When technology quits working properly, that’s when we tend to notice it most. That’s particularly true with hearing aids: To most people who wear them, hearing aids are more than just a piece of technology; they’re a vital lifeline to the rest of society.
So discovering solutions for a malfunctioning hearing aid, and discovering those solutions as quickly as possible, is important for both physiological and emotional reasons. Troubleshooting can be a difficult, risky process whether you’ve been using 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. Although the casing might look simple and robust, the electronics inside can be amazingly sophisticated.
As a result of this you have to keep them well maintained. As you’re wearing your hearing aids, there are a few things you can do that will make taking care of them simpler.
Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
Your ears naturally and normally produce a certain amount of wax every day. And, the ear wax is, to a certain extent good for your ears. But your hearing aids can be damaged by it. 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 standard with most hearing aids that should also be periodically cleaned.
Don’t Allow Your Hearing Aids Get Wet
Electronics and moisture don’t do well together. The effectiveness of your hearing aids can be compromised, despite the best protection technology available, if it is continually exposed to moisture.
This Means using your hearing aids in the pool or shower is not a good idea. Additionally, 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 an Appointment With Professional Cleaners
Hearing aids need specialized cleaning as they are delicate, expensive technology. A specialized cleaner can better accomplish certain things that you can’t, even if you’re fairly rigorous about your cleaning habits.
Every 4-6 months is the recommended time between cleanings.
Troubleshooting Difficulties That Are Already Occurring
Preventative steps are important if your hearing aids are currently working correctly. You’re most likely more interested in quick fixes if your having problems with your hearing aids not working anymore.
Try one of the following steps if your hearing aids aren’t functioning correctly:
- Examine your hearing aids for visible signs of damage, such as cracks or blemishes. Your hearing aid may need to be fixed if you notice any of this kind of damage.
- Check your own ears. Sound from your hearing aid might be blocked by earwax buildup.
- Adjust the volume. There will be either a volume wheel on the hearing aid or a remote you can use to do this. Try both if you have both features with your hearing aid.
- Adjust the settings or toggle between programs. How you respond will depend on the model because each one is different in this respect.
- Change out your battery or power source, even if your batteries are rechargeable.
- Inspect your hearing aid for wax or debris accumulate. If you notice any wax buildup or debris, clean them away.
- Turn your hearing aid of then back on. This will fix the problem in some cases.
- Inspect the battery compartment. Look for corrosion or loose wiring. Any substantial damage will have to be repaired by a professional but you can attempt to clean away any corrosion you find.
It’s likely that you will have to have the device repaired by a professional if you want it back to original performance if none of these tips help.
What if That Doesn’t Fix My Hearing Aids?
You will likely have two choices if you’ve tried troubleshooting your hearing aid and it still doesn’t work: you either need to purchase a new pair or send them in for service. The age of your hearing aids, your personal situation, and other factors will establish which choice will work best for you.
Take the time to troubleshoot your hearing aids if they aren’t working properly. If that doesn’t work, you can go on to the next steps, such as a discussion with your hearing specialist to determine a remedy. Make an appointment to find a solution today.
