When technology stops working properly, that’s when we usually notice it the 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 vital lifeline to the rest of society.
It’s both emotionally and physiologically important to come up with solutions for malfunctioning hearing aids as quickly as possible. Whether you’ve been wearing your hearing aids for a week, a year, or decades, troubleshooting can be a high-stakes, troublesome process. But there are some reasonably easy strategies you can try to get your hearing aid working properly again.
Before Trouble Occurs Take Preventative Measures
Hearing aids are no exception to the rule, like any other piece of technology, they require routine upkeep. Even though the casing may appear simple and robust, the electronics inside can be extremely sophisticated.
Because of this you have to keep them well maintained. There are a few simple ways you can make sure to take care of your hearing aids as you’re wearing them.
Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean
Every day, a certain amount of wax is naturally and normally generated by your ears. And, the ear wax is, to a certain extent good for your ears. But it’s not so good for your hearing aids. Keeping your hearing aids clean and clear of wax buildup can help improve the life of the devices. The fact is that most hearing aids will come with a built-in wax filter that should also be cleaned periodically.
Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry
Electronics and moisture don’t do well together. The effectiveness of your hearing aids can be jeopardized, despite the best protection technology available, if it is repeatedly exposed to moisture.
This means that you should not use your hearing aids in the shower or while swimming. Additionally, if your hearing aids do become wet, towel-dry them; heat from a hairdryer, as an example, can harm your hearing aids.
Schedule an Appointment With Professional Cleaners
Hearing aids are sensitive (and commonly expensive) technology, and as such, they require specialized cleaning practices. Even if you’re fairly thorough about your own cleaning routines, there are just some things that can be better achieved by a specialized cleaner.
That’s why it’s recommended you take your hearing aids in to be cleaned every 4-6 months.
How to Troubleshoot Existing Problems
Preventative steps are crucial if your hearing aids are currently working correctly. You’re most likely more interested in quick fixes if your having issues with your hearing aids not working anymore.
Try one of the following steps if your hearing aids aren’t working correctly:
- Look inside the battery compartment. Look for corrosion or loose wiring. Any substantial damage will have to be repaired by a professional but you can attempt to clean away any corrosion you discover.
- Examine your own ears. Sound from your hearing aid could be blocked by earwax buildup.
- Switch between programs or adjust the settings. Many hearing aids are different in this regard, so your plan of action will depend on the model you’re using.
- Check your hearing aid for wax or debris build up. Carefully clear away any debris or wax you might discover.
- Reboot the device (turn it off and turn it back on). This will correct the issue in certain cases.
- Adjust the volume. This can be done via a remote or manually with the dial on the hearing aid. If your hearing aid has both options, try doing both.
- Examine your hearing aids for noticeable signs of damage, such as cracks or blemishes. Such damage could suggest the hearing aid needs repairs.
- Even if your batteries are rechargeable they will periodically need to be changed out.
If none of these tips address your hearing aid problems, you will probably have to get the device repaired professionally in order to bring it back to peak operating condition.
What if That Doesn’t Fix My Hearing Aids?
You will likely have two choices if you’ve tried troubleshooting your hearing aid and it still won’t work: you either have to purchase a new pair or send them in for repair. The age of your hearing aids, your personal circumstances, and other factors will determine which option will work best for you.
Take the time to troubleshoot your hearing aids if they aren’t working correctly. If that doesn’t help, you can move on to the next steps, including a conversation with a hearing specialist to find a solution. Schedule an appointment to find a solution today.