Signs It’s Time for a Hearing Aid Tune-Up
Hearing aids typically last between three and seven years before they need to be replaced. During that time, it’s normal for hearing aids to experience various problems that affect the person’s hearing. However, those who get their hearing aids tuned up regularly may be able to extend the life of their devices and avoid lapses in their hearing ability.
What Are Hearing Aids?
Hearing aids are small electronic devices that are worn in or behind the ears of those who suffer from hearing loss. These devices amplify sounds to help people with hearing loss listen and communicate more effectively in both noisy and quiet environments. Many newer hearing aids even have the ability to reduce or eliminate distracting background noises. However, according to the National Institutes of Health, only about one in every five people who could benefit from hearing aids actually use them.
What Is a Hearing Aid Tune-Up?
A hearing aid tune-up is a service in which a professional audiologist checks and reprograms a hearing aid as needed to improve its efficiency and functionality. Most hearing aids are custom-programmed using a computer to help the person achieve the best possible hearing experience. Over time with regular use, the quality of a hearing aid can decrease until it is reprogrammed and retuned.
Some audiologists also include other services with hearing aid tune-ups, such as cleanings. An audiologist can clean the hearing aids using special tools that remove ear wax, dirt, dust, sweat, and other debris that may be contributing to hearing loss or affecting the quality of the device. Routine cleanings can often help extend the life of hearing aids.
Signs It’s Time for a Hearing Aid Tune-Up
Hearing aids should be tuned up at least every six months, or as often as recommended by the audiologist. Signs it’s time to tune up hearing aids include:
- Continuous whistling, buzzing or squealing sound in the ears
- Distorted sounds and voices
- Sounds are cutting in and out
- Sounds gradually go away after turning on the hearing aids
- Fluctuating volume
- Problems with turning on the device
- The hearing aids have gotten wet, or are regularly exposed to humidity
- The hearing aids have visible physical defects, such as cracks in the shell or worn-down tubing
- Hearing ability has gradually become worse
- Difficulty hearing the radio or television
- Certain sounds are painful, like sirens or dishes crashing in the sink
- The user’s own voice sounds muffled, hollowed, or distorted
- The hearing aids are covered in ear wax or another form of debris
- The batteries keep dying out quickly and constantly need replacing
- The hearing aid suddenly stops working completely
Those who visit an audiologist regularly for hearing aid tune-ups also get the opportunity to learn about the newest and latest hearing aid devices. If they need their hearing aids replaced, they can choose a new device that may work better at amplifying their hearing.
Where to Get Hearing Aids Serviced
Sonora Hearing Care, LLC offers audiology treatment and services including diagnostic hearing evaluations, screenings, aural rehabilitation, and hearing aid repair. Contact us today at (520) 881-8740 to request an appointment or fill out this online form to schedule a consultation.