We usually only notice technology the most when it stops working. That’s particularly true with hearing aids: To most people who wear them, hearing aids are more than just a piece of technology; they’re a critical lifeline to the rest of the world.
So identifying solutions for a malfunctioning hearing aid, and finding those solutions quickly, is crucial for both physiological and emotional reasons. Troubleshooting can be a difficult, risky process whether you’ve been wearing them for a week, a year, or decades. But there are some reasonably easy strategies you can try to get your hearing aid working properly again.
Preventing Problems Before They Occurs
Any advanced piece of technology needs upkeep, and hearing aids are no exception. Although the casing might look simple and robust, the electronics inside can be extremely sophisticated.
So this means upkeep is essential. There are a few simple ways you can make certain to take care of your hearing aids while you’re wearing them.
Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
Every day, a certain amount of wax is normally and naturally created by your ears. And, to some degree, that earwax is helpful for your ears. But it’s not so great for your hearing aids. Keeping your hearing aids clear and clean of wax buildup can help the longevity of the devices. In fact, most hearing aids will come with a built-in wax filter that should also be cleaned periodically.
Moisture is The Enemy of Hearing Aids
Electronics and moisture don’t mix. The performance of your hearing aids can be jeopardized, in spite of the best protection technology available, if it is routinely exposed to moisture.
This means that you shouldn’t use your hearing aids in the shower or while swimming. Also, towel dry your hearing aids if they get wet. Don’t use a hair dryer because it can damage them.
Make an Appointment With Professional Cleaners
Hearing aids are delicate (and commonly expensive) technology, and as such, they need specialized cleaning practices. A specialized cleaner can better achieve certain things that you can’t, even if you’re fairly thorough about your cleaning habits.
That’s why it’s recommended you take your hearing aids in to be cleaned every 4-6 months.
How to Diagnose Existing Problems
Even if your hearing aids are currently working, you will still need to take preventative steps. You’re most likely more interested in quick fixes if your experiencing problems with your hearing aids not working anymore.
If your hearing aids aren’t functioning properly, try one of the following steps:
- Inspect your hearing aids for blemishes, cracks or other noticeable signs of damage. Such damage could indicate the hearing aid needs repairs.
- Check your own ears. It’s possible that earwax buildup in your ear canal is interfering with the sound from your hearing aid.
- Turn your hearing aid of then back on. In certain cases, this will correct the problem.
- Check your hearing aid for debris or wax build up. If you discover any wax accumulation or debris, clean them away.
- Even if your batteries are rechargeable they will periodically need to be replaced.
- Change the settings or switch between programs. Many hearing aids are different in this respect, so your plan of action will depend on the model you’re using.
- Inspect the battery compartment. Look for corrosion or loose wiring. If you discover corrosion, you can attempt to carefully clean it away, but significant damage will have to be fixed professionally.
- 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.
If none of these tips address your hearing aid issues, you will probably have to have the device fixed professionally in order to return it to peak functional condition.
What if Nothing I Try Helps?
You will likely have two options if you’ve tried to troubleshoot 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 circumstances, and other variables will establish which option will work best for you.
Take the time to troubleshoot your hearing aids if they aren’t working properly. If that doesn’t help, you can move on to the next steps, including a conversation with a hearing specialist to determine a solution. To find a solution schedule an appointment right away.