Approximately 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from hearing aids. If you just got your first pair, you’re probably full of questions regarding their care. One area essential to clear sound is filter changing.
What Are Hearing Aid Filters?
Hearing aid filters are small barriers that prevent wax, oil, dirt and debris from clogging your devices.
Why Do I Need To Change Them?
When wax, oil and debris clog your hearing aid filters, they can block the path of sound, leading to muffling or distortion.
How Do I Know It’s Time To Change My Filters?
You should change your hearing aid filters roughly once a month. People who produce excess wax may need to change them more frequently, and vice versa, those who make very little wax may not need to change them as often. Even if you don’t see a lot of wax, you should change your filters regularly to prevent bacterial buildup.
If you’re unsure how often to change them, do a visual assessment. In general, you should change your filters if they look clogged with wax or you notice muffled sounds or high-pitched whistles (called feedback).
How To Change Your Filters
There are two common ways to change a hearing aid filter. The first uses a small stick with a filter on one end. To use this tool, take the following steps:
- Place the non-filter end of the stick on the device’s filter and push until you hear a click
- Pull on the stick to dislodge the filter
- Flip the tool and place the new filter where the old one was
- Push down until you hear a click, and then remove the tool
The second standard tool is disc-shaped with two small holes—one empty, the other with the new filter. Using the tool, follow the steps you took with the stick tool to change the filters.
You may need to remove the hearing aid dome before changing the filter. Your device manual will have specific instructions.
Does This Mean I Don’t Have To Clean the Filter?
No. Even though changing the filter will help prevent sound distortion, you should still clean the filter regularly using your hearing aid cleaning kit. Regular cleaning helps remove daily wax and debris and changing the filter monthly removes all the grime you couldn’t get rid of during cleaning. Think of it like cleaning your AC filter during dusty months in Cherokee. You might clean it every few months, but you still need to replace it a few times a year.
For more information on caring for your devices, contact Ear, Nose & Throat Consultants today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.