We tend to notice technology the most when it quits working. With hearing aids that’s particularly true: Hearing aids are a crucial lifeline to the rest of society for people who wear them not just a piece of technology.
It’s both emotionally and physiologically vital to discover solutions for malfunctioning hearing aids as quickly as possible. Troubleshooting can be a frustrating, risky process whether you’ve been using them for a week, a year, or decades. But there are some reasonably easy strategies you can try to get your hearing aid working properly again.
Before Trouble Occurs Take Preventative Measures
Hearing aids are no exception to the rule, like any other piece of technology, they need routine upkeep. Although the casing may look simple and robust, the electronics inside can be amazingly sophisticated.
Due to this you need to keep them well maintained. As you’re using your hearing aids, there are a few things you can do that will make taking care of them easier.
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 longevity of your device keep your hearing aids free and clear of wax. In fact, a built-in wax filter comes standard with most hearing aids that should also be cleaned periodically.
Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry
Moisture and electronics don’t go well together. The effectiveness of your hearing aids can be jeopardized, despite the best protection technology available, if it is repeatedly exposed to moisture.
This Means using your hearing aids in the pool or shower is not a good idea. Additionally, if your hearing aids do become wet, towel-dry them; heat from a hairdryer, as an example, can hurt your hearing aids.
Schedule an Appointment With Professional Cleaners
Hearing aids are sensitive (and commonly expensive) technology, and as such, they need specialized cleaning practices. A specialized cleaner can better achieve certain things that you can’t, even if you’re fairly thorough about your cleaning routines.
That’s why it’s recommended you take your hearing aids in to be cleaned every 4-6 months.
Troubleshooting Difficulties That Are Already Happening
Even if your hearing aids are presently working, you will still be required to take protective steps. But if you’re having issues, if your hearing aids aren’t working well anymore, you’re most likely more interested in some quick fixes.
If your hearing aids aren’t working properly, try one of the following steps:
- Examine your hearing aids for blemishes, cracks or other visible signs of damage. Your hearing aid might need to be repaired if you find any of this kind of damage.
- Even if your batteries are rechargeable they will occasionally need to be replaced.
- Turn your hearing aid of then back on. In certain cases, this will fix the issue.
- Check your own ears. Sound from your hearing aid could be blocked by earwax buildup.
- Inspect your hearing aid for wax or debris build up. If you discover any wax buildup or debris, clean them away.
- Switch between programs or adjust the settings. How you deal with it will depend on the model because each one is different in this regard.
- Adjust the volume. Sometimes you can do this with a remote or manually with the wheel on the hearing aid. Try to do both if you have both features with your hearing aid.
- Check for loose wiring or corrosion in the battery compartment. If you find corrosion, you can try carefully cleaning out, but considerable damage will have to be repaired professionally.
It’s likely that you will need to have the device repaired professionally if you want it back to peak performance if none of these tips work.
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 most likely have two choices: you either need to purchase a new pair or send them in for repair. The age of your hearing aids, your personal circumstances, and other factors will determine which option will work best for you.
Take the time to troubleshoot your hearing aids if they aren’t working properly. A discussion with a hearing professional to determine a solution is the next step if that doesn’t help. To find a solution make an appointment right away.
