We usually only notice technology the most when it quits working. With hearing aids that’s particularly true: Hearing aids are an essential lifeline to the rest of the world for people who use them not just a piece of technology.
So identifying solutions for a malfunctioning hearing aid, and discovering those solutions as quickly as possible, is vital for both physiological and emotional reasons. Whether you’ve been wearing your hearing aids for a week, a year, or decades, troubleshooting can be a risky, troublesome process. But there are some relatively easy strategies you can try to get your hearing aid working correctly again.
Before Trouble Occurs Take Protective Measures
Any complex piece of technology involves maintenance, and hearing aids are no different. Although the casing may appear simple and robust, the electronics inside can be incredibly sophisticated.
Due to this you need to keep them well maintained. While you’re using your hearing aids, there are some things you can do that will make taking care of them simpler.
Keeping Your Hearing Aids Clean is a Must
Each day, a certain amount of wax is naturally and normally created by your ears. And, the ear wax is, to a certain extent good for your ears. But your hearing aids can be damaged by it. Keeping your hearing aids clear and clean of wax can improve the life of the devices. The fact is that most hearing aids will come with a built-in wax filter that should also be cleaned periodically.
Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry
Moisture and electronics don’t go well together. And in spite of the best protection technology can produce, consistent exposure to moisture can gradually wear down the internal electronics of your hearing aids, decreasing their effectiveness.
This means that you shouldn’t wear your hearing aids in the shower or while in the pool. In addition, if your hearing aids do become wet, dry them with a towel; heat from a hairdryer, for instance, can harm your hearing aids.
Make an Appointment With Professional Cleaners
Hearing aids are delicate (and commonly expensive) technology, and as such, they call for specialized cleaning procedures. A specialized cleaner can better achieve certain things that you can’t, even if you’re fairly rigorous about your cleaning habits.
That’s why it’s recommended you bring your hearing aids in to be cleaned every 4-6 months.
Troubleshooting Problems That Are Already Happening
Even if your hearing aids are presently working, you will still need to take preventative steps. You’re probably more interested in quick fixes if your experiencing problems with your hearing aids not working anymore.
If your hearing aids aren’t working properly, try one of the following steps:
- Inspect the battery compartment. Look for corrosion or loose wiring. If you find corrosion, you can attempt to carefully clean out, but significant damage will need to be fixed professionally.
- Even if your batteries are rechargeable they will occasionally need to be changed out.
- Turn your hearing aid of then back on. This will fix the issue in some cases.
- Examine your own ears. It’s possible that earwax accumulation in your ear canal is interfering with the sound from your hearing aid.
- Toggle between programs or change the settings. Most hearing aids are different in this respect, so your plan of action will depend on the model you have.
- Adjust the volume. There will either be a volume wheel on the hearing aid or a remote you can use to do this. Try both if you have both features with your hearing aid.
- Check your hearing aid for wax or debris accumulate. If you find any wax buildup or debris, clear them away.
- Examine your hearing aids for blemishes, cracks or other obvious signs of damage. Your hearing aid might need to be repaired if you notice any of this kind of damage.
It’s likely that you will need to have the device repaired by a professional if you want it back to peak performance if none of these steps help.
What if Nothing I Try Helps?
When your hearing aids aren’t working well anymore and troubleshooting has not addressed the problem, you will most likely have two choices: either send the hearing aids in for repair or buy a new pair of hearing aids. The age of your hearing aids, your personal situation, and other variables will establish which choice will work best for you.
If your hearing aids aren’t functioning properly right now, take the time to try some troubleshooting. A discussion with your hearing professional to determine a solution is the next thing you should do if that doesn’t work. To find a solution schedule an appointment today.