Hearing aids have been shown to benefit your health in unexpected ways including boosting cognitive abilities, minimizing depression, and limiting your risk of falls. Which is why it can be so irritating when these devices have malfunctions. When you begin detecting screeching feedback, or when your hearing aids suddenly stop working, quick solutions can make the difference between a pleasant family dinner or a difficult one.
Fortunately, some of the most basic hearing aid problems can be alleviated with a few basic troubleshooting measures. Finding out what’s happening with your hearing aid as quickly as possible will get you back to what’s important all the sooner.
Maybe The Batteries Need to be Swapped Out
A low battery is one of the most prevalent issues with hearing aids. Rechargeable batteries come standard with some hearing aid models. Replaceable batteries are standard on other hearing aids. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it probably means the batteries are to blame for your hearing aid problems.
- Dull sound quality: It seems as if somebody is talking to you underwater or from across the room.
- Weak sounds: You feel like you are always straining to hear what’s going on around you.
- Hearing aids won’t turn on: There’s a good chance that your battery is to blame if your hearing aid keeps shutting itself off or won’t turn on at all.
Some solutions:
- Having the correct batteries is essential so make certain you double check that. Your hearing aid can be damaged by the incorrect battery. (Sometimes, the wrong type of battery can be purchased in the correct size, so double-checking is crucial.)
- Make sure you have fully charged batteries. Let your rechargeable batteries charge overnight or for at least a few hours.
- Swap out the batteries if your hearing aid is designed to allow that. In certain situations, rechargeable batteries are sealed into the device, and if that’s the case, you might have to take the hearing aid to a professional.
Try Cleaning Every Surface
Hearing aids, naturally, spend a lot of time in your ears. And there’s a lot taking place in there (your ears are like party rooms, only more hygienic). So it’s no surprise that your hearing aids can get a little dirty while helping you hear. Most hearing aid models are designed to handle some earwax buildup, but it’s a good idea to have a routine cleaning schedule too. A few issues related to buildup and dirt could include:
- Discomfort: Earwax can buildup to the point where your hearing aid fits a little tight. The plastic will occasionally need to be replaced if it starts to harden.
- Feedback: It’s possible that earwax buildup can obstruct the feedback canceling features of your hearing aid, causing you to hear a whistling sound.
- Muffled sound: If your hearing aid sounds like it’s hiding behind something, it might just be. There could be earwax or other buildup getting in the way.
Some solutions:
- Taking your hearing aid to a specialist for regular upkeep is an important procedure.
- Double-check the tip of the hearing aid to make certain it is not covered or clogged by debris or earwax. The manufacturer will normally provide a cleaning tool which can be employed along with the manufacturer’s cleaning instruction.
- Clean your hearing aid lightly in the way that the manufacturer has instructed.
- Check the earwax filter to ensure it’s clean; replace it if necessary.
You May Just Need Some Time
The hearing aid itself isn’t always the problem. When your brain isn’t used to hearing the outside world, it can take a little time to adjust to your new hearing aids. As your mind adjust, you might notice that certain sounds are unpleasantly loud (the hum of the refrigerator, for instance). And certain consonants often sound louder than the rest of the speech.
As your brain works to catch up, over time, you’ll adapt.
However, it’s important not to let too much time go by, with any problem, before seeking help. Your hearing aids should make your life more enjoyable, so if things aren’t working the way they should be, or your hearing aids are uncomfortable, contact us, we can help.
