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If I replace the wax guard on one side, should I replace it on the other side also?

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I noticed this evening that my left side Oticon Intent 3 wasn’t working at all. I usually test this by brushing the hair above my ear. Silence. So I checked the Oticon Companion app and both aids were charged and no problem reported. I replaced the , and now it’s all good. I was just surprised by a complete loss of function rather than just a noticeable degradation.

My question is whether I should replace the guard on the other side as well. They were both replaced in April, five months ago. I’m thinking why not, to ensure optimal performance on both sides, but I’m wondering what others do.

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I change mine monthly per audiologist recommendation ( I also change the domes monthly) not because they are dirty but as part of the regular maintenance . I get them for free so cost is not an issue. For me , it’s like changing the oil of my car or replacing my toothbrush regularly.

I agree with @OcramSagev . Changing is preventive maintenance. With experience you will find the frequency right for you. I need to change my wax guards every week.

I change mine every 6 weeks. We are all individuals some of us have more wax issues than others. I seldom have any visible wax issues but that doesn’t mean that the tiny filters in the doesn’t stop up.

Although my left ear has always produced more wax than my right, I change both at the same time, so I won’t forget. My audiologist provides them, and domes, free as per my insurance coverage, but it wouldn’t be much expense even if I had to buy them.

Thank you all for your responses. I’m going to go with quarterly replacement, unless my experience shows that this is not often enough.

I check my daily with a magnifying glass because I find that even small amounts of wax in guards can effect my hearing (I have severe loss). My Oticon More case has a small tool in it that can be used to remove small amounts of wax from guards. I find my right ear has more wax so I change that guard more often but don’t usually need to change both at same time.

Great idea! I only check weekly, though. I guess I’m slacking. :slightly_smiling_face:
Using a bright light in conjunction with the magnifying glass helps me check thoroughly in the bore of each receiver after removing the old . That way, I’m not pushing wax into the receivers by placing the new wax guards without looking.

Your method of checking in the bore before installing the new guard is a great one, AtillaDaPun!

I’d have never though of doing that.

In reply to @AttilaDaPun

@AttilaDaPun said:

Using a bright light in conjunction with the magnifying glass helps me check thoroughly in the bore of each receiver after removing the old wax guards. That way, I’m not pushing wax into the receivers by placing the new wax guards without looking.

Wow never thought of that. Very thorough Atilla. What do you do if after removing the filter and seeing residual wax in the bore? Not replace filter?Take to___________? Use a tool to extract? Other?

There’s a little, flexible loop on the end of the handle of the cleaning kit’s brush. I plan to very gently and carefully use that to remove wax if I find any. I do hold the with the facing down for removal, so that gravity should give me help if there’s wax beyond the guards.
I must admit, I’ve considered buying a JodiVac, though, for general HA cleaning anyway.
I’ve read that drying/dehumidifying the HAs first, or using a dessicant jar, makes it likely that wax will be dry enough to fall out more easily, too.

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