Reducing your chance of depression, decreasing your risk of falling, and increasing cognitive ability are some of the unsuspected health benefits that have been shown to come from using hearing aids. Which is why when these devices seem like they malfunction, it’s so frustrating. When you begin observing buzzing feedback, or when your hearing aids abruptly go silent, expedient solutions can be the difference between a pleasant family dinner or a miserable one.
Fortunately, some of the most fundamental hearing aid issues can be reduced with a few basic troubleshooting steps. figuring out what’s wrong with your hearing aid as quickly as you will can you back to what’s important all the sooner.
Try Changing The Batteries
A low battery is one of the most prevalent issues with hearing aids. Many hearing aids have rechargeable batteries. Changeable batteries are standard on other hearing aids. Here are some of the symptoms that might lead you to believe the batteries are the bad guy when your device goes on the fritz:
- Weak sounds: You feel like you are constantly straining to hear what’s happening around you.
- Hearing aids won’t turn on: If your hearing aid won’t turn on, or won’t stay on, there’s a good possibility the battery is the principal problem.
- Dull sound quality: It seems as if someone is talking to you underwater or from the other side of the room.
Some solutions:
- Verify that the batteries are 100 % charged. Let your rechargeable batteries charge overnight or for at least a few hours.
- Check twice to make certain the right batteries are installed. Putting the wrong kind of battery in your hearing aid can result in malfunctions. (In some cases, the wrong kind of battery can be purchased in the correct size, so double-checking is crucial.)
- If you have replaceable batteries, swap them out on a regular basis. In certain situations, rechargeable batteries are sealed into the device, and if that’s the case, you might need to bring the hearing aid to a professional.
Every Surface Should be Cleaned
Hearing aids, obviously, 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 it’s no surprise that your hearing aids can get a little dirty while helping you hear. Despite the fact that hearing aids are designed to cope with some earwax, it’s a good idea to have them cleaned once in a while. A few issues connected to buildup and dirt could include:
- Feedback: The feedback canceling function on your hearing aid can be disrupted by earwax buildup causing a whistling sound.
- Muffled sound: If your hearing aid sounds like it’s hiding behind something, it might just be. There could be earwax or other accumulation getting in the way.
- Discomfort: Earwax can buildup to the point where the fit of your hearing aid becomes a little tight. The plastic will occasionally need to be replaced if it begins to harden.
Here’s what you do about it:
- Double-check the tip of the hearing aid to make sure it’s not covered or clogged by debris or earwax. Clean with your cleaning tool or as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Clean your hearing aid lightly in the way that the manufacturer has directed.
- Bringing your hearing aid to a professional for routine upkeep is an important procedure.
- Examine the earwax filter to make sure it’s clean; replace it if necessary.
You May Just Need Some Time
The hearing aid itself isn’t always the issue. When your brain isn’t used to hearing the outside world, it can take a little bit of time to get used to your new hearing aids. As your mind adapts, you might notice that some sounds are unpleasantly loud (the hum of the refrigerator, for instance). You may also detect that certain consonant sounds might seem overly pronounced.
As your brain works to catch up, over time, you’ll adapt.
Even so, it’s worthwhile not to let too much time go by, with any issue, before seeking help. Your hearing aids should make your life more enjoyable, so if things aren’t working the way they should be, or your hearing aids are uncomfortable, give us a call, we can help.
