When technology quits working correctly, that’s when we tend to notice it the most. That’s especially true with hearing aids: Hearing aids are an essential lifeline to the rest of the world for people who wear them not just a piece of technology.
So discovering solutions for a malfunctioning hearing aid, and discovering those solutions as quickly as possible, is crucial for both physiological and emotional reasons. Troubleshooting can be a difficult, risky process whether you’ve been wearing them for a week, a year, or decades. But if you want to get your hearing aid working correctly again there are some simple measures you can take.
Before Trouble Occurs Take Preventative Measures
Any complex piece of technology needs upkeep, and hearing aids are no different. Despite the fact that the casing may appear simple and robust, the electronics inside can be extremely sophisticated.
Due to this you need to keep them well maintained. There are a few straight forward ways you can make certain that your hearing aid is taken care of while you’re using them.
Keeping Your Hearing Aids Clean is a Must
Your ears naturally and normally produce a certain amount of wax every day. And, to a certain extent, that earwax is good for your ears. But it’s not so great for your hearing aids. Keeping your hearing aids clear and clean of wax buildup can help the life of the devices. The fact is that most hearing aids will have a built-in wax filter that should also be cleaned periodically.
Don’t Let Your Hearing Aids Get Wet
Electronics and moisture don’t mix. The performance of your hearing aids can be jeopardized, in spite of the best protection technology available, if it is repeatedly exposed to moisture.
This means that you shouldn’t use your hearing aids in the shower or while in the pool. In addition, if your hearing aids do get wet, towel-dry them; heat from a hairdryer, for instance, can hurt your hearing aids.
Schedule Time With Professional Cleaners
Hearing aids are sensitive (and commonly expensive) technology, and as such, they require specialized cleaning practices. Even if you’re pretty rigorous about your own cleaning habits, there are just some things that can be better achieved by a specialized cleaner.
Every 4-6 months is the recommended time between cleanings.
Troubleshooting Issues That Are Already Occurring
Protective steps are essential if your hearing aids are currently functioning properly. But if you’re having problems, if your hearing aids aren’t working properly anymore, you’re most likely more interested in some quick fixes.
Try one of the following steps if your hearing aids aren’t working properly:
- Even if your batteries are rechargeable they will periodically need to be changed out.
- Switch between programs or adjust the settings. Many hearing aids are different in this respect, so your course of action will depend on the model you’re using.
- Adjust the volume. There will either be a volume wheel on the hearing aid or a remote you can use for this. Try to do both if you have both features with your hearing aid.
- Take a good look at your hearing aids for obvious signs of damage, such as cracks or blemishes. Your hearing aid may need to be repaired if you notice any of this kind of damage.
- Examine your own ears. It’s possible that earwax accumulation in your ear canal is interfering with the sound from your hearing aid.
- Cycle the device power (turn it off and turn it back on). This will correct the issue in some cases.
- Inspect the battery compartment. Look for corrosion or loose wiring. If you see any corrosion, you can attempt to carefully clean it away, but considerable damage will need to be fixed professionally.
- Inspect your hearing aid for wax or debris accumulate. Carefully clear away any debris or wax you may discover.
It’s likely that you will have to get the device fixed by a professional if you want it back to original performance if none of these steps work.
What if Nothing I Try Helps?
When your hearing aids aren’t working well anymore and troubleshooting has not addressed the problem, you will most likely have two choices: either send the hearing aids in for repair or buy a new pair of hearing aids. Which choice works best for you will depend on your situation, how old your hearing aids are, and other factors.
If your hearing aids aren’t working properly right now, take the time to try some troubleshooting. A conversation with your hearing professional to determine a solution is the next thing you should do if that doesn’t work. To find a solution schedule your appointment today.