When technology quits working properly, that’s when we tend to notice it the most. That’s particularly true with hearing aids: To most people who wear them, hearing aids are more than a piece of technology; they’re a vital lifeline to the rest of society.
So finding solutions for a malfunctioning hearing aid, and discovering those solutions as quickly as possible, is crucial for both physiological and emotional reasons. Whether you’ve been using your hearing aids for a week, a year, or a decade, troubleshooting can be a high-stakes, troublesome process. But there are some relatively easy strategies you can try to get your hearing aid working correctly again.
Avoiding Problems Before They Occurs
Any complex piece of technology needs maintenance, and hearing aids are no exception. Although the casing might look simple and robust, the electronics inside can be incredibly sophisticated.
Because of this you need to keep them well-maintained. While you’re using your hearing aids, there are a few things you can do that will make taking care of them easier.
Keeping Your Hearing Aids Clean is a Must
Your ears normally and naturally make a certain amount of wax every day. 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 clear and clean of wax can help the life of the devices. The fact is that a built-in wax filter comes with most hearing aids that should also be cleaned periodically.
Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry
Electronics and moisture don’t mix. And despite the best protection technology can build, consistent exposure to moisture can gradually wear down the internal electronics of your hearing aids, diminishing their performance.
This Means wearing your hearing aids in the pool or shower 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 harm them.
Schedule Time With Professional Cleaners
Hearing aids need specialized cleaning because 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.
That’s why it’s recommended you take your hearing aids in to be cleaned every 4-6 months.
Troubleshooting Issues That Are Already Occurring
Even if your hearing aids are currently working, you will still be required to take preventative steps. You’re most likely more interested in quick fixes if your having problems with your hearing aids not working anymore.
Try one of the following steps if your hearing aids aren’t functioning properly:
- Check your hearing aid for wax or debris accumulation. If you find any wax accumulation or debris, clear them away.
- Adjust 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 have.
- Adjust the volume. There will be either a volume wheel on the hearing aid or a remote you can use to do this. Try to do both if you have the option with your hearing aid.
- Change out your power source or battery, even if your batteries are rechargeable.
- Check your own ears. Sound from your hearing aid might be blocked by earwax buildup.
- Look over your hearing aids for blemishes, cracks or other visible signs of damage. Such damage could mean the hearing aid needs to be repaired.
- Reboot the device (turn it off and turn it back on). This will correct the issue in some cases.
- Check for loose wiring or corrosion inside the battery compartment. Any extensive damage will have to be fixed by a professional but you can try cleaning off any corrosion you discover.
It’s likely that you will have to have the device repaired professionally if you want it back to original condition if none of these options work.
What if Nothing I Try Works?
You will most likely have two choices if you’ve tried to troubleshoot your hearing aid and it still doesn’t work: you either have to purchase a new pair or send them in for service. The age of your hearing aids, your personal circumstances, and other variables will establish which choice will work best for you.
Take the time to troubleshoot your hearing aids if they aren’t working well. If that doesn’t help, you can move on to the next steps, such as a conversation with your hearing specialist to determine a remedy. Schedule an appointment to find a solution today.
