Reducing your chance of depression, decreasing the danger of falling, and enhancing cognitive ability are some of the unexpected health benefits that have been shown to come from using hearing aids. Which is why when your hearing aids seem like they fail to function properly, it’s so frustrating. When you start noticing buzzing feedback, or when your hearing aids abruptly stop working, expedient solutions can make the difference between a wonderful family dinner or a miserable one.
Luckily, there are some practical troubleshooting steps you can take which could alleviate or manage some common hearing aid issues. Finding out what’s wrong with your hearing aid as quickly as you will can you back to what’s important all the sooner.
Maybe The Batteries Need to be Changed
A low battery is one of the most common challenges with hearing aids. Rechargeable batteries come standard with some hearing aid models. Changeable batteries are standard on other hearing aids. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it probably means the batteries are the reason for your hearing aid problems.
- Hearing aids won’t turn on: There’s a good possibility that your battery is to blame if your hearing aid keeps turning itself off or doesn’t turn on at all.
- Weak sounds: You feel like you are always struggling to hear what’s happening 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, swap them out regularly. In some situations, rechargeable batteries are sealed into the device, and if that’s the case, you might have to take the hearing aid to a specialist.
- Make sure you have completely charged batteries. If your hearing aid comes with rechargeable batteries, let them charge for several hours or overnight.
- Double-check to make sure the right batteries are installed. Your hearing aid can be damaged by the wrong battery. (Sometimes, a battery will appear to be the same size as a different battery so it’s essential that you be cautious and check twice.)
Try to Clean Every Surface
Needless to say, hearing aids log a lot of time inside of your ears. And your ears have a lot going on inside of them. So in the process of helping you hear, it’s not surprising that your hearing aid can get somewhat dirty. Most hearing aid models are designed to handle some earwax accumulation, but it’s a good idea to have a routine cleaning plan also. A few issues connected to buildup and dirt might include:
- Discomfort: If they feel as if they’re suddenly too large for your ears, it could be because earwax buildup has begun interfering with the fit. The plastic will occasionally need to be replaced if it starts to harden.
- 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 whining sound.
Here’s what you do about it:
- Carefully clean your hearing aids, as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Double-check the tip of the hearing aid to ensure it is not covered or plugged by earwax or debris. The manufacturer will usually provide a cleaning tool which can be employed along with the manufacturer’s cleaning instruction.
- Taking your hearing aid to a professional for regular upkeep is an essential procedure.
- Take care of the filter by examining it and, when needed, replacing it.
You May Simply Need Some Time
In some cases, the issue isn’t an issue with the hearing aid. When you first pop in your hearing aids, your brain has to get accustomed to hearing the world again. Certain sounds (the buzzing of an air conditioner, for instance) might initially come across as unpleasantly loud. And certain consonants often sound louder than the rest of the speech.
As your brain works to catch up, over time, you’ll adapt.
However, it’s worthwhile not to let too much time go by, with any problem, before getting help. 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.