Ask the Audiologist Part 2

Question: How often should I have my hearing aids cleaned and serviced?

Answer: We generally recommend that hearing aid users have bring their device(s) in twice a year for a deep cleaning (which includes vacuuming using a fine tip vacuum or a vacuum chamber, and replacement of parts as needed), to check to for updates that are occasionally sent out by the manufacturer, and to check for excessive wax in the ear which can block sound from getting through. This helps the hearing aids work better, and to keep the patient hearing well. It is like having your car’s oil changed to keep it running smoothly. You could skip it, but you may not be satisfied with how your car is working for you, and it is much more likely to break down. The same is true for your hearing aids!

Question: How often should I have a hearing test?

Answer: After a patient’s first hearing test we recommend that they come back a little over a year later to be able to compare the two tests to see if there have been any changes. It can’t be sooner than a year or insurance may not want to pay for it (unless it is deemed medically necessary, for example if there has been a sudden change in hearing). If the patient’s test results are the same for several tests in a row, then the frequency of the hearing tests can be decreased to every two or three years. Once we are sure the patient’s hearing is stable, it is not necessary to test annually. More frequent testing is only necessary when a patient’s hearing levels are changing; when a patient is being treated with chemotherapy, radiation, or high doses of certain antibiotics, all of which can cause or worsen a hearing loss.