Ask the hearing expert CHRIS CHILDE
Audiologist and Training Manager from Amplifon, the Global Hearing Specialist, has the answers to your questions What kind of daily care do hearing aids require? The main ongoing considerations are batteries and ear wax. Hearing aid batteries will last about a week on average, and the hearing aids will give an indicator sound when the battery is running low and needs changing. Most manufacturers also now offer rechargeable hearing aids. Wax can also sometimes affect the sound of the hearing aids. Your audiologist will show you how to check your hearing aids for wax and clear it.
What does an aftercare appointment involve?
An aftercare appointment will involve a visual and listening inspection of your hearing aid, and any in-house maintenance/ repairs. It will also involve re-testing your hearing to see if there have been any changes, and checking the tuning of your hearing aids to make sure they’re giving you as much sound as they should. At Amplifon we offer a lifetime aftercare programme to ensure you are always experiencing the maximum benefit from your hearing solution.
What do I do if my hearing aids aren’t working properly?
The first thing is to check whether the battery is fresh and working, and then to check for wax. If neither of these resolves the issue, then it is worth contacting your clinic. Often an issue can be addressed in the clinic; more rarely it may need to be sent away to the manufacturer for further investigation.
How often should I look to change/ upgrade my hearing aids?
We often talk about a 4-5 year lifespan with hearing aids. This is because they are electronic devices, and are therefore susceptible to wear and tear. It is also because new generations of hearing aids come out every year or two and people are often wanting to look at new and improved technology even if their old aids are still functioning. Note however that hearing aids can continue to function for longer than five years if well looked after.
Chris would love to answer your hearing-related questions – email him at amplifon@express.co.uk