When technology stops working correctly, that’s when we tend to notice it the most. With hearing aids that’s particularly true: Hearing aids are an essential 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 discover solutions for broken hearing aids as quickly as possible. Troubleshooting can be a difficult, risky process whether you’ve been wearing them for a week, a year, or decades. But if you want to get your hearing aid working properly again there are some simple measures you can take.
Avoiding Problems Before They Occurs
Hearing aids are no exception to the rule, like any other piece of tech, they require regular upkeep. Despite the fact that the casing may appear simple and robust, the electronics inside can be amazingly sophisticated.
As a result of this you have to keep them well maintained. While you’re wearing your hearing aids, there are some things you can do that will make taking care of them simpler.
Keeping Your Hearing Aids Clean is a Must
Each day, a certain amount of wax is naturally and normally produced by your ears. 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. In fact, most hearing aids will come with 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 produce, repeated exposure to moisture can gradually wear out the internal electronics of your hearing aids, reducing their performance.
This Means wearing your hearing aids in the shower or while swimming is not a good idea. Also, towel dry your hearing aids if they get wet. Don’t use a hair dryer because it can damage them.
Schedule Time 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 routines.
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 need to take preventative steps. But if you’re having problems, if your hearing aids aren’t working properly anymore, you’re most likely more interested in some quick fixes.
If your hearing aids aren’t working correctly, try one of the following steps:
- Change the settings or toggle between programs. Many hearing aids are different in this respect, so your course of action will depend on the model you’re using.
- Inspect your hearing aids for blemishes, cracks or other noticeable signs of damage. Such damage could mean the hearing aid needs to be repaired.
- Check your own ears. Sound from your hearing aid could be blocked by earwax buildup.
- Adjust the volume. Sometimes you can do this with a remote or manually with the wheel on the hearing aid. Try to do both if you have both features with your hearing aid.
- Replace your battery or power source, even if your batteries are rechargeable.
- Look inside the battery compartment. Look for corrosion or loose wiring. Any extensive damage will need to be fixed by a professional but you can attempt to clean away any corrosion you discover.
- Turn your hearing aid of then back on. This will fix the issue in certain cases.
- Check your hearing aid for wax or debris accumulate. Gently clear away any wax or debris you might find.
If none of these steps address your hearing aid issues, it’s likely that you’ll have to have the device repaired professionally in order to return it to peak operating condition.
What if Nothing I Try Helps?
You will most likely have two choices if you’ve tried troubleshooting your hearing aid and it still doesn’t work: you either need to get a new pair or send them in for repair. The age of your hearing aids, your personal situation, and other factors will establish which option will work best for you.
If your hearing aids aren’t functioning well right now, take the time to do some troubleshooting. A conversation with your hearing professional to find a solution is the next thing you should do if that doesn’t work. Schedule an appointment to find a solution today.