Hearing aids have been proven to support your health in unsuspected ways including boosting cognitive function, reducing depression, and decreasing your chance of falling. Which is why when your hearing aids seem like they fail to function properly, it’s so frustrating. The difference between an enjoyable dinner with family or a terrible time can be made by finding a quick remedy when your hearing aid starts screeching with feedback or quits entirely.
The good news is, there are some practical troubleshooting measures you can take which may ease or address some typical hearing aid problems. figuring out what’s wrong with your hearing aid as fast as possible will can you back to what’s important all the sooner.
Try Swapping Out The Batteries
A low battery is one of the most prevalent issues with hearing aids. Rechargeable batteries come standard with many hearing aid models. Changeable batteries are standard on other models. Here are a few of the symptoms that may lead you to believe the batteries are the bad guy when your device starts to malfunction:
- Dull sound quality: It feels like somebody is talking to you underwater or from the other side of the room.
- Hearing aids won’t turn on: If your hearing aid won’t turn on, or keeps shutting off, there’s a good chance the battery is the principal issue.
- Weak sounds: You’re battling to hear what’s happening around you and that seems to be occurring more and more.
Here’s what you do about it:
- Double-check to make sure the correct batteries are installed. Your hearing aid can be damaged by the incorrect battery. (Sometimes, a battery will appear to be the same size as a different battery so it’s crucial that you be cautious and check twice.)
- If you have replaceable batteries, replace them on a regular basis. You might have to bring your hearing aid in to a professional if the battery is sealed inside.
- Make sure you have fully charged batteries. If your hearing aid is equipped with rechargeable batteries, charge them for several hours or overnight.
Every Surface Needs to be Cleaned
Obviously, hearing aids log a lot of time inside of your ears. And your ears have a lot taking place inside of them. So it’s not surprising that your hearing aids can get a little dirty while helping you hear. Despite the fact that hearing aids are designed to deal with some earwax, it’s a practical idea to get them cleaned now and again. A few issues related to buildup and dirt might include:
- Discomfort: If they feel like they’re suddenly too large for your ears, it might be because earwax accumulation has begun interfering with the fit. The plastic will occasionally need to be replaced if it begins to harden.
- Feedback: The feedback canceling feature on your hearing aid can be interrupted by earwax buildup causing a whistling noise.
- Muffled sound: Earwax and other buildup can make your hearing aid sound like it’s buried beneath something.
Some solutions:
- Maintain the filter by checking it and, if needed, replacing it.
- Ensure you are bringing your hearing aids to a professional for regular cleaning and maintenance.
- Lightly clean your hearing aids, as per the manufacturer’s suggestions.
- Double-check the tip of the hearing aid to ensure it’s not covered or plugged by debris or earwax. Clean with your cleaning tool or as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions.
You May Simply Need Some Time
In some cases, the issue isn’t an issue with the hearing aid. When you first pop in your hearing aids, your brain needs to get accustomed to hearing the world again. Particular sounds (the buzzing of an air conditioner, for instance) may at first seem unpleasantly loud. You may also notice that particular consonant sounds might seem overly pronounced.
As your brain works to catch up, before long, you’ll adapt.
However, it’s important not to let too much time pass, with any issue, before seeking help. Your hearing aids should make your life more enjoyable, so if things aren’t working the way they ought to be, or your hearing aids are uncomfortable, contact us, we can help.
