A Practical Guide to Hearing Aid Repairs

Hearing aid repairs are a necessary part of using devices. Hearing aids are intricate and have many small parts and wires, any of which can get damaged. There are some minor repairs you can make yourself, but it is highly recommended that you schedule an audiologist visit.

The Most Common Hearing Aid Repairs

Hearing aids can get damaged in many ways, and long-term wear can cause some issues. While they are pretty reliable, there are some common issues to be repaired, like:

• Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids need hooks to stay in place, and these can get damaged.
• The microphones are delicate and are easily damaged with water or dropping.
• The tubing in BTE devices can harden, crack and stretch, causing damage.
• The wiring in hearing aids can become damaged by moisture and wax.
• Battery problems are the most common, and they might need replacing.

Because of the delicate nature of hearing aids, it is advised that you schedule an appointment with an audiologist for any repairs greater than replacing batteries.

Troubleshooting Hearing Aids

It isn’t always necessary to repair a hearing aid, and there might be something you can do. Before seeing an audiologist, you can make some small checks to determine the issue first:

• Make sure the device is switched on.
• Turn the volume up and down to check that it is working correctly.
• Ensure the batteries are either fully charged or have been recently replaced.
• Check the tubing isn’t damaged if you use a BTE hearing aid.

These small steps might seem a little obvious, but they are often the case when people experience hearing aid issues. If these steps do not work, there may be an underlying issue with your hearing aids. If so, contact your audiologist.

Storage and Cleaning

Your ears can be waxy and moist. As a result, residue can buildup in your hearing devices and damage the parts inside. Cleaning them becomes a necessary part of looking after them, and each type of device, whether in the canal (ITC) behind the ear or in the ear (ITE), requires different ways of doing so. Earmolds can be cleaned with damp cloths, and soapy water is fine for tubing. It is also vital that you store your hearing aids in a dry and clean space, like a plastic box, when you aren’t wearing them.

Common Issues for Repair

There are numerous common issues that require your devices to be checked by a professional. Always schedule an appointment if you have problems with a device, even if they seem minor.

The Sound Isn’t Coming Through Clearly

Check for blockages, wax and water damage first. If that doesn’t work, check the volume settings and the program. It may be a case of changing the settings on the device itself.

If you want to learn more about hearing aid repairs or more about hearing aids, contact an audiologist. They will discuss any issues you are having with your hearing aids and provide you with an optimal solution.