You go above and beyond to make sure your hearing aids are well taken care of. When you go to sleep, you always put them snuggly on the charger and you clean them every day.
Suddenly and distressingly, your hearing aids are no longer working the way they used to. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue. Just don’t forget: your number one job is to avoid damaging your hearing aid further (or you may need to replace them).
Troubleshooting your hearing aid
You kept the owner’s manual that came with your shiny new hearing aids, right? You’ll want to take it out so you can utilize it for troubleshooting and, possibly, maintenance. Each model of hearing aid can be somewhat different so it’s essential to follow the manual’s recommendations.
Here are some things you can check on most models:
- Look for noticeable damage: Does your hearing aid have any obvious loose components or cracks around its shell? If you discover cracks, it could mean that moisture is getting in and there might be more extensive damage.
- Check your battery: You’ll still want to check the battery power even if you had your hearing aids charging overnight. It might be a good idea to check if you may need new batteries or if the old ones are properly inserted, particularly if your batteries are replaceable.
- 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 it a point to double check.
- Keep your microphone clear: Look for anything obstructing the microphone of your hearing aid. Your hearing aid may feedback or simply fail to work if the microphone is obstructed.
Once again you can discover how to address each of these concerns by referring to your owner’s manual. Self-maintenance is sometimes possible.
When does my hearing aid require repair?
If your hearing aid continues to malfunction after you have performed basic upkeep and troubleshooting, it’s likely that your hearing aid will have to be professionally repaired. You need your hearing aids for almost every aspect of your life so this might not sound that appealing.
You won’t necessarily be without your hearing aid for extended periods of time just because it needs to be serviced. In some instances, we can repair your hearing aid in office while you wait.
Or, you’ll be able to take your hearing aids in for professional help and have them back in a matter of a few hours (this, obviously, depends on the extent of the damage, all the more reason to bring your devices in for repair as soon as you can).
But quick repair won’t be possible in every case. A backup pair of hearing aids might be required in these situations. Perhaps you have an old pair that will do temporarily in a pinch. We may even be able to loan you a pair while you are waiting.
Get help with your hearing aids without delay
If the audio quality is beginning to falter, it’s essential to get your hearing aids checked and repaired.
Any degree of downtime should be prevented. Your mental health and your general health can be affected by untreated hearing loss. More to the point, once your hearing aids are forgotten in a box somewhere, it’s all too easy to pretend they’re not there, all the while, your hearing grows worse and worse.
The best way to keep your hearing working properly is to keep those hearing aids working. And the ideal way to do that is to clean them, keep them charged, and, when necessary, bring your hearing aids to get some professional help.