Hearing Aid Maintenance, Repair & Bluetooth Pairing

When it comes to Hearing Aid Maintenance, Repair, and Bluetooth Pairing, getting the right support and service is essential for keeping devices in top shape. This guide is designed to educate and help you ensure optimal performance, seamless connectivity, and long-term durability. Here's a quick overview covering the essentials.

Daily/Weekly Hearing Aid Maintenance:

- Clean the hearing aids with a soft cloth: To properly clean your hearing aids, begin by washing and drying your hands thoroughly. Turn off and remove the hearing aids before handling them. Use wet wipes that don't contain alcohol, or a soft, lint-free cloth—such as a microfiber or one specifically designed for hearing aids—gently wipe all surfaces of the device. Pay special attention to areas like the microphone ports, receiver opening, and battery compartment if applicable, ensuring any earwax, oils, or debris are removed. It’s important to avoid using water or cleaning sprays, as moisture can damage the delicate components. This simple cleaning routine should be done weekly, ideally at night, to keep your hearing aids functioning well.

- Brush off wax and debris using a small hearing aid brush: To keep your hearing aids clear and functioning properly, gently brush off any wax or debris using a small hearing aid brush. Begin by removing the hearing aid and holding it over a soft surface to prevent damage in case it slips. Using the brush—typically included in hearing aid packages—carefully sweep around the microphone ports, sound outlet, and other small openings where buildup may occur. Brush in a downward motion to avoid pushing debris further into the device. Regular brushing, ideally once a day or a few times a week depending on usage and wax buildup, helps maintain clear sound quality and reduces the risk of malfunctions.

- Use a wax guard and replace it regularly: Using a wax guard is an important part of hearing aid maintenance, as it helps prevent earwax from entering and damaging the internal components of the device. Most hearing aids come with a small, replaceable wax guard located near the receiver or sound outlet. To maintain optimal performance, check the wax guard regularly for buildup or blockage, and replace it as needed—typically every 3 to 5 weeks or whenever it appears clogged. Always use the specific wax guards designed for your hearing aid model, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for removal and installation. Regular replacement helps ensure clear sound quality and prolongs the life of your device.

- Protect your hearing aids from moisture damage: Keeping your hearing aids dry is essential for optimal performance and longevity. Moisture from daily activities—such as sweating, being outdoors in humid conditions, or accidental exposure to rain—can seep into delicate internal components and lead to damage or malfunction. To help prevent this, avoid storing your hearing aids in damp areas like bathrooms or near sinks, and always dry your hands thoroughly before handling them. If your hearing aids do get wet, gently dry them with a soft cloth and leave them out to air dry. Taking these precautions can significantly reduce moisture-related issues and keep your devices working reliably.

How to change WaxGuards/Filters Videos

Here are two instructional videos that show the correct way to change the wax guards or filters on your hearing aids:

Hearing Aid Repair

Hearing aid repair involves addressing issues that affect the device’s performance, such as physical damage, moisture exposure, sound distortion, or complete sound loss. Common repairs include replacing broken batteries/contacts, replacing microphones or receivers, cleaning internal components, and reprogramming the software. Devices may also require service due to feedback noise or poor sound quality caused by wax or debris buildup. Many modern hearing aids come with a warranty, typically lasting two to three years, which will cover these repairs. Prompt attention to any malfunction helps restore functionality and prevents further damage.

Pairing Bluetooth Hearing Aids with Smartphones

Pairing Bluetooth Hearing Aids to an iPhone:

Here are step-by-step instructions for pairing Bluetooth hearing aids to an iPhone, including MFi (Made for iPhone) and some ASHA-compatible devices that also support Apple’s protocols:.

- Turn on Bluetooth: Go to Settings > Bluetooth Make sure Bluetooth is on.

- Put the Hearing Aids in Pairing Mode: Turn hearing aids off and back on (place them in the charger for 5 seconds). This puts them into pairing mode for 3 minutes.

- Connect via Accessibility Settings: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing Devices tap on your hearing aid name when it appears, tap pair when prompted (for each hearing aid if you have two).

- Wait for Connection: Once paired, the status will change to Connected. Sounds from the iPhone (calls, music, etc.) will now stream to your hearing aids.

- Pair Hearing Aids to the Manufacturer’s App: Download the App from the App Store.

- Enable Permissions: Allow access to Bluetooth, Location, and Notifications if prompted.

- Pair in the App: Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to detect and connect your hearing aids. This may require turning the hearing aids off and on again to enter pairing mode (place them in the charger for 5 seconds).

Pairing Bluetooth Hearing Aids to a Samsung Smartphone (Android Smartphone):

Note: Not all Android devices support direct streaming. Check if your phone and hearing aids support ASHA (Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids). Here is a step-by-step guide for pairing Bluetooth hearing aids to an Android smartphone, specifically those that support ASHA (Audio Streaming for Hearing Aids)—the standard used for direct audio streaming on Android.

- Turn on Bluetooth: Go to Settings > Connected devices > Connection preferences > Bluetooth Make sure Bluetooth is ON.

- Pair Hearing Aids to the Manufacturer’s App: Download the App from the Play Store.

- Enable Permissions: Allow access to Bluetooth, Location, and Notifications if prompted.

- Pair in the App: Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to detect and connect your hearing aids. This may require turning the hearing aids off and on again to enter pairing mode (place them in the charger for 5 seconds).

*After your hearing aids are paired with your iPhone or Android smartphone, you won’t need to pair them again. If the app stops working correctly despite the hearing aids being connected, restarting the phone and/or the hearing aids will usually fix the issue.

Hearing aid manufacturer's smartphone applications (Apps):

Here’s a list of major hearing aid manufacturers along with their official mobile apps, available for both iPhone (iOS) and Android devices. These apps allow you to control and customize your hearing aids — including volume, programs, streaming, battery monitoring, and firmware updates.

Signia: Signia App

Widex: Widex Allure (Widex Moment for hearing aids on the Moment platfrom)

Phonak: myPhonak

Oticon: Oticon Companion

Bernafon: Bernafon App

Starkey: myStarkey

GN Resound: ReSound Smart 3D

Unitron: Unitron Remote Plus