Hearing aids have been proven to benefit your health in unexpected ways including increasing cognitive abilities, minimizing depression, and limiting your chance of falling. Which is why it can be so irritating when these devices have malfunctions. When you begin noticing screeching feedback, or when your hearing aids suddenly stop working, expedient solutions can make the difference between a wonderful family dinner or a miserable one.
The good news is, there are some practical troubleshooting steps you can take that could relieve or address some common hearing aid problems. The sooner you figure out what’s going on with your hearing aid, the sooner you can get back to what’s important.
Maybe The Batteries Need to be Changed
One of the most common problems with hearing aids is a low battery. Some hearing aids have rechargeable batteries. Replaceable batteries are standard on other models. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it most likely means the batteries are to blame for your hearing aid problems.
- Weak sounds: You feel like you are always struggling to hear what’s going on around you.
- Dull sound quality: It feels as if someone is talking to you underwater or from across the room.
- Hearing aids won’t turn on: If your hearing aid doesn’t turn on, or keeps shutting off, there’s a good possibility the battery is the principal problem.
Some solutions:
- Make certain you have completely charged batteries. If your hearing aid has rechargeable batteries, let them charge for several hours or overnight.
- Swap out the batteries if your hearing aid is designed to allow that. You may have to bring your hearing aid in to a specialist if the battery is sealed inside.
- Having the correct batteries is essential so make sure you double check that. Putting the wrong kind of battery in your hearing aid can cause malfunctions. (Sometimes, a battery will appear to be the same size as a different battery so it’s crucial that you be careful and check twice.)
Every Surface Needs to be Cleaned
Needless to say, 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 bit dirty. Despite the fact that hearing aids are designed to cope with some earwax, it’s a practical idea to get them cleaned now and again. Here are some of the problems that can come from too much buildup:
- 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 make your hearing aid sound like it’s buried underneath something.
- Feedback: It’s possible that earwax buildup can obstruct the feedback canceling functions of your hearing aid, causing you to hear a whistling noise.
Some solutions:
- Lightly clean your hearing aids, as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Taking your hearing aid to a professional for routine upkeep is an important procedure.
- Take care of the filter by checking it and, when needed, replacing it.
- Double-check the tip of the hearing aid to make sure it’s not covered or plugged by earwax or debris. Clean with your cleaning tool or as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions.
You May Just Need a Little Time
Sometimes, the problem isn’t an issue with the hearing aid. When you first pop in your hearing aids, your brain needs to get accustomed to hearing the outside world again. Particular sounds (the buzzing of an air conditioner, for instance) may initially come across as unpleasantly loud. You might also notice that particular consonant sounds might seem overly pronounced.
As your brain works to catch up, over time, you’ll adapt.
Even so, it’s important not to let too much time pass, with any issue, 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.