We tend to notice technology the most when it isn’t working. With hearing aids that’s especially true: To most people who use them, hearing aids are more than a piece of technology; they’re a crucial lifeline to the rest of society.
So identifying solutions for a malfunctioning hearing aid, and discovering those solutions as quickly as possible, is vital for both physiological and emotional reasons. Whether you’ve been wearing your hearing aids for a week, a year, or decades, troubleshooting can be a high-stakes, troublesome process. But there are some reasonably easy measures you can try to get your hearing aid working correctly again.
Preventing Problems Before They Occurs
Any advanced piece of technology needs maintenance, and hearing aids are no exception. Despite the fact that the casing might look simple and robust, the electronics inside can be extremely sophisticated.
Because of this you have to keep them well maintained. There are a few easy ways you can make sure that your hearing aid is taken care of as you’re wearing them.
Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
Every day, a certain amount of wax is naturally and normally produced 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 buildup can help the longevity of the devices. The fact is that a built-in wax filter comes standard with most hearing aids that should also be cleaned periodically.
Moisture is The Enemy of Hearing Aids
Moisture and electronics don’t go well together. The performance of your hearing aids can be compromised, in spite of the best protection technology available, if it is routinely exposed to moisture.
This Means wearing your hearing aids in the shower or while swimming is a bad idea. Additionally, if your hearing aids do become wet, towel-dry them; heat from a hairdryer, for example, can damage your hearing aids.
Make an Appointment With Professional Cleaners
Hearing aids require specialized cleaning as they are delicate, expensive technology. Even if you’re fairly rigorous about your own cleaning habits, there are just some things that can be better achieved by a specialized cleaner.
Every 4-6 months is the suggested time between cleanings.
How to Troubleshoot Existing Issues
Even if your hearing aids are presently working, you will still be required to take protective steps. But if you’re having issues, if your hearing aids aren’t working well 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 the battery compartment. Look for corrosion or loose wiring. Any significant damage will need to be repaired by a professional but you can try cleaning away any corrosion you find.
- Reboot the device (turn it off and turn it back on). This will correct the problem in certain cases.
- Inspect your hearing aid for wax or debris build up. If you discover any wax buildup or debris, clean them away.
- Adjust the volume. There will be either a volume wheel on the hearing aid or a remote you can use to do this. If your hearing aid has both options, try doing both.
- Inspect your hearing aids for blemishes, cracks or other noticeable signs of damage. Your hearing aid may need to be fixed if you find any of this type of damage.
- Even if your batteries are rechargeable they will periodically need to be changed out.
- Switch between programs or adjust the settings. Many hearing aids are different in this regard, so your course of action will depend on the model you have.
- Check your own ears. Sound from your hearing aid might be blocked by earwax buildup.
It’s likely that you will need to have the device repaired professionally if you want it back to peak condition if none of these options work.
What if That Doesn’t Help My Hearing Aids?
You will likely have two choices if you’ve tried troubleshooting your hearing aid and it still won’t work: you either have to get a new pair or send them in for repair. The age of your hearing aids, your personal circumstances, and other variables will determine which option will work best for you.
If your hearing aids aren’t functioning properly right now, take the time to do some troubleshooting. If that doesn’t work, you can move on to the next steps, such as a discussion with a hearing specialist to determine a solution. Schedule an appointment to find a solution today.