We tend to notice technology the most when it isn’t working. With hearing aids that’s particularly true: Hearing aids are a vital lifeline to the rest of the world for people who wear them not just a piece of technology.
It’s both emotionally and physiologically important to come up with solutions for malfunctioning hearing aids as quickly as possible. Whether you’ve been using your hearing aids for a week, a year, or a decade, troubleshooting can be a high-stakes, troublesome process. But if you want to get your hearing aid working properly again there are some simple steps you can take.
Before Problems Happen Take Preventative Measures
Hearing aids are no exception to the rule, like any other piece of tech, they require regular upkeep. Despite the fact that the casing might look simple and robust, the electronics inside can be extremely sophisticated.
Which means upkeep is essential. As you’re using your hearing aids, there are a few things you can do that will make taking care of them simpler.
Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
Every day, a certain amount of wax is normally and naturally generated by your ears. And, the ear wax is, to a certain degree good for your ears. But it’s not so good for your hearing aids. Keeping your hearing aids clear and clean of wax can help improve the longevity of the devices. The fact is that most hearing aids will have a built-in wax filter 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, consistent subjection to moisture can eventually wear out the internal electronics of your hearing aids, decreasing their performance.
This Means wearing your hearing aids in the pool or shower is not a good idea. Also, towel dry your hearing aids if they get wet. Don’t use a hair dryer because it can harm them.
Schedule Time With Professional Cleaners
Hearing aids require specialized cleaning as they are delicate, expensive technology. Even if you’re fairly thorough about your own cleaning habits, there are just some things that can be better achieved by a specialized cleaner.
That’s why it’s recommended you take your hearing aids in to be cleaned every 4-6 months.
How to Diagnose Existing Problems
Protective steps are important if your hearing aids are currently working correctly. But if you’re having issues, 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 properly:
- Inspect your hearing aid for debris or wax build up. If you discover any wax buildup or debris, clear them away.
- Adjust the volume. There will be either a volume dial on the hearing aid or a remote you can use to do this. Try both if you have the option with your hearing aid.
- Check for corrosion or loose wiring inside the battery compartment. Any extensive damage will have to be repaired by a professional but you can try cleaning away any corrosion you discover.
- Check your own ears. Sound from your hearing aid might be blocked by earwax buildup.
- Replace your power source or battery, even if your batteries are rechargeable.
- Cycle the device power (turn it off and turn it back on). This will fix the issue in certain cases.
- Examine your hearing aids for blemishes, cracks or other noticeable signs of damage. Such damage could indicate the hearing aid needs to be repaired.
- Change the settings or toggle between programs. Many hearing aids are different in this respect, so your plan of action will depend on the model you’re using.
If none of these tips address your hearing aid issues, it’s likely that you’ll have to get the device fixed professionally in order to return it to peak operating condition.
What if Nothing I Try Works?
You will likely have two choices if you’ve tried troubleshooting your hearing aid and it still won’t work: either send the hearing aids in for service or purchase a new pair of hearing aids. The age of your hearing aids, your personal situation, and other variables will establish which choice will work best for you.
If your hearing aids aren’t working properly right now, take the time to try some troubleshooting. If that doesn’t work, you can go on to the next steps, including a discussion with your hearing specialist to determine a remedy. To find a solution schedule an appointment today.