We tend to notice technology the most when it quits working. With hearing aids that’s especially true: Hearing aids are an essential lifeline to the rest of society for people who use them not just a piece of technology.
So finding solutions for a malfunctioning hearing aid, and discovering those solutions quickly, is vital for both physiological and emotional reasons. Troubleshooting can be a frustrating, risky process whether you’ve been wearing them for a week, a year, or decades. But if you want to get your hearing aid working correctly again there are some simple steps you can take.
Preventing Trouble Before it Occurs
Any advanced piece of technology involves upkeep, and hearing aids are no exception. Although the casing might look simple and robust, the electronics inside can be incredibly sophisticated.
So this means maintenance is a must. As you’re wearing your hearing aids, there are a few 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 generated by your ears. And, to a certain extent, that earwax is helpful for your ears. But it’s not so good for your hearing aids. Keeping your hearing aids clear and clean of wax can help the life of the devices. In fact, a built-in wax filter comes with most hearing aids that should also be periodically cleaned.
Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry
Electronics and moisture don’t mix. The performance of your hearing aids can be compromised, 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. In addition, if your hearing aids do become wet, towel-dry them; heat from a hairdryer, for example, can harm your hearing aids.
Schedule Time With Professional Cleaners
Hearing aids are delicate (and often expensive) technology, and as such, they call for specialized cleaning procedures. Even if you’re fairly rigorous about your own cleaning routines, there are just some things that can be better achieved by a specialized cleaner.
That’s why it’s recommended you take your hearing aids in to be cleaned every 4-6 months.
Troubleshooting Difficulties That Are Already Occurring
Protective steps are crucial if your hearing aids are currently working correctly. You’re most likely more interested in quick fixes if your having problems with your hearing aids not working anymore.
Try one of the following steps if your hearing aids aren’t functioning properly:
- Adjust the volume. Sometimes you can do this via a remote or manually via the dial on the hearing aid. If your hearing aid has both options, try both ways.
- Check your own ears. Sound from your hearing aid could be blocked by earwax buildup.
- Examine your hearing aids for blemishes, cracks or other noticeable signs of damage. Your hearing aid might need to be fixed if you find any of this type of damage.
- Look for corrosion or loose wiring in the battery compartment. If you find corrosion, you can try carefully cleaning out, but considerable damage will need to be repaired professionally.
- Toggle between programs or adjust the settings. Most hearing aids are different in this regard, so your response will depend on the model you’re using.
- Change out your power source or battery, even if your batteries are rechargeable.
- Reboot the device (turn it off and turn it back on). This will correct the problem in certain cases.
- Check your hearing aid for wax or debris accumulate. Gently clear away any wax or debris you may discover.
If none of these tips address your hearing aid issues, it’s likely that you’ll have to get the device fixed professionally in order to return it to peak functional condition.
What if Nothing I Try Works?
You will likely have two choices if you’ve tried troubleshooting your hearing aid and it still won’t work: you either have to purchase a new set or send them in for service. The age of your hearing aids, your personal circumstances, and other factors will establish which choice will work best for you.
If your hearing aids aren’t functioning well right now, take the time to try some troubleshooting. A discussion with your hearing professional to find a solution is the next step if that doesn’t work. Make an appointment to find a solution today.
