When technology quits working correctly, that’s when we tend to notice it the most. That’s particularly true with hearing aids: To the majority of people who wear them, hearing aids are more than a piece of technology; they’re a vital lifeline to the rest of society.
So identifying solutions for a malfunctioning hearing aid, and discovering those solutions as quickly as possible, is important for both physiological and emotional reasons. Whether you’ve been using your hearing aids for a week, a year, or decades, troubleshooting can be a risky, troublesome process. But if you want to get your hearing aid working correctly again there are some simple steps you can take.
Avoiding Trouble Before it Occurs
Hearing aids are no exception to the rule, like any other piece of tech, they require regular upkeep. Although the casing may appear simple and robust, the electronics inside can be extremely sophisticated.
So this means upkeep is a must. As you’re wearing your hearing aids, there are some things you can do that will make taking care of them easier.
Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
Your ears naturally and normally generate a certain amount of wax each day. And, to some degree, that earwax is helpful for your ears. But your hearing aids can be damaged by it. Keeping your hearing aids clean and clear of wax buildup can help improve the life of the devices. In fact, a built-in wax filter comes standard with most hearing aids that should also be cleaned periodically.
Don’t Let Your Hearing Aids Get Wet
Electronics and moisture don’t mix. And despite the best protection technology can build, consistent exposure to moisture can eventually wear out the internal electronics of your hearing aids, compromising their effectiveness.
This Means using your hearing aids in the shower or while swimming is a bad idea. Also, dry your hearing aids with a towel if they get wet. Don’t use a hair dryer because it can damage them.
Schedule Time With Professional Cleaners
Hearing aids require specialized cleaning as they are delicate, expensive technology. Even if you’re fairly thorough about your own cleaning routines, there are just some things that can be better achieved by a specialized cleaner.
Every 4-6 months is the suggested time between cleanings.
Troubleshooting Complications That Are Already Occurring
Protective steps are essential if your hearing aids are currently working correctly. You’re probably more interested in quick fixes if your experiencing issues with your hearing aids not working anymore.
If your hearing aids aren’t functioning properly, try one of the following steps:
- Adjust the volume. There will be either a volume dial on the hearing aid or a remote you can use to do this. Try both if you have both features with your hearing aid.
- Look for loose wiring or corrosion in the battery compartment. Any substantial damage will have to be fixed by a professional but you can try cleaning away any corrosion you find.
- Switch between programs or change the settings. How you respond will depend on the model because they’re all different in this way.
- Inspect your hearing aid for wax or debris build up. Gently clear away any debris or wax you may discover.
- Change out your battery or power source, even if your batteries are rechargeable.
- Turn your hearing aid of then back on. This will correct the problem in certain cases.
- Examine your hearing aids for visible signs of damage, such as blemishes or cracks. Your hearing aid might need to be fixed if you find any of this kind of damage.
- Check your own ears. It’s possible that earwax accumulation in your ear canal is interfering with the sound from your hearing aid.
It’s likely that you will need to have the device repaired by a professional if you want it back to peak condition if none of these tips help.
What if Nothing I Try Works?
You will most likely have two options if you’ve tried to troubleshoot your hearing aid and it still won’t work: either send the hearing aids in for service or buy a new pair of hearing aids. Which choice works best for you will vary depending on your situation, how old your hearing aids are, and other variables.
Take the time to troubleshoot your hearing aids if they aren’t working correctly. A conversation with your hearing professional to determine a solution is the next thing you should do if that doesn’t help. Schedule an appointment to find a solution today.