You go out of your way to make sure your hearing aids are well cared for. When you go to bed, you always put them comfortably on the charger and you clean them every day.
But you get pretty distressed when your hearing aids suddenly stop working the way they used to. There are several things you can do to troubleshoot the problem, thankfully. Not doing any additional damage is your top priority so you won’t need to replace them.
Troubleshooting your hearing aid
Naturally, when you first got your nice new hearing aids, you made a point of storing the owner’s manual in a safe place. You’ll want to get it out so you can utilize it for troubleshooting and, potentially, maintenance. Following your owner’s manual is crucial because every model of hearing aid is different.
Here are some things you can check on most models:
- Keep your microphone clear: Check your hearing aid to find out if anything is blocking the microphone. An obstructed microphone can cause feedback or can cause your hearing aids to sound broken or silent.
- Check your battery: You’ll still want to check the battery power even if you had your hearing aids on the charger overnight. It might be a good idea to check if you might need new batteries or if the old ones are properly inserted, especially if your batteries are replaceable.
- Wax buildup: Do a visual check of your hearing aid to make sure that there is no wax accumulation interfering with standard operation. Wax can accumulate quickly even if you clean your hearing aids regularly so make it a point to double check.
- Check for visible damage: Do you observe any visible cracks or loose components around the shell of your hearing aid? If you discover cracks, it could suggest that moisture is getting in and there may be more extensive damage.
Again, check with your owner’s manual on how you should address each of these issues. Self-maintenance is sometimes possible.
When does my hearing aid need repair?
If your hearing aid keeps malfunctioning after you’ve performed basic upkeep and troubleshooting, it’s likely that your hearing aid will have to be professionally repaired. That may not always sound desirable, after all, you rely on your hearing aid for day-to-day communication (not to mention dinners with your family, staying up to date with your favorite Netflix series, and so on).
It’s certainly worth taking note that “repair” doesn’t necessarily mean “mail your hearing aids in for service and wait several weeks”. In some instances, we can repair your hearing aid in office while you wait.
Or, you’ll be able to bring your hearing aids in for professional help and get them back in a matter of a few hours (this, of course, depends on the extent of the damage, all the more reason to bring your devices in for repair as soon as you can).
There are still some instances where such rapid repair is not possible. And in those situations, you may find yourself in need of a backup set of hearing aids. So if you’ve got an old pair lying around, ask whether they will serve on a temporary basis. We may even be able to loan you a pair while you are waiting.
Don’t wait to get help with your hearing aids
If the sound quality is starting to falter, it’s essential to get your hearing aids assessed and repaired.
You’ll want to avoid any downtime. Neglected hearing loss can affect your overall health, including your mental health. And it becomes all too easy to leave your hearing aids laying in a drawer somewhere while your hearing continues to deteriorate.
Keeping those hearing aids in excellent working order is the key to keeping your hearing healthy. Keeping them charged, clean, and when necessary, professionally repaired is the best way to do that.