You go above and beyond to ensure your hearing aids are well taken care of. When you go to bed, you always put them comfortably on the charger and you clean them daily.
Suddenly and discouragingly, your hearing aids are no longer working the way they once did. Thankfully, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem. Just don’t forget: your main job is to avoid damaging your hearing aid further (or you might have to replace them).
Hearing aid troubleshooting
Naturally, when you first got your nice new hearing aids, you made a point of storing the owner’s manual in a safe place. You’ll want to get it out so you can use it for troubleshooting and, possibly, maintenance. Following your owner’s manual is essential because every model of hearing aid is different.
Here are some things you can check on most models:
- Wax buildup: Be certain that there is no wax on your hearing aid by giving it a visual inspection. Wax can accumulate quickly even if you clean your hearing aids frequently so make sure you double check.
- Check for visible damage: Does your hearing aid have any noticeable loose components or cracks in its shell? If you find cracks, it could mean that moisture is getting in and there could be more extensive damage.
- Check your battery: You’ll still want to assess the battery power even if you had your hearing aids on the charger overnight. It might be a good plan to check if you might need new batteries or if the old ones are properly inserted, especially if your batteries are replaceable.
- Keep your microphone clear: Look for anything obstructing the microphone of your hearing aid. A blocked microphone can cause feedback or can cause your hearing aids to sound broken or quiet.
Again, check with your owner’s manual on how you should address each of these issues. In some cases, you may be able to perform maintenance yourself.
When does my hearing aid require repair?
Your hearing aid will probably have to be professionally repaired if you do routine upkeep and it still malfunctions. You need your hearing aids for almost every facet of your life so this may not sound very appealing.
You won’t automatically be without your hearing aid for extended periods of time just because it needs to be serviced. In some cases, we can fix it in office and you can take it with you when you go.
Or, depending on the degree of the damage, you could have your hearing aids back in a few hours.
There are still some cases where such fast repair is not possible. A backup pair of hearing aids may be necessary in these situations. So if you’ve got an old pair lying around, ask whether they will serve on a temporary basis. We might even be able to let you borrow a pair while you are waiting.
Don’t wait to get assistance with your hearing aids
If the sound quality is starting to falter, it’s crucial to get your hearing aids checked and repaired.
You’ll want to prevent any downtime. Untreated hearing loss can affect your overall health, including your mental health. Moreover, once your hearing aids are forgotten in a box somewhere, it’s all too easy to pretend they don’t exist, all the while, your hearing gets worse and worse.
Keeping those hearing aids in good working order is the key to keeping your hearing healthy. And the ideal way to do that is to clean them, keep them charged, and, when necessary, take your hearing aids to get some professional help.
