Lowering your chance of depression, minimizing the danger of falling, and enhancing cognitive ability are some of the surprising health benefits that have been shown to come from wearing hearing aids. Which is why when these devices seem like they fail to function properly, it’s so frustrating. The difference between an enjoyable dinner with family or a horrible time can be made by discovering a fast remedy when your hearing aid starts screeching with feedback or goes silent entirely.
The good news is, there are some basic troubleshooting steps you can take that may alleviate or manage some typical hearing aid problems. figuring out what’s wrong with your hearing aid as fast as possible will can you back to what’s important all the sooner.
Try Changing The Batteries
One of the most prevalent problems with hearing aids is a low battery. Many hearing aids come with rechargeable batteries. Changeable batteries are standard on other hearing aids. If you’re going through any of these symptoms, it probably means the batteries are to blame for your hearing aid issues.
- Hearing aids won’t turn on: There’s a good possibility that your battery is the problem if your hearing aid keeps shutting itself off or doesn’t turn on at all.
- Weak sounds: You feel like you are always straining to hear what’s going on around you.
- Dull sound quality: Voices sound dull like they are distant or underwater.
Here’s what you do about it:
- If you have replaceable batteries, replace them regularly. You might have to take your hearing aid in to a specialist if the battery is sealed inside.
- Make certain you have fully charged batteries. Let your rechargeable batteries charge overnight or for at least a few hours.
- Double-check to make sure the right batteries are used. Putting the wrong kind of battery in your hearing aid can lead to malfunctions. (Sometimes, the wrong kind of battery can be purchased in the right size, so double-checking is crucial.)
Every Surface Needs to be Cleaned
Hearing aids, naturally, spend a lot of time in your ears. And there’s a lot happening in there (your ears are like party rooms, only more hygienic). So it’s not surprising that your hearing aids may get somewhat dirty while helping you hear. Most hearing aid models are manufactured to deal with some earwax accumulation, but it’s a good idea to have a routine cleaning schedule too. A few issues linked to buildup and dirt may include:
- 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 exchanged.
- Feedback: It’s possible that earwax buildup can interfere with the feedback canceling functions of your hearing aid, causing you to hear a whistling sound.
- Muffled sound: If your hearing aid sounds like it’s lost behind something, maybe it is. There might be earwax or other buildup getting in the way.
Some solutions:
- Clean your hearing aid carefully in the way that the manufacturer has directed.
- Take care of the filter by checking it and, when needed, replacing it.
- Ensure you are bringing your hearing aids to a professional for regular cleaning and maintenance.
- The tip of your hearing aid can become covered and clogged up by earwax and debris so look for that. The manufacturer will usually provide a cleaning tool which can be employed along with the manufacturer’s cleaning instruction.
You May Simply Need a Little Time
Sometimes, the problem isn’t an issue with the hearing aid. When you first put in your hearing aids, your brain needs to get used to hearing the outside world again. As your mind adapts, you may notice that certain sounds are unpleasantly loud (the hum of the refrigerator, for example). And some consonants frequently sound louder than the rest of the speech.
These are all signs that your brain is racing to catch up to auditory stimuli again and, before long, you’ll adjust.
But it’s worthwhile to get help with any problems before too much time goes by. 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.