If you’ve got hearing aids, you should be able to hear, right? When your hearing aid stops doing its job, it can be really frustrating. Here’s the good news, with regular upkeep, your hearing aids should continue to function efficiently.
Go over this list before you do anything hasty. If it’s not one of these common issues, it might be time to schedule an appointment with us to make sure there isn’t a larger problem. Your hearing might have changed, for instance, or you may need a hearing aid recalibration.
Potential Pitfall: Low Batteries
While hearing aid batteries have gotten significantly smaller and lifespans are getting better, the batteries still need to be replaced occasionally or recharged. So staying on top of charging your batteries is important. If it seems as if the sound is diminishing or coming and going, check your battery first.
The fix: Keep ‘em Fresh
A battery tester is a beneficial investment, especially if you like to stock up. Batteries have a shelf life so the last batteries in the pack may not have the same voltage as the first few even if they stay sealed. Another trick: When you unpack new batteries, wait 5 minutes before installing them. This gives the zinc time to become active, and can possibly help the batteries last longer.
Potential Pitfall: Gross Things Like Wax And Grime
Your hearing aids will accumulate dirt and debris regardless of how clean you keep your ears and if you have difficulty hearing you’re most likely more conscientious about earwax. You might find yourself with a dirt problem if sounds seem a little bit off or distorted.
The fix: Clean Them Out—And Keep Them Clean!
You can purchase a kit for keeping your hearing aids clean or you can use items you already have around the house to clean them. You can use a microfiber cloth, like the kind you use to clean your computer screen or cellphone, to wipe your hearing aid down after disassembling it.
Simple hygiene habits will go a long way to keeping your hearing aids clean. Whenever you do something that involves liquid or dampness, such as cleaning your face or styling your hair, take your hearing aids out and make certain your hands aren’t wet when handling them.
Potential Pitfall: Trapped Moisture
Even a little bit of moisture can really damage your hearing aid (think working up a sweat, not deep-sea diving). The vent in the hearing aid and the battery can even be effected by humidity in the air. Depending on how much moisture’s gotten in, you might experience issues from sound distortion to static, to crackling. They may even seem to quit altogether.
The fix: Keep Them Dry
Be certain that when you store your hearing aids, you open the battery door; and if you’re storing them for longer than 24 hours, take out the batteries completely. It takes almost zero effort and guarantees that air can circulate, and any trapped moisture can escape.
A cool, dry place is the best spot to store your hearing aids. Don’t keep them in the kitchen or bathroom. Storing them in the bathroom might seem convenient but moisture is just too much. You will likely want to get a hearing aid storage box if you live in a very humid environment. Pricier versions plug in, but less costly options use desiccants or gels (yes, like those “throw away do not eat” packets you find in the box when you buy shoes) to absorb moisture.
None of these are working out? It might be time to consult us.