Imagine driving down the coast towards Cannon Beach. The sun is shining. You’ve got the windows down and are enjoying the fresh air. You start to hear a weird clicking sound coming from your engine and pull off to the side of the road just before your car stops working completely.
While waiting for AAA, you realize just how long it’s been since you’ve changed your oil or taken your car in for a tune-up. This frustrating situation could’ve been avoided with proper maintenance.
The same thing is true for hearing aids.
Without regular tune-ups, hearing aids can start to weaken and malfunction. Poor performing hearing aids not only affect your ability to hear, but they also prevent you from fully enjoying your life.
How Often Should You Get a Tune-Up?
Ideally every six months to a year.
Regular hearing aid tune-ups keep your devices performing at the highest level for the longest time. They give you and your audiologist a chance to make sure your hearing aids are working correctly and make any adjustments that might be needed.
Hearing needs change over time. Research has shown that screenings from a hearing professional influence whether a patient gets help for their hearing loss. By regularly checking in with your audiologist, you are ensuring your hearing needs continue to be met. Even the slightest changes in programming to hearing aids can make a big difference and improve your hearing quality.
Newest Hearing Aid Technology
Another reason it’s important to keep up with hearing aid maintenance is that hearing aid technology is constantly evolving and improving. Newer models process faster, help you hear better, and have advanced features that all help benefit your hearing health. Your audiologist can let you know when it’s time to upgrade and help you navigate your new device.
Home Care Tips
In between tune-ups, it’s important to care for your hearing aids by:
- Cleaning them nightly by wiping them down with a dry cloth.
- Storing them in a cool, dry place.
- Avoiding exposure to moisture or extreme temperatures.
- Replacing dead batteries immediately.
- Changing out your wax guard if you use one.
For more information about caring for your hearing aids or to schedule an appointment with a hearing aid expert, call PDX ENT today.