When technology stops working correctly, that’s when we tend to notice it the most. That’s especially true with hearing aids: Hearing aids are a vital lifeline to the rest of society for people who wear them not just a piece of technology.
So discovering solutions for a malfunctioning hearing aid, and discovering those solutions quickly, is vital 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, frustrating process. But if you want to get your hearing aid working properly again there are some simple measures you can take.
Before Trouble Occurs Take Preventative Measures
Any complex piece of technology requires upkeep, and hearing aids are no exception. Although the casing might look simple and robust, the electronics inside can be extremely sophisticated.
Which means maintenance is essential. As you’re wearing your hearing aids, there are a few things you can do that will make taking care of them easier.
Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
Your ears normally and naturally produce a certain amount of wax every day. And, to a certain extent, that earwax is helpful for your ears. But it’s not so good for your hearing aids. To help improve the longevity of your device keep your hearing aids free and clear of wax. The fact is that 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 do well together. And despite the best protection technology can build, repeated subjection to moisture can gradually wear down the internal electronics of your hearing aids, diminishing their effectiveness.
This Means wearing your hearing aids in the shower or while swimming is not a good idea. In addition, if your hearing aids do get wet, dry them with a towel; heat from a hairdryer, for instance, can hurt your hearing aids.
Schedule Time With Professional Cleaners
Hearing aids require specialized cleaning since they are delicate, expensive technology. Even if you’re pretty thorough about your own cleaning routines, there are just some things that can be better achieved by a specialized cleaner.
That’s why it’s suggested that you take your hearing aids in to be cleaned every 4-6 months.
How to Troubleshoot Existing Issues
Even if your hearing aids are presently working, you will still need to take preventative steps. But if you’re experiencing problems, if your hearing aids aren’t working properly anymore, you’re most likely more interested in some quick fixes.
Try one of the following steps if your hearing aids aren’t working correctly:
- Adjust the volume. There will be either a volume wheel on the hearing aid or a remote you can use for this. If your hearing aid has both options, try both ways.
- Inspect your hearing aid for debris or wax accumulate. Carefully wipe away any debris or wax you might find.
- Examine your hearing aids for obvious signs of damage, such as cracks or blemishes. Such damage could mean the hearing aid needs to be repaired.
- Cycle the device power (turn it off and turn it back on). This will correct the issue in certain cases.
- Toggle between programs or change the settings. How you deal with it will depend on the model because each one is different in this regard.
- Even if your batteries are rechargeable they will periodically need to be changed out.
- Examine your own ears. Sound from your hearing aid could be blocked by earwax buildup.
- Look inside the battery compartment. Look for corrosion or loose wiring. If you see any corrosion, you can try carefully cleaning it away, but significant damage will need to be repaired professionally.
It’s likely that you will need to get the device fixed professionally if you want it back to peak performance if none of these options work.
What if That Doesn’t Fix My Hearing Aids?
You will most likely have two choices if you’ve tried troubleshooting your hearing aid and it still won’t work: you either need to purchase a new set or send them in for repair. The age of your hearing aids, your personal circumstances, and other variables will determine which option 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, including a discussion with your hearing specialist to find a solution. Make an appointment to find a solution today.