We usually only notice technology the most when it isn’t working. That’s particularly true with hearing aids: To most people who use them, hearing aids are more than just a piece of technology; they’re a critical lifeline to the rest of society.
It’s both emotionally and physiologically essential to come up with solutions for broken hearing aids as quickly as possible. Whether you’ve been using your hearing aids for a week, a year, or a decade, troubleshooting can be a risky, troublesome process. But if you want to get your hearing aid working correctly again there are some simple measures you can take.
Before Problems Happen Take Preventative Measures
Hearing aids are no exception to the rule, like any other piece of tech, they require regular upkeep. Despite the fact that the casing may look simple and robust, the electronics inside can be extremely sophisticated.
Due to this you have to keep them well maintained. There are some straight forward ways you can make certain that your hearing aid is taken care of while you’re using them.
Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
Your ears normally and naturally make a certain amount of wax each day. And, to some degree, that earwax is helpful 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, most hearing aids will come with a built-in wax filter that should also be periodically cleaned.
Moisture is The Enemy of Hearing Aids
Electronics and moisture don’t do well together. And in spite of the best protection technology can build, consistent exposure to moisture can gradually wear out the internal electronics of your hearing aids, diminishing their effectiveness.
This means that you shouldn’t wear your hearing aids in the shower or while in the pool. Additionally, if your hearing aids do become wet, towel-dry them; heat from a hairdryer, as an example, can hurt your hearing aids.
Make an Appointment With Professional Cleaners
Hearing aids require specialized cleaning as they are delicate, expensive technology. Even if you’re pretty thorough about your own cleaning habits, there are just some things that can be better accomplished by a specialized cleaner.
Every 4-6 months is the recommended time between cleanings.
Troubleshooting Complications That Are Already Happening
Preventative steps are essential if your hearing aids are currently functioning properly. You’re probably more interested in quick fixes if your experiencing issues with your hearing aids not working anymore.
If your hearing aids aren’t functioning properly, try one of the following steps:
- Inspect the battery compartment. Look for corrosion or loose wiring. If you see any corrosion, you can attempt to carefully clean it away, but considerable damage will need to be fixed professionally.
- Check your own ears. It’s possible that earwax buildup in your ear canal is interfering with the sound from your hearing aid.
- Adjust the volume. Sometimes you can do this via a remote or manually with the dial on the hearing aid. Try both if you have the option with your hearing aid.
- Check your hearing aid for wax or debris build up. Carefully wipe away any wax or debris you may notice.
- Toggle between programs or adjust the settings. Many hearing aids are different in this regard, so your plan of action will depend on the model you’re using.
- Cycle the device power (turn it off and turn it back on). This will fix the problem in certain cases.
- Even if your batteries are rechargeable they will occasionally need to be replaced.
- Look over your hearing aids for blemishes, cracks or other noticeable signs of damage. Such damage could indicate the hearing aid needs to be repaired.
It’s likely that you will have to have the device fixed professionally if you want it back to original performance if none of these tips help.
What if Nothing I Try Works?
When your hearing aids aren’t functioning properly anymore and troubleshooting has not addressed the issue, you will most likely have two options: 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 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.
