Try This if You Are Having Problems With Your Hearing Aids

We usually only notice technology the most when it stops working. That’s particularly true with hearing aids: Hearing aids are a crucial lifeline to the rest of the world for people who wear them not just a piece of technology.

So finding solutions for a malfunctioning hearing aid, and finding those solutions as quickly as possible, is important 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 risky, frustrating process. But there are some relatively easy steps you can try to get your hearing aid working correctly again.

Before Trouble Occurs Take Protective Measures

Any complex piece of technology needs upkeep, and hearing aids are no different. Even though the casing may look simple and robust, the electronics inside can be amazingly sophisticated.

So this means upkeep is a must. There are some easy ways you can make certain that your hearing aid is taken care of while you’re wearing them.

Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean

Every day, a certain amount of wax is normally and naturally generated by your ears. And, to some degree, that earwax is helpful for your ears. But your hearing aids don't do as well with it. Keeping your hearing aids clean and clear of wax buildup can improve the longevity of the devices. In fact, a built-in wax filter comes with most hearing aids that should also be periodically cleaned.

Moisture is The Enemy of Hearing Aids

Moisture and electronics don't go well together. And in spite of the best protection technology can produce, repeated exposure to moisture can gradually wear down the internal electronics of your hearing aids, diminishing their performance.

This Means using your hearing aids in the shower or while swimming is a bad idea. Also, dry your hearing aids with a towel if they get wet. Don't use a hair dryer because it can damage them.

Schedule Time With Professional Cleaners

Hearing aids require specialized cleaning since they are delicate, expensive technology. A specialized cleaner can better accomplish certain things that you can't, even if you're pretty thorough about your cleaning routines.

That’s why it’s suggested that you take your hearing aids in to be cleaned every 4-6 months.

How to Troubleshoot Existing Issues

Even if your hearing aids are presently working, you will still be required to take protective steps. You're probably more interested in quick fixes if your experiencing issues with your hearing aids not working anymore.

If your hearing aids aren’t functioning properly, try one of the following steps:

• Even if your batteries are rechargeable they will periodically need to be changed out.
• Look for corrosion or loose wiring inside the battery compartment. If you see any corrosion, you can try carefully cleaning it away, but significant damage will need to be fixed professionally.
• Check your own ears. It’s possible that earwax accumulation in your ear canal is interfering with the sound from your hearing aid.
• Inspect your hearing aid for debris or wax build up. Gently clear away any wax or debris you may discover.
• Look over your hearing aids for blemishes, cracks or other noticeable signs of damage. Such damage could suggest the hearing aid needs repairs.
• Switch between programs or change the settings. How you deal with it will depend on the model because each one is different in this way.
• Adjust the volume. There will either be a volume wheel on the hearing aid or a remote you can use for this. If your hearing aid has both options, try doing both.
• Turn your hearing aid of then back on. This will correct the issue in certain cases.

It's likely that you will need to get the device repaired professionally if you want it back to original performance if none of these steps work.

What if That Doesn’t Help My Hearing Aids?

When your hearing aids aren’t functioning properly anymore and troubleshooting has not addressed the problem, you will likely have two choices: you either need to buy a new pair or send them in for repair. Which option works best for you will depend on your circumstances, how old your hearing aids are, and other factors.

Take the time to troubleshoot your hearing aids if they aren't working properly. If that doesn’t work, you can go on to the next steps, including a conversation with a hearing specialist to determine a solution. To find a solution schedule your appointment today.