Hearing aids have been shown to benefit your health in surprising ways including boosting cognitive function, minimizing depression, and limiting your chance of falling. Which is why it can be so irritating when these devices fail to function properly. When you start observing buzzing feedback, or when your hearing aids suddenly stop working, quick solutions can make the difference between a pleasant family dinner or a difficult one.
Luckily, there are some practical troubleshooting steps you can take that could alleviate or address some common hearing aid issues. figuring out what’s wrong with your hearing aid as quickly as you will get you back to what’s important all the sooner.
Maybe The Batteries Need to be Changed
One of the most common problems 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 probably means the batteries are the reason for your hearing aid problems.
- Weak sounds: You’re struggling to hear what’s taking place around you and that seems to be occurring more frequently.
- Hearing aids won’t turn on: If your hearing aid doesn’t turn on, or keeps shutting off, there’s a good chance the battery is the primary issue.
- Dull sound quality: Voices sound dull like they are distant or underwater.
Some solutions:
- Make sure you have completely charged batteries. Let your rechargeable batteries charge overnight or at least for several hours.
- Having the correct batteries is essential so make sure you double check that. Putting the wrong kind of battery in your hearing aid can lead to malfunctions. (Sometimes, a battery will seem to be the same size as a different battery so it’s essential that you be careful and check twice.)
- Replace the batteries if your hearing aid is manufactured to allow that. You might need to bring your hearing aid in to a specialist if the battery is sealed inside.
Try to Clean Every Surface
Hearing aids, naturally, spend a lot of time in your ears. And your ears have a lot taking place inside of them. So it’s no surprise that your hearing aids will get a little dirty while helping you hear. Most hearing aid models are designed to deal with a certain amount of earwax accumulation, but it’s a practical idea to have a regular cleaning schedule also. A few problems related to buildup and dirt could include:
- Muffled sound: Earwax and other buildup can make your hearing aid sound like it’s buried underneath something.
- Discomfort: If they feel as though they’re suddenly too big for your ears, it may be because earwax accumulation has begun interfering with the fit. Sometimes, the plastic in the molds will harden and need to be replaced.
- Feedback: It’s possible that earwax buildup can interfere with the feedback canceling functions of your hearing aid, causing you to hear a whistling noise.
Here’s what you do about it:
- Clean your hearing aid lightly in the way that the manufacturer has recommended.
- The tip of your hearing aid can become coated and plugged up by earwax and debris so look for that. The manufacturer will normally supply a cleaning tool which can be employed along with the manufacturer’s cleaning instruction.
- Bringing your hearing aid to a specialist for regular upkeep is an important procedure.
- Check the earwax filter to make sure it’s clean; replace it if necessary.
Try Giving Yourself Some Time
The hearing aid itself isn’t necessarily the problem. When your brain isn’t used to hearing the outside world, it can take a little time to get used to your new hearing aids. As your mind adjust, you may notice that certain sounds are unpleasantly loud (the hum of the refrigerator, for example). And certain consonants often sound louder than the rest of the speech.
As your brain works to catch up, before long, you’ll adjust.
But it’s worthwhile to get help with any issues before too much time goes by. If your hearing aids are uncomfortable or you’re experiencing constant noise issues 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.
