Reliability is part of the core build of every hearing aid from Great Lakes Bay Hearing. The sophisticated technology in hearing aids is unmatched and provides a one-of-a-kind experience for the wearer. If your device isn’t functioning the way it used to or as optimally as it could, there are several ways we can help!
Regular Maintenance
Following regular care tips can prolong the life of any hearing device. Instructions are provided during the initial fitting and can be reviewed at any time on the manufacturer’s website. General cleaning solves the majority of issues related to hearing devices not working properly. This type of preventative maintenance greatly optimizes prescription hearing aids and accessories. But when home maintenance fails, the convenience of in-office repair steps in.
Office Repair
There is a convenience to getting your hearing aids serviced locally. It fits your daily routine and makes sense if you already have an appointment scheduled. Sometimes, patients will drop into the office while running errands. Simple fixes can take minutes, while more advanced damages can run a little longer. Hearing aids that need repair may also require a tune-up so that they meet the expectations of the prescription. In many cases, patients receive their fixed devices in even better shape than when they first malfunctioned.
Extensive Damage
Extensive damage to hearing aids goes beyond what can be handled at home or in the office. This usually refers to physical damage that requires a complete replacement. When this happens, the device is sent off to the manufacturer for a full repair or replacement. Loaner options are discussed and strongly encouraged for patients with moderate to severe hearing loss. All patients are unique, so loaner options will vary from person to person. Replacements can even be discussed long before the originals break. Hearing aids are valuable, and planning for the future is an expectation of long-term hearing health.
Tips
For regular maintenance, try to keep your hearing aid free of debris and wax. If the battery needs changing, be mindful of where you’re handling the device. As for the cleaning itself, a soft-bristle toothbrush and special wipes made for hearing aids will do the trick. Take your time, and try to keep up with the maintenance so that dirt doesn’t build up on the device.
When the device is not in your ear, don’t leave it or the batteries in direct sunlight. This will degrade the internals in a way that may require a full replacement. Always store unused hearing aids in the original case. If your case is missing, talk to your audiologist about getting a replacement.