When technology quits working correctly, that’s when we tend to notice it most. With hearing aids that’s particularly true: To most people who wear them, hearing aids are more than a piece of technology; they’re a critical lifeline to the rest of society.
It’s both emotionally and physiologically essential to discover solutions for malfunctioning hearing aids as quickly as possible. Troubleshooting can be a frustrating, 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 properly 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 tech, they need routine maintenance. Although the casing might appear simple and robust, the electronics inside can be extremely sophisticated.
Which means upkeep is a must. There are a few straight forward ways you can make certain to take care of your hearing aids while you’re wearing them.
Keeping Your Hearing Aids Clean is a Must
Your ears naturally and normally generate a certain amount of wax each day. And, the ear wax is, to a certain extent helpful for your ears. But your hearing aids can be damaged by it. Keeping your hearing aids clean and clear of wax buildup can improve the longevity of the devices. The fact is that a built-in wax filter comes with most hearing aids that should also be cleaned periodically.
Don’t Allow Your Hearing Aids Get Wet
Moisture and electronics don’t mix well. And despite the best protection technology can build, consistent exposure to moisture can gradually wear out the internal electronics of your hearing aids, reducing their effectiveness.
This means that you shouldn’t use your hearing aids in the shower or while in the pool. Additionally, if your hearing aids do get wet, towel-dry them; heat from a hairdryer, for example, can damage your hearing aids.
Schedule Time With Professional Cleaners
Hearing aids are delicate (and commonly expensive) technology, and as such, they need specialized cleaning practices. Even if you’re fairly rigorous about your own cleaning habits, there are just some things that can be better accomplished by a specialized cleaner.
Every 4-6 months is the recommended time between cleanings.
How to Troubleshoot Existing Issues
Protective steps are essential if your hearing aids are currently functioning properly. You’re probably 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:
- Toggle between programs or adjust the settings. How you respond will depend on the model because each one is different in this respect.
- Examine your hearing aids for blemishes, cracks or other noticeable signs of damage. Your hearing aid may need to be fixed if you notice any of this kind of damage.
- Adjust the volume. There will either be a volume wheel on the hearing aid or a remote you can use to do this. If your hearing aid has both options, try both ways.
- Turn your hearing aid of then back on. This will correct the problem in some cases.
- Inspect your hearing aid for wax or debris build up. If you discover any wax buildup or debris, clean them away.
- Inspect the battery compartment. Look for corrosion or loose wiring. Any substantial damage will need to be fixed by a professional but you can try cleaning away any corrosion you find.
- Check your own ears. Sound from your hearing aid might be blocked by earwax buildup.
- Replace your battery or power source, even if your batteries are rechargeable.
It’s likely that you will have to get the device repaired professionally if you want it back to peak condition if none of these tips work.
What if That Doesn’t Help My Hearing Aids?
When your hearing aids aren’t functioning properly anymore and troubleshooting has not taken care of the issue, you will likely have two choices: either send the hearing aids in for repair or purchase a new set of hearing aids. Which choice works best for you will vary depending on your circumstances, how old your hearing aids are, and other variables.
If your hearing aids aren’t functioning well right now, take the time to do some troubleshooting. If that doesn’t help, 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.