If you have hearing aids, you should be capable of hearing, right? When your hearing aid stops doing its job, it can be seriously frustrating. The good news is, with regular upkeep, your hearing aids should continue to function efficiently.
Consider this list before you do anything rash. It might be time to come in and see us if you find it isn’t one of these ordinary issues. For example, your hearing aids may need recalibration, or your hearing may have changed.
Potential Pitfall: Low Batteries
Hearing aid batteries, while improving in quality, still require recharging and replacing occasionally. So keeping up with charging your batteries is crucial. The first thing you need to do if your hearing aid starts to fail or cut in and out is check the battery.
The fix: Keep ‘em Fresh
Investing in a battery tester, particularly if you like to stock up, is a smart idea. Batteries have a shelf life so the last batteries in the pack may not have as much voltage as the first few even if they stay sealed. Another trick: When you unpack new batteries, wait 5 minutes before installing them. This gives the zinc time to activate, and can potentially help the batteries last longer.
Potential Pitfall: Grease, Grime, And Other Gross Stuff
Your hearing aids will collect debris and dirt no matter how clean you keep your ears and if you have trouble hearing you’re probably more conscientious about earwax. You might find yourself with a dirt problem if sounds seem a little off or distorted.
The fix: Clean ‘em Out—And Keep Them Clean!
You can get a kit for cleaning your hearing aids or you can use things you already have around the house to clean them. You can use a microfiber cloth, like the kind you use to clean your computer screen or cellphone, to wipe your hearing aid down after disassembling it.
You can help keep your hearing aids from accumulating excess grime by practicing basic hygiene habits. Whenever you do something that involves liquid or moisture, like washing your face or styling your hair, take your hearing aids out and make sure your hands aren’t wet when handling them.
Potential Pitfall: Trapped Moisture
Moisture can wreak havoc on hearing aids, and it doesn’t take very much to do so (you don’t need to be underwater, even sweating can be an issue). Even humidity in the air can be a problem, blocking up the hearing aid’s air vents or causing batteries to drain more quickly. Issues ranging from distortion to static or even crackling might happen depending on how much moisture is inside. They may even seem to shut down.
The fix: Keep ‘em Dry
Leave the battery door open when you store your hearing aid overnight and any longer than that, take the battery out. Any trapped moisture will be able to evaporate and air will be able to flow with very little effort on your part.
A cool, dry place is the best spot to keep your hearing aids. Don’t store them in the kitchen or bathroom. Although the latter is convenient, the steam from a hot shower is precisely what you don’t want. If you live in a humid climate, you might want to consider purchasing a hearing aid storage box. Pricier versions plug in, but less costly models use desiccants or gels (yes, like those “throw away do not eat” packets you find in the box when you buy shoes) to absorb moisture.
If you’ve tried all of these and none of them are helping then it may be time for a consultation with us.