When technology quits working correctly, that’s when we usually notice it the most. That’s especially true with hearing aids: Hearing aids are an essential lifeline to the rest of society for people who use them not just a piece of technology.
So finding solutions for a malfunctioning hearing aid, and discovering those solutions quickly, is important for both physiological and emotional reasons. Whether you’ve been wearing your hearing aids for a week, a year, or decades, troubleshooting can be a high-stakes, troublesome process. But there are some reasonably easy steps you can try to get your hearing aid working correctly again.
Avoiding Problems Before They Occurs
Hearing aids are no exception to the rule, like any other piece of tech, they need regular upkeep. Even though the casing may appear simple and robust, the electronics inside can be extremely sophisticated.
Which means maintenance is a must. There are a few simple ways you can make sure to take care of your hearing aids while you’re wearing them.
Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
Every day, a certain amount of wax is naturally and normally created by your ears. And, the ear wax is, to a certain extent good for your ears. But your hearing aids can be damaged by it. To help improve the longevity of your device keep your hearing aids free and clear of wax. In fact, a built-in wax filter comes standard with most hearing aids that should also be cleaned periodically.
Moisture is The Enemy of Hearing Aids
Moisture and electronics don’t go well together. The effectiveness of your hearing aids can be compromised, in spite of the best protection technology available, if it is continuously exposed to moisture.
This means that you should not wear your hearing aids in the shower or while swimming. Additionally, if your hearing aids do get wet, dry them with a towel; heat from a hairdryer, for example, can damage your hearing aids.
Make an Appointment With Professional Cleaners
Hearing aids require specialized cleaning since they are delicate, expensive technology. Even if you’re fairly thorough 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 suggested time between cleanings.
Troubleshooting Complications That Are Already Happening
Protective steps are important if your hearing aids are currently working properly. But if you’re experiencing issues, if your hearing aids aren’t working well anymore, you’re most likely more interested in some quick fixes.
If your hearing aids aren’t functioning properly, try one of the following steps:
- Adjust the settings or toggle between programs. How you respond will depend on the model because each one is different in this way.
- Inspect your hearing aid for wax or debris build up. Gently clear away any wax or debris you might discover.
- Examine your hearing aids for visible signs of damage, such as blemishes or cracks. Such damage could indicate the hearing aid needs repairs.
- Turn your hearing aid of then back on. This will fix the issue in some cases.
- Inspect the battery compartment. Look for corrosion or loose wiring. If you discover corrosion, you can try carefully cleaning it away, but considerable damage will need to be fixed professionally.
- Replace your power source or battery, even if your batteries are rechargeable.
- Adjust the volume. Sometimes you can do this with a remote or manually via the wheel on the hearing aid. If your hearing aid has both options, try both ways.
- Check your own ears. Sound from your hearing aid could be blocked by earwax buildup.
If none of these measures address your hearing aid issues, you will probably have to have the device fixed professionally in order to return it to peak operating condition.
What if Nothing I Try Helps?
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 buy a new set of hearing aids. Which choice works best for you will depend on your circumstances, the age of your hearing aids, and other variables.
Take the time to troubleshoot your hearing aids if they aren’t working correctly. A conversation with a hearing professional to determine a solution is the next step if that doesn’t work. Make an appointment to find a solution today.