Difficulty hearing? Here’s how to know if your hearing aids need maintenance.
You take good care of your hearing aids. You baby them. Cleaning them on a daily basis, you make sure they are snug on their charger when you go to sleep.
But you can’t understand why your hearing aids aren’t functioning effectively and it’s very frustrating. Luckily, troubleshooting the problem is fairly simple. Keep in mind: preventing damage is your first task (or else replacing them may be necessary).
Troubleshooting Your Hearing Aid
Every model of hearing aid is different so make use of your owner manual for troubleshooting and maintenance. Here are some things you can check on most models:
- Look for noticeable damage: Check if there are any noticeable loose components or cracks around the shell of your hearing aid. Cracks could let moisture in and may be an indicator of further damage.
- Wax accumulation: Inspect for wax accumulation which could be impeding the standard operation of your hearing aids. Wax accumulates rapidly so even if you have a routine cleaning schedule you still need to check for this.
- Examine your battery: Always check your battery power even if you’re sure your hearing aid charged all night. If your hearing aid has replaceable batteries, it may be a good idea to check if those batteries are in correctly or if a new one fixes the issue.
- Keep your microphone clear: Check for anything obstructing the microphone of your hearing aid. An obstructed microphone can create feedback or can cause your hearing aids to sound broken or silent.
Again, consult your owner’s manual on how you should tackle each of these issues. In certain cases, you may be capable of performing maintenance yourself. (But, once again, read the instructions.)
Does my Hearing Aid require servicing – How Can I Tell?
If your hearing aid continues to malfunction after you have carried out basic maintenance and troubleshooting, it’s likely that your hearing aid will require professional repair. That may not always sound appealing, let’s be honest, you depend on your hearing aid for everyday communication (not to mention dinners with your family, staying current with your favorite Netflix shows, etc).
However, it’s worth pointing out that “repair” doesn’t always mean you need to “mail your hearing aids in” for service and wait a number of weeks. There are some circumstances where it can be fixed in shop while you wait.
So in those situations, you will be able to get your hearing aid back before the day’s end (this, of course, depends on the magnitude of the damage, which is all the more reason to bring it in for repair as soon as possible).
Not all cases can be addressed in house though. A backup pair may be required in those situations. An old pair may be able to do an adequate job as a backup so bring them in with you if you have a pair. We may even have some we can loan you while you wait.
Get Assistance With Your Hearing Aids As Soon as Possible
If the hearing aids are beginning to fade, the sound quality is beginning to falter, it’s essential to have it repaired.
That’s because you hope to eliminate any downtime. Your general health and your mental health are affected by untreated hearing loss. An even more serious concern is that your hearing will diminish as your hearing aids sit ignored in a drawer.
Your best chance of getting the maximum help from your hearing aids is to keep them functioning at their highest quality. Keeping them clean and charged and if necessary, bringing them in for service is the easiest way to do that.
