We tend to notice technology the most when it quits working. That’s particularly true with hearing aids: To the majority of people who wear them, hearing aids are more than just a piece of technology; they’re a crucial lifeline to the rest of society.
So discovering solutions for a malfunctioning hearing aid, and finding those solutions as quickly as possible, is vital 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 there are some fairly easy steps 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 require regular maintenance. Despite the fact that the casing might look simple and robust, the electronics inside can be extremely sophisticated.
So this means upkeep is essential. There are a few straight forward ways you can make sure that your hearing aid is taken care of while you’re using them.
Keeping Your Hearing Aids Clean is a Must
Each day, a certain amount of wax is naturally and normally produced by your ears. And, to a certain extent, that earwax is good 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 periodically cleaned.
Moisture is The Enemy of Hearing Aids
Electronics and moisture don’t do well together. The performance of your hearing aids can be jeopardized, in spite of the best protection technology available, if it is routinely exposed to moisture.
This Means wearing your hearing aids in the pool or shower is a bad idea. Also, towel dry your hearing aids if they get wet. Don’t use a hair dryer because it can harm them.
Schedule Time With Professional Cleaners
Hearing aids are sensitive (and commonly expensive) technology, and as such, they need specialized cleaning procedures. A specialized cleaner can better accomplish certain things that you can’t, even if you’re pretty thorough about your cleaning habits.
That’s why it’s recommended you bring your hearing aids in to be cleaned every 4-6 months.
How to Troubleshoot Existing Problems
Preventative steps are important if your hearing aids are currently functioning correctly. You’re probably more interested in quick fixes if your experiencing problems with your hearing aids not working anymore.
Try one of the following steps if your hearing aids aren’t functioning properly:
- Change the settings or toggle between programs. Most hearing aids are different in this respect, so your response will depend on the model you have.
- Adjust the volume. There will be either a volume wheel on the hearing aid or a remote you can use to do this. If your hearing aid has both options, try doing both.
- Examine your hearing aids for obvious signs of damage, such as blemishes or cracks. Your hearing aid may need to be fixed if you find any of this kind of damage.
- Look for corrosion or loose wiring in the battery compartment. Any extensive damage will need to be repaired by a professional but you can try cleaning off any corrosion you find.
- Examine your own ears. It’s possible that earwax accumulation in your ear canal is interfering with the sound from your hearing aid.
- Check your hearing aid for debris or wax accumulate. Gently wipe away any debris or wax you may find.
- Even if your batteries are rechargeable they will periodically need to be changed out.
- Reboot the device (turn it off and turn it back on). This will correct the issue in some cases.
It’s likely that you will need to have the device fixed by a professional if you want it back to original condition if none of these options help.
What if That Doesn’t Fix My Hearing Aids?
You will likely have two choices if you’ve tried to troubleshoot your hearing aid and it still won’t work: either send the hearing aids in for repair or buy a new pair of hearing aids. Which option works best for you will depend on your situation, the age of your hearing aids, and other variables.
If your hearing aids aren’t working properly right now, take the time to do some troubleshooting. If that doesn’t help, you can move on to the next steps, such as a conversation with a hearing specialist to determine a remedy. To find a solution schedule an appointment today.