Lowering your chance of depression, minimizing your risk of falling, and increasing cognitive ability are some of the surprising health advantages that have been shown to come from using hearing aids. Which is why it can be so frustrating when these devices have malfunctions. The difference between a pleasant dinner with family or a terrible time can be made by finding a fast solution when your hearing aid starts screeching with feedback or goes silent altogether.
Luckily, there are some basic troubleshooting measures you can take which could ease or manage some typical hearing aid issues. The faster you figure out what’s going on with your hearing aid, the sooner you can go back to what’s important.
Try Changing The Batteries
One of the most common issues with hearing aids is a low battery. Rechargeable batteries come standard with some hearing aid models. Replaceable batteries are standard on other models. If you’re going through any of these symptoms, it most likely means the batteries are to blame for your hearing aid problems.
- Hearing aids won’t turn on: There’s a good chance that your battery is to blame if your hearing aid keeps shutting itself off or won’t turn on at all.
- Weak sounds: You’re battling to hear what’s happening around you and that seems to be occurring more frequently.
- Dull sound quality: It seems like someone is talking to you underwater or from the other side of the room.
Here’s what you do about it:
- Replace the batteries if your hearing aid is manufactured to allow that. In certain situations, rechargeable batteries are sealed into the device, and if that’s the case, you might have to bring the hearing aid to a professional.
- Make certain you have completely charged batteries. If your hearing aid is equipped with rechargeable batteries, let them charge for a few hours or overnight.
- Double-check to make sure the correct batteries are used. Your hearing aid can be damaged by the incorrect battery. (At times, the wrong type of battery can be purchased in the right size, so double-checking is essential.)
Try to Clean Every Surface
Hearing aids, naturally, spend a lot of time in your ears. And there’s a lot going on in there (your ears are like party rooms, only more hygienic). So in the process of helping you hear, it’s not surprising that your hearing aid can get a little dirty. Despite the fact that hearing aids are made to deal with some earwax, it’s a good idea to have them cleaned once in a while. A few issues linked to buildup and dirt might include:
- Discomfort: If they feel as if they’re suddenly too big for your ears, it could be because earwax buildup has started interfering with the fit. The plastic will occasionally need to be replaced if it starts to harden.
- Feedback: It’s possible that earwax buildup can obstruct the feedback canceling functions of your hearing aid, causing you to hear a whining noise.
- Muffled sound: If your hearing aid sounds like it’s hiding behind something, it might just be. There may be earwax or other buildup getting in the way.
Some solutions:
- The tip of your hearing aid can become covered and plugged up by earwax and debris so look for that. Clean with your cleaning tool or as advised by the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Make sure you are sending your hearing aids to a professional for routine cleaning and maintenance.
- Lightly clean your hearing aids, as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Maintain the filter by checking it and, if needed, replacing it.
You May Just Need a Little Time
Sometimes, the problem isn’t an issue with the hearing aid. When you first put in your hearing aids, your brain has to get used to hearing the world again. Specific sounds (the buzzing of an air conditioner, for example) might initially come across as unpleasantly loud. You might also detect that particular consonant sounds may seem overly pronounced.
As your brain works to catch up, over time, you’ll adjust.
However, it’s important not to let too much time go by, with any problem, before seeking help. If your hearing aids are uncomfortable or you’re getting continuous noise problems or things don’t seem to be working exactly the way they ought to be, we can help get you back on track and make sure you’re enjoying, not enduring, your hearing aids.