Signs Your Hearing Aids Need Professional Service

Modern hearing aids contain advanced processors and delicate components working together to provide clear, natural sound. The Signia IX, ReSound Nexia, and Oticon Intent incorporate wireless streaming, smartphone connectivity, and automatic sound adjustments. Regular maintenance helps these sophisticated devices continue performing at their best. Learning to spot signs that your hearing aids need professional attention prevents unexpected issues and helps maintain the hearing support you depend on daily.

Daily wear exposes hearing aids to environmental factors that can affect their performance. Your devices encounter moisture from humidity and perspiration, earwax, dust, and varying temperature changes throughout the day. These elements can gradually impact sound quality and device function, making regular cleaning and maintenance essential for long-term performance.

Basic daily maintenance includes wiping your hearing aids with a soft, dry cloth each night, replacing wax guards as needed, and storing them in a dry environment when not in use. For rechargeable models like the Signia Pure Charge&Go IX, ReSound Nexia and Oticon Intent, proper charging habits preserve battery life. Still, even with careful daily care at home, professional service plays a key role in maintaining your hearing aids' optimal performance.

Physical Signs of Needed Service

Visible damage to any part of the hearing aid requires immediate professional attention. Cracks in the casing, broken battery doors, or damaged tubing can affect sound quality and may lead to complete device failure. If you notice any parts becoming loose or detached, bringing your hearing aid in for service can prevent losing these components.

Exposure to moisture through sweat, rain, or humidity can cause internal corrosion. While many modern hearing aids have protective coatings, prolonged exposure to moisture may still cause damage. Signs of moisture damage include intermittent function or complete device failure.

Sound Quality Changes

When hearing aids start producing distorted or unclear sound, this often indicates a need for professional service. Static, buzzing, or crackling noises during use suggest internal components may need cleaning or replacement. If voices sound muffled or unclear compared to when your hearing aids were first fitted, scheduling a service appointment allows us to assess and address these changes.

Volume fluctuations or inconsistent amplification levels can signal various issues ranging from blocked receivers to damaged components. If you find yourself constantly adjusting the volume or notice sudden changes in sound levels, professional evaluation can identify and resolve the underlying cause.

Battery Performance Issues

Rechargeable hearing aids showing decreased battery life may need professional attention. While some battery degradation occurs naturally over time, sudden changes in how long your hearing aids last between charges warrant investigation. For hearing aids using disposable batteries, if you notice increased battery consumption compared to normal usage patterns, bringing them in for service allows us to check for potential power drain issues.

Feedback and Whistling

Occasional feedback is normal when putting on or removing hearing aids. However, persistent whistling or feedback during regular use often indicates a problem that requires professional attention. This could stem from earwax buildup, improper fit, or damage to the hearing aid components.

Fit and Comfort Changes

Changes in how your hearing aids fit can affect both comfort and performance. If your devices feel loose or uncomfortable, or if you experience feedback when moving your jaw or chewing, we can assess whether adjustments or new ear molds are needed. Professional service ensures your hearing aids maintain their proper fit for optimal sound delivery.

Programming and Technical Issues

Modern hearing aids contain sophisticated programming that may occasionally need adjustment. If your hearing aids aren't automatically adjusting to different listening environments as expected, or if specific features stop working, professional service can restore proper function.

Bluetooth connectivity issues with phones or other devices might require reprogramming or technical updates. Our audiologists can ensure your hearing aids maintain their full range of wireless capabilities.

Seasonal Considerations for Long Island Residents

Living on Long Island presents unique challenges for hearing aid maintenance. Summer humidity and beach activities increase exposure to moisture and salt air. Winter weather shifts from heated indoor spaces to cold outdoor temperatures can create condensation inside hearing aids. These local weather patterns make regular professional service particularly valuable for maintaining optimal performance.

Travel and Active Lifestyles

Many of our patients in Port Jefferson and surrounding communities lead active lives, from boating in Port Jefferson Harbor to attending events at local theaters. Active lifestyles can impact hearing aid performance through increased exposure to wind, moisture, and varying acoustic environments. Professional service helps ensure your devices keep up with your daily activities.

Impact of Mask Wearing

Face mask use has created new challenges for hearing aid wearers. Masks can catch on hearing aids when removing them, potentially damaging the devices or causing them to fall. If you've experienced any issues with your hearing aids related to mask wearing, our team can adjust the fit and provide practical solutions to prevent future problems.

Understanding Your Investment

Quality hearing aids represent a significant investment in your hearing health. Regular professional service from our experienced team at Port Jefferson Hearing helps protect this investment. With proper care and maintenance, modern hearing aids can provide reliable performance for several years. We work with patients throughout Suffolk County to maximize the lifespan and performance of their devices through timely service and maintenance.

Regular Maintenance vs. Professional Service

While daily cleaning and regular maintenance help prevent many issues, certain situations require professional service:

• Annual professional deep cleaning
• Real Ear Measurements to verify proper programming
• Replacement of wax guards or dome tips
• Software updates
• Technical adjustments to improve performance
• Verification of wireless connectivity features

Age-Related Service Needs

Hearing aids typically need more frequent service as they age. For devices over three years old, increasing service needs might indicate it's time to consider newer technology. Signia, ReSound, and Oticon hearing aids offer significant improvements in sound quality and features compared to older models.

When comparing repair costs for older hearing aids against investing in new technology, consider:

• Current hearing aids are less than 3 years old: Repairs often make sense
• Hearing aids are more than 4 years old: New technology might better serve your needs
• Insurance coverage availability for new devices
• Changes in your lifestyle or hearing needs

Professional Service at Port Jefferson Hearing

At Port Jefferson Hearing, we provide comprehensive hearing aid service for devices purchased through our office. Our expertise with Signia, ReSound, and Oticon hearing aids ensures skilled maintenance and repairs. Dr. Martinetti's experience as a Board Certified Audiologist, combined with our use of Real Ear Measurements, guarantees precise adjustments and optimal performance.

Schedule Your Service Appointment

If you notice any of these signs with your hearing aids, we encourage you to schedule a service appointment at our Port Jefferson Station office. Early attention to potential issues helps maintain the performance of your hearing aids and prevents more serious problems from developing. Contact us today at 631-331-1888 to schedule your hearing aid service appointment.