When technology quits working correctly, that’s when we usually notice it most. That’s especially true with hearing aids: To most people who use them, hearing aids are more than just a piece of technology; they’re a critical lifeline to the rest of the world.
It’s both emotionally and physiologically vital to come up with 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 there are some fairly easy strategies you can try to get your hearing aid working correctly again.
Avoiding Problems Before They Occurs
Hearing aids are no exception to the rule, like any other piece of technology, they need regular upkeep. Although the casing might appear simple and robust, the electronics inside can be amazingly sophisticated.
So this means upkeep is essential. As you’re using 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
Every day, a certain amount of wax is naturally and normally produced by your ears. And, to a certain extent, that earwax is good for your ears. But your hearing aids don’t do as well with it. Keeping your hearing aids clear and clean of wax can help the life of the devices. In fact, most hearing aids will come with a built-in wax filter that should also be periodically cleaned.
Don’t Let Your Hearing Aids Get Wet
Moisture and electronics don’t go well together. And in spite of the best protection technology can produce, consistent subjection to moisture can gradually wear out the internal electronics of your hearing aids, reducing their effectiveness.
This means that you shouldn’t use your hearing aids in the shower or while in the pool. Also, if your hearing aids do become wet, dry them with a towel; heat from a hairdryer, as an example, can hurt your hearing aids.
Schedule an Appointment With Professional Cleaners
Hearing aids need specialized cleaning as they are delicate, expensive technology. Even if you’re fairly thorough about your own cleaning habits, there are just some things that can be better accomplished by a specialized cleaner.
Every 4-6 months is the recommended time between cleanings.
Troubleshooting Problems That Are Already Occurring
Protective steps are crucial if your hearing aids are currently working properly. 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 working correctly, try one of the following steps:
- Look inside the battery compartment. Look for corrosion or loose wiring. If you see any corrosion, you can try carefully cleaning out, but considerable damage will have to be fixed professionally.
- Adjust the volume. Sometimes you can do this via a remote or manually with the wheel on the hearing aid. If your hearing aid has both options, try both ways.
- Examine 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 some cases, this will correct the problem.
- Check your hearing aid for debris or wax accumulate. If you find any wax accumulation or debris, clean them away.
- Even if your batteries are rechargeable they will occasionally need to be replaced.
- Take a good look at your hearing aids for noticeable signs of damage, like cracks or blemishes. Such damage could mean the hearing aid needs to be repaired.
- Adjust the settings or toggle between programs. Most hearing aids are different in this respect, so your course of action will depend on the model you’re using.
If none of these measures address your hearing aid problems, it’s likely that you’ll have to have the device fixed professionally in order to bring it back to peak functional condition.
What if Nothing I Try Helps?
You will most likely have two options if you’ve tried troubleshooting your hearing aid and it still doesn’t work: either send the hearing aids in for service or purchase a new set of hearing aids. Which option works best for you will vary depending on your situation, how old your hearing aids are, and other factors.
Take the time to troubleshoot your hearing aids if they aren’t working properly. A discussion with a hearing professional to determine a solution is the next step if that doesn’t work. Make an appointment to find a solution today.