Hearing aids have been shown to support your health in surprising ways including improving cognitive abilities, reducing depression, and limiting your risk of falls. Which is why it can be so aggravating when these devices have malfunctions. When you start detecting buzzing feedback, or when your hearing aids suddenly go silent, expedient solutions can make the difference between a lovely family dinner or a difficult one.
Luckily, there are some basic troubleshooting steps you can take that may alleviate or address some typical hearing aid issues. The faster you figure out what’s going on with your hearing aid, the sooner you can go back to what’s important.
Maybe The Batteries Need to be Swapped Out
One of the most common issues with hearing aids is a low battery. Many hearing aids come with rechargeable batteries. Replaceable batteries are standard on other models. Here are some of the symptoms that could give you a clue that the batteries are the culprit when your device starts to malfunction:
- Weak sounds: You’re struggling to hear what’s happening around you and that seems to be occurring more and more.
- Hearing aids won’t turn on: If your hearing aid doesn’t turn on, or keeps shutting off, there’s a good chance the battery is the main issue.
- Dull sound quality: It seems as if somebody is talking to you underwater or from the other side of the room.
Some solutions:
- Make sure the batteries are completely charged. Allow your rechargeable batteries to charge overnight or at least for several hours.
- If you have replaceable batteries, replace them on a regular basis. You might have to take your hearing aid in to a professional if the battery is sealed inside.
- Having the correct batteries is essential so make sure you double check that. Your hearing aid can be damaged by the incorrect battery. (In some cases, the wrong type of battery can be purchased in the right size, so double-checking is essential.)
Every Surface Should be Cleaned
Obviously, hearing aids log a lot of time inside of your ears. And your ears have a lot taking place inside of them. So while helping you hear, it’s not surprising that your hearing aid can get a little dirty. In spite of the fact that hearing aids are designed to deal with some earwax, it’s a practical idea to have them cleaned once in a while. A few issues related to buildup and dirt may include:
- Discomfort: Earwax can accumulate to the point where your hearing aid fits a little tight. The plastic will occasionally need to be replaced if it starts to harden.
- Feedback: It’s possible that earwax buildup can interfere with the feedback canceling functions of your hearing aid, causing you to hear a whining noise.
- Muffled sound: Earwax and other buildup can make your hearing aid sound like it’s buried underneath something.
Some solutions:
- Check the earwax filter to make sure it is clean; replace it if necessary.
- Clean your hearing aid gently in the way that the manufacturer has directed.
- Make sure you are bringing your hearing aids to a specialist for routine maintenance and cleaning.
- Double-check the tip of the hearing aid to make sure it’s not covered or plugged by debris or earwax. Clean with your cleaning tool or as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions.
You May Just Need Some Time
Sometimes, the problem isn’t a problem with the hearing aid. When you first put in your hearing aids, your brain has to get used to hearing the world again. Certain sounds (the buzzing of an air conditioner, for example) may at first come across as unpleasantly loud. And certain consonants often sound louder than the rest of the speech.
As your brain works to catch up, before long, you’ll adjust.
Even so, it’s worthwhile not to let too much time go by, with any issue, before getting help. Your hearing aids should make your life more enjoyable, so if things aren’t working the way they ought to be, or your hearing aids are uncomfortable, contact us, we can help.