We usually only notice technology the most when it stops working. With hearing aids that’s particularly true: Hearing aids are a vital 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 finding those solutions as quickly as possible, is crucial for both physiological and emotional reasons. Whether you’ve been using your hearing aids for a week, a year, or a decade, troubleshooting can be a high-stakes, frustrating process. But if you want to get your hearing aid working properly again there are some simple steps you can take.
Avoiding Problems Before They Occurs
Hearing aids are no exception to the rule, like any other piece of tech, they need routine upkeep. Despite the fact that the casing may look simple and robust, the electronics inside can be amazingly sophisticated.
As a result 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.
Keeping Your Hearing Aids Clean is a Must
Each day, a certain amount of wax is naturally and normally produced by your ears. And, the ear wax is, to a certain degree good 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 a built-in wax filter comes with most hearing aids that should also be cleaned periodically.
Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry
Electronics and moisture don’t do well together. And in spite of the best protection technology can produce, repeated subjection to moisture can eventually wear out the internal electronics of your hearing aids, diminishing their performance.
This Means wearing your hearing aids in the shower or while swimming is not a good idea. Additionally, if your hearing aids do become wet, dry them with a towel; heat from a hairdryer, for instance, can hurt your hearing aids.
Make an Appointment With Professional Cleaners
Hearing aids are sensitive (and often expensive) technology, and as such, they call for specialized cleaning practices. A specialized cleaner can better accomplish certain things that you can’t, even if you’re pretty rigorous about your cleaning routines.
Every 4-6 months is the recommended time between cleanings.
How to Diagnose Existing Issues
Preventative steps are essential if your hearing aids are currently functioning properly. You’re probably more interested in quick fixes if your experiencing problems with your hearing aids not working anymore.
If your hearing aids aren’t working properly, try one of the following steps:
- Check your hearing aid for wax or debris build up. Gently wipe away any debris or wax you might discover.
- Adjust the volume. There will either be a volume dial on the hearing aid or a remote you can use to do this. Try both if you have the option with your hearing aid.
- Examine your own ears. It’s possible that earwax buildup in your ear canal is interfering with the sound from your hearing aid.
- Change out your power source or battery, even if your batteries are rechargeable.
- Inspect your hearing aids for blemishes, cracks or other obvious signs of damage. Such damage could indicate the hearing aid needs to be repaired.
- Adjust the settings or switch between programs. Most hearing aids are different in this regard, so your plan of action will depend on the model you have.
- Inspect the battery compartment. Look for corrosion or loose wiring. Any extensive damage will need to be fixed by a professional but you can try cleaning away any corrosion you find.
- Cycle the device power (turn it off and turn it back on). This will fix the problem in some cases.
It’s likely that you will have to have the device repaired professionally if you want it back to original condition if none of these steps work.
What if That Doesn’t Fix My Hearing Aids?
When your hearing aids aren’t functioning properly anymore and troubleshooting has not addressed the issue, you will most likely have two choices: either send the hearing aids in for service or purchase a new pair of hearing aids. Which choice works best for you will vary depending on your situation, how old your hearing aids are, and other variables.
If your hearing aids aren’t working well right now, take the time to try some troubleshooting. A discussion with your hearing professional to determine a solution is the next thing you should do if that doesn’t help. To find a solution schedule your appointment right away.