Hearing aids have been demonstrated to support your health in unexpected ways including enhancing cognitive abilities, minimizing depression, and limiting your chance of falling. Which is why it can be so aggravating when these devices fail to function properly. When you start noticing buzzing feedback, or when your hearing aids abruptly stop working, expedient solutions can make the difference between a lovely family dinner or a miserable one.
The good news is, there are some basic troubleshooting steps you can take which may alleviate or address some typical hearing aid problems. The sooner you ascertain what’s wrong with your hearing aid, the sooner you can get back to what’s important.
Try Changing The Batteries
A low battery is one of the most common challenges with hearing aids. Rechargeable batteries come standard with some hearing aid models. Other devices are made to have their batteries changed. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it probably means the batteries are the reason for your hearing aid problems.
- Dull sound quality: It feels as if somebody is talking to you underwater or from across the room.
- Hearing aids won’t turn on: There’s a good possibility that your battery is the issue if your hearing aid keeps turning itself off or doesn’t turn on at all.
- Weak sounds: You’re battling to hear what’s taking place around you and that seems to be occurring more frequently.
Here’s what you do about it:
- Make certain you have completely charged batteries. If your hearing aid comes with rechargeable batteries, charge them for a few hours or overnight.
- Having the correct batteries is essential so make certain you double check that. Putting the wrong type of battery in your hearing aid can cause malfunctions. (Occasionally, a battery will appear to be the same size as a different battery so it’s essential that you be careful and check twice.)
- If you have replaceable batteries, replace them on a regular basis. You might have to take your hearing aid in to a specialist if the battery is sealed inside.
Try to Clean Every Surface
Obviously, hearing aids log a lot of time inside of your ears. And your ears have a lot taking place inside of them. So it’s no surprise that your hearing aids may get a little dirty in the process of helping you hear. In spite of the fact that hearing aids are designed to cope with some earwax, it’s a good idea to have them cleaned once in a while. A few issues related to buildup and dirt might include:
- 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.
- Discomfort: Earwax can buildup to the point where your hearing aid fits a little tight. Sometimes, the plastic in the molds will harden and need to be replaced.
- Muffled sound: Earwax and other buildup can cause your hearing aid to sound like it’s buried underneath something.
Here’s what you do about it:
- The tip of your hearing aid can become coated and plugged up by earwax and debris so look for that. The manufacturer will normally provide a cleaning tool which can be employed along with the manufacturer’s cleaning instruction.
- Check the earwax filter to ensure it’s clean; replace it if needed.
- Taking your hearing aid to a specialist for routine upkeep is an essential procedure.
- Lightly clean your hearing aids, as per the manufacturer’s suggestions.
You May Simply Need a Little Time
The hearing aid itself isn’t always the issue. When your brain isn’t used to hearing the outside world, it can take a little bit of time to get used to your new hearing aids. As your mind adjust, you may notice that some sounds are unpleasantly loud (the hum of the refrigerator, for instance). You might also notice that certain consonant sounds might seem overly pronounced.
As your brain works to catch up, before long, you’ll adapt.
Even so, it’s worthwhile not to let too much time go by, with any problem, before seeking help. Your hearing aids should make your life more enjoyable, so if things aren’t working the way they should be, or your hearing aids are uncomfortable, contact us, we can help.