And Make Sure You Have It In Writing

A strong follow-up or maintenance program can often make the difference between success and frustration with hearing aids.  This is often the least emphasized, but most important part of your hearing plan.  Make sure your provider has a program in place that will take care of you for years to come.

There are two main reasons for the importance of long term care:  1) your degree of hearing loss will change over time, and 2) hearing aids are tiny delicate electronic devices that need frequent maintenance.  Hearing aids often malfunction when in contact with moisture, dry skin debris, dirt, dust, or acetic earwax.  In fact, it has been reported that 70% of malfunctions are the result of moisture.  A high quality program will include:

1.                  Hearing aid cleaning using specialized equipment every 2-3 months.

2.                  Ear canal examinations to monitor your ear health and wax build-up.

3.                  Equipment for removing excessive earwax accumulation that can interfere with hearing and hearing aid functioning

4.                  Yearly audiometric screenings and consultations to monitor for hearing changes.

5.                  Annual review of your hearing aid prescription.

6.                  Routine scheduled hearing aid check-ups to monitor functioning, and ensure appropriate output levels to match your current hearing levels.

7.                  Resetting of your current hearing aid prescription or additional fine tuning when needed.

8.                  Repair warranty provisions and extended care warranty options.

9.                  Extended Accidental Loss & Damage insurance options.

                Tip: Because of the need for follow-up visits, adjustments, and regular maintenance, you should avoid “traveling salesmen” passing through town offering a quick fix for a cheap price.  Hearing aids purchased by mail order or internet should be avoided for the same reason.

If your    Tip: hearing aid provider does not have a long term care plan that helps maintain your hearing aids, they may be more interested in a “quick sale” rather than in your hearing health. A cut rate deal on hearing aids with little or no long term care means you may end up paying much more for repairs and have lower overall satisfaction than for “fair priced” aids with a comprehensive follow-up program.

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