When technology quits working properly, that’s when we tend to notice it most. That’s especially true with hearing aids: Hearing aids are a critical lifeline to the rest of society for people who use them not just a piece of technology.
So identifying solutions for a malfunctioning hearing aid, and finding those solutions as quickly as possible, is vital for both physiological and emotional reasons. Troubleshooting can be a difficult, 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.
Avoiding Trouble Before it Occurs
Hearing aids are no exception to the rule, like any other piece of technology, they require routine maintenance. Despite the fact that the casing might appear simple and robust, the electronics inside can be extremely sophisticated.
Which means upkeep is essential. There are some easy ways you can make certain that your hearing aid is taken care of while you’re using them.
Keeping Your Hearing Aids Clean is a Must
Each day, a certain amount of wax is normally and naturally produced by your ears. And, to some degree, that earwax is helpful for your ears. But it’s not so good for your hearing aids. Keeping your hearing aids clean and clear of wax buildup can help the longevity of the devices. The fact is that most hearing aids will have a built-in wax filter that should also be cleaned periodically.
Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry
Moisture and electronics don’t go well together. And in spite of the best protection technology can build, repeated exposure to moisture can eventually wear down the internal electronics of your hearing aids, compromising their effectiveness.
This means that you shouldn’t wear your hearing aids in the shower or while swimming. In addition, if your hearing aids do become wet, dry them with a towel; heat from a hairdryer, as an example, can hurt your hearing aids.
Schedule Time With Professional Cleaners
Hearing aids are delicate (and commonly expensive) technology, and as such, they call for specialized cleaning procedures. A specialized cleaner can better accomplish certain things that you can’t, even if you’re fairly rigorous about your cleaning routines.
That’s why it’s suggested that you bring your hearing aids in to be cleaned every 4-6 months.
How to Diagnose Existing Problems
Even if your hearing aids are currently working, you will still need to take preventative steps. 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 working correctly, try one of the following steps:
- Adjust the volume. This can be done with a remote or manually via the dial on the hearing aid. If your hearing aid has both options, try doing both.
- Examine your own ears. Sound from your hearing aid could be blocked by earwax buildup.
- Turn your hearing aid of then back on. This will correct the issue in certain cases.
- Inspect your hearing aid for debris or wax build up. If you find any wax buildup or debris, clear them away.
- Inspect the battery compartment. Look for corrosion or loose wiring. Any extensive damage will need to be fixed by a professional but you can attempt to clean away any corrosion you find.
- Inspect your hearing aids for blemishes, cracks or other obvious signs of damage. Your hearing aid might need to be repaired if you find any of this type of damage.
- Even if your batteries are rechargeable they will occasionally need to be changed out.
- Toggle between programs or adjust the settings. How you deal with it will depend on the model because each one is different in this way.
It’s likely that you will need to have the device fixed professionally if you want it back to original performance if none of these steps help.
What if Nothing I Try Works?
When your hearing aids aren’t working well anymore and troubleshooting has not resolved the problem, you will most likely have two options: either send the hearing aids in for service or purchase a new pair of hearing aids. The age of your hearing aids, your personal circumstances, and other variables will determine which choice will work best for you.
If your hearing aids aren’t working well right now, take the time to try some troubleshooting. If that doesn’t help, you can move on to the next steps, such as a conversation with a hearing specialist to determine a solution. Make an appointment to find a solution today.
