We tend to notice technology the most when it quits working. With hearing aids that’s especially true: Hearing aids are a vital 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 quickly, is crucial for both physiological and emotional reasons. Whether you’ve been using your hearing aids for a week, a year, or decades, troubleshooting can be a high-stakes, troublesome process. But there are some reasonably easy measures you can try to get your hearing aid working properly again.
Before Problems Happen Take Preventative Measures
Any complex piece of technology needs maintenance, and hearing aids are no exception. Despite the fact that the casing may look simple and robust, the electronics inside can be incredibly sophisticated.
Because of this you need to keep them well maintained. As you’re wearing your hearing aids, there are some things you can do that will make taking care of them simpler.
Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
Each day, a certain amount of wax is normally and naturally produced by your ears. And, to some degree, that earwax is helpful for your ears. But your hearing aids don’t do as well with it. To help improve the life of your device keep your hearing aids clean and clear of wax. The fact is that most hearing aids will come with a built-in wax filter that should also be cleaned periodically.
Don’t Let Your Hearing Aids Get Wet
Electronics and moisture don’t do well together. The effectiveness of your hearing aids can be jeopardized, in spite of the best protection technology available, if it is routinely exposed to moisture.
This Means wearing your hearing aids in the shower or while swimming is not a good idea. Also, towel dry your hearing aids if they get wet. Don’t use a hair dryer because it can harm them.
Schedule an Appointment With Professional Cleaners
Hearing aids are sensitive (and often expensive) technology, and as such, they call for specialized cleaning procedures. Even if you’re fairly rigorous about your own cleaning routines, there are just some things that can be better accomplished by a specialized cleaner.
That’s why it’s suggested that you bring your hearing aids in to be cleaned every 4-6 months.
How to Diagnose Existing Issues
Even if your hearing aids are presently working, you will still be required to take protective steps. You’re probably more interested in quick fixes if your having problems with your hearing aids not working anymore.
If your hearing aids aren’t working correctly, try one of the following steps:
- Even if your batteries are rechargeable they will periodically need to be changed out.
- Inspect your hearing aid for debris or wax build up. If you find any wax buildup or debris, clean them away.
- Take a good look at your hearing aids for noticeable signs of damage, like blemishes or cracks. Your hearing aid may need to be fixed if you notice any of this type of damage.
- Look inside the battery compartment. Look for corrosion or loose wiring. Any substantial damage will have to be fixed by a professional but you can try cleaning away any corrosion you discover.
- Examine your own ears. It’s possible that earwax buildup in your ear canal is interfering with the sound from your hearing aid.
- Turn your hearing aid of then back on. In certain cases, this will correct the problem.
- Adjust the volume. Sometimes you can do this via a remote or manually via the wheel on the hearing aid. Try to do both if you have both features with your hearing aid.
- Switch between programs or adjust the settings. How you deal with it will depend on the model because they’re all different in this way.
It’s likely that you will have to get the device fixed professionally if you want it back to original condition if none of these options help.
What if Nothing I Try Works?
When your hearing aids aren’t working well anymore and troubleshooting has not taken care of the problem, you will likely have two choices: either send the hearing aids in for repair or buy a new pair of hearing aids. The age of your hearing aids, your personal circumstances, and other variables will establish which option will work best for you.
Take the time to troubleshoot your hearing aids if they aren’t working correctly. A discussion with a hearing professional to determine a solution is the next step if that doesn’t work. Schedule an appointment to find a solution today.