteries or rechargeable ones, no one enjoys a power outage. If you’re changing batteries or charging them up as normal, and their power performance has become inconsistent, check with your audiologist or hearing aid specialist.

4. Ear Discomfort or Irritation

Is your once-comfortable hearing aid suddenly causing discomfort? Don’t let an uncomfortable hearing device cramp your style. A change in the fit or comfort of your hearing aids is another indicator that a tune-up is in order. If you experience discomfort, itching, or irritation in your ears, it could be due to changes in the shape of your ear canal or issues with the hearing aid molds. A professional adjustment can address these fitting issues. Reclaim that comfortable fit because you wear your hearing aids every day, so they should be as comfy as your favorite pair of sneakers.

5. Audio Feedback

Unwanted feedback, such as whistling or squealing sounds, can be a clear sign of tuning issues. This may occur when your hearing aids are not properly fitted, the volume is too high, or there are problems with the microphones. A tune-up can help eliminate these disruptive noises. Ask your audiologist about strategies to minimize or eliminate feedback, ensuring your conversations remain smooth and interference-free.

If you observe any of these signs, it’s a good idea to consult with your audiologist or hearing care professional for a thorough assessment and necessary adjustments to optimize the performance of your hearing aids. Regular check-ups and tune-ups are essential to maintaining the effectiveness of your hearing devices.

Maintenance at Home

Many basic hearing aid maintenance procedures can be accomplished in the comfort of your own home. A simple tool kit, some basic household supplies, and common best practices make hearing aid maintenance a snap — for example, practices like turning off your devices when not in use and storing them away from children and pets.

Professional Maintenance vs. DIY

While at-home maintenance is crucial, every roadster needs a skilled mechanic. A hearing professional’s tools can clean your devices more deeply than home-based DIY efforts. Routine tune-ups and comprehensive clean and checks play a vital role in protecting your investment in these devices and keeping your auditory vehicle running smoothly. It’s like taking your car to the expert mechanics for that extra shine and polish!

Just as you wouldn’t skip a car tune-up to ensure its longevity and peak performance, your hearing aids deserve the same attention. Cruise into the audiologist’s garage for a pit stop – let’s fine-tune those auditory engines for an amazing hearing experience.

You’ve taken the crucial step to improve your hearing, now keep those devices looking and feeling sharp for years to come. Pop by your local hearing experts for a tune-up today — your ears will thank you for the smooth ride!