Having Trouble With Your Hearing Aids? Try This

Man and his wife using tips to fix his hearing aids.

We tend to notice technology the most when it isn’t working. With hearing aids that’s particularly true: Hearing aids are an essential lifeline to the rest of the world for people who use them not just a piece of technology.

So discovering solutions for a malfunctioning hearing aid, and finding 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 using them for a week, a year, or decades. But there are some fairly easy measures you can try to get your hearing aid working correctly again.

Before Trouble Occurs Take Preventative Measures

Hearing aids are no exception to the rule, like any other piece of tech, they require routine maintenance. Even though the casing might appear simple and robust, the electronics inside can be amazingly sophisticated.

Due to this you have to keep them well maintained. There are a few simple ways you can make sure that your hearing aid is taken care of while you’re wearing them.

Keeping Your Hearing Aids Clean is a Must

Each day, a certain amount of wax is naturally and normally created by your ears. And, to a certain extent, that earwax is helpful for your ears. But your hearing aids can be damaged by it. Keeping your hearing aids clear and clean of wax buildup can help the longevity of the devices. In fact, a built-in wax filter comes standard with most hearing aids that should also be periodically cleaned.

Moisture is The Enemy of Hearing Aids

Electronics and moisture don’t do well together. The effectiveness of your hearing aids can be jeopardized, despite the best protection technology available, if it is routinely exposed to moisture.

This Means using your hearing aids in the shower or while swimming is not a good idea. Also, dry your hearing aids with a towel if they get wet. Don’t use a hair dryer because it can damage them.

Schedule Time With Professional Cleaners

Hearing aids require specialized cleaning because they are delicate, expensive technology. Even if you’re pretty rigorous about your own cleaning habits, there are just some things that can be better accomplished by a specialized cleaner.

That’s why it’s recommended you bring your hearing aids in to be cleaned every 4-6 months.

How to Diagnose Existing Issues

Preventative steps are essential if your hearing aids are currently working properly. But if you’re experiencing 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 correctly:

  • Take a good look at your hearing aids for obvious signs of damage, like blemishes or cracks. Your hearing aid may need to be fixed if you notice any of this type of damage.
  • 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 doing both.
  • Examine your own ears. It’s possible that earwax accumulation in your ear canal is interfering with the sound from your hearing aid.
  • Check your hearing aid for wax or debris build up. If you find any wax buildup or debris, clean them away.
  • Even if your batteries are rechargeable they will occasionally need to be changed out.
  • Inspect the battery compartment. Look for corrosion or loose wiring. Any significant damage will need to be fixed by a professional but you can attempt to clean away any corrosion you discover.
  • Turn your hearing aid of then back on. This will fix the issue in certain cases.
  • Adjust the settings or toggle between programs. Many hearing aids are different in this respect, so your course of action will depend on the model you’re using.

If none of these steps address your hearing aid troubles, it’s likely that you’ll have to get the device repaired professionally in order to bring it back to peak operating condition.

What if Nothing I Try Helps?

You will most likely have two options if you’ve tried troubleshooting your hearing aid and it still won’t work: you either have to buy a new set or send them in for repair. Which choice works best for you will vary depending on your circumstances, the age of your hearing aids, and other factors.

If your hearing aids aren’t working well right now, take the time to do some troubleshooting. If that doesn’t work, you can go on to the next steps, including a conversation with a hearing specialist to determine a solution. Make an appointment to find a solution today.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.

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