When technology stops working properly, that’s when we tend to notice it the most. With hearing aids that’s particularly true: To the majority of people who wear them, hearing aids are more than a piece of technology; they’re a crucial lifeline to the rest of the world.
It’s both emotionally and physiologically vital to find solutions for malfunctioning hearing aids as quickly as possible. Troubleshooting can be a frustrating, risky process whether you’ve been using them for a week, a year, or decades. But there are some reasonably easy steps you can try to get your hearing aid working properly again.
Preventing Trouble Before it Occurs
Any advanced piece of technology involves maintenance, and hearing aids are no different. Even though the casing may appear simple and robust, the electronics inside can be incredibly sophisticated.
So this means upkeep is a must. While you’re wearing your hearing aids, there are some things you can do that will make taking care of them easier.
Keeping Your Hearing Aids Clean is a Must
Your ears normally and naturally make a certain amount of wax every day. And, the ear wax is, to a certain degree helpful for your ears. But your hearing aids don’t do as well with it. Keeping your hearing aids clean and clear of wax can help improve the longevity of the devices. The fact is that most hearing aids will have a built-in wax filter that should also be periodically cleaned.
Moisture is The Enemy of Hearing Aids
Moisture and electronics don’t mix well. The performance of your hearing aids can be compromised, despite the best protection technology available, if it is continuously exposed to moisture.
This Means wearing your hearing aids in the pool or shower is a bad idea. Also, towel dry your hearing aids if they get wet. Don’t use a hair dryer because it can damage them.
Schedule an Appointment With Professional Cleaners
Hearing aids are delicate (and often expensive) technology, and as such, they call for specialized cleaning practices. A specialized cleaner can better achieve certain things that you can’t, even if you’re pretty rigorous about your cleaning routines.
Every 4-6 months is the suggested time between cleanings.
Troubleshooting Issues That Are Already Occurring
Even if your hearing aids are presently working, you will still need to take protective steps. But if you’re experiencing problems, if your hearing aids aren’t working well anymore, you’re most likely more interested in some quick fixes.
Try one of the following steps if your hearing aids aren’t functioning properly:
- Examine your hearing aids for blemishes, cracks or other noticeable signs of damage. Your hearing aid might need to be fixed if you find any of this kind of damage.
- Look inside the battery compartment. Look for corrosion or loose wiring. If you find corrosion, you can try carefully cleaning it away, but considerable damage will have to be fixed professionally.
- Replace your battery or power source, even if your batteries are rechargeable.
- Examine your own ears. It’s possible that earwax accumulation in your ear canal is interfering with the sound from your hearing aid.
- Inspect your hearing aid for debris or wax accumulate. If you find any wax accumulation or debris, clear them away.
- Adjust the volume. There will be either a volume dial on the hearing aid or a remote you can use for this. Try to do both if you have the option with your hearing aid.
- Turn your hearing aid of then back on. This will correct the problem in some cases.
- Change the settings or switch between programs. How you respond will depend on the model because they’re all different in this regard.
It’s likely that you will have to have the device fixed by a professional if you want it back to original condition if none of these steps work.
What if Nothing I Try Works?
You will most likely have two choices if you’ve tried to troubleshoot your hearing aid and it still doesn’t work: either send the hearing aids in for repair or purchase a new pair of hearing aids. Which option works better for you will depend on your situation, how old your hearing aids are, and other factors.
Take the time to troubleshoot your hearing aids if they aren’t working correctly. A conversation with your hearing professional to find a solution is the next step if that doesn’t work. To find a solution make an appointment today.