Reducing your chance of depression, minimizing the danger of falling, and improving cognitive ability are some of the unsuspected health benefits that have been proven to come from using hearing aids. Which is why when these devices seem like they malfunction, it’s so infuriating. When you start detecting buzzing feedback, or when your hearing aids abruptly stop working, expedient solutions can make the difference between a pleasant family dinner or a difficult one.
Fortunately, some of the most fundamental hearing aid issues can be reduced with a few basic troubleshooting measures. The sooner you figure out what’s wrong with your hearing aid, the sooner you can go back to what’s important.
Try Swapping Out The Batteries
A low battery is one of the most common issues with hearing aids. Rechargeable batteries come standard with many hearing aid models. Changeable batteries are standard on other hearing aids. If you’re going through any of these symptoms, it most likely means the batteries are the reason for your hearing aid problems.
- Dull sound quality: It feels like somebody is talking to you underwater or from across the room.
- Weak sounds: You feel like you are always struggling to hear what’s happening around you.
- Hearing aids won’t turn on: If your hearing aid won’t turn on, or won’t stay on, there’s a good chance the battery is the main issue.
Here’s what you do about it:
- Having the correct batteries is crucial so make certain you double check that. Your hearing aid can be damaged by the wrong battery. (Occasionally, a battery will appear to be the same size as a different battery so it’s crucial that you be cautious and check twice.)
- Verify that the batteries are fully charged. Let your rechargeable batteries charge overnight or at least for several hours.
- Exchange the batteries if your hearing aid is designed to allow that. In some cases, rechargeable batteries are sealed inside of the device, and if that’s the situation, you may need to take the hearing aid to a professional.
Every Surface Should be Cleaned
Obviously, hearing aids log a lot of time inside your ears. And there’s a lot happening in there (your ears are like party rooms, only more hygienic). So while helping you hear, it’s no surprise that your hearing aid can get a little dirty. Most hearing aid models are designed to handle some earwax buildup, but it’s a practical idea to have a regular cleaning plan too. Here are some of the problems that can come from too much buildup:
- Discomfort: Earwax can accumulate to the point where the fit of your hearing aid becomes a little tight. Occasionally, the plastic in the molds will harden and need to be exchanged.
- Feedback: The feedback canceling feature on your hearing aid can be interrupted by earwax buildup creating a whistling sound.
- Muffled sound: Earwax and other buildup can cause your hearing aid to sound like it’s buried underneath something.
Some solutions:
- Lightly clean your hearing aids, as per the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Make sure you are bringing your hearing aids to a professional for routine maintenance and cleaning.
- The tip of your hearing aid can become covered and plugged up by earwax and debris so look for that. The manufacturer will typically supply a cleaning tool which can be employed along with the manufacturer’s cleaning instruction.
- Maintain the filter by examining it and, if needed, replacing it.
You May Just Need a Little Time
Sometimes, the problem isn’t a problem with the hearing aid. When your brain isn’t used to hearing the outside world, it can take a little time to adjust to your new hearing aids. As your mind adapts, you may notice that some sounds are unpleasantly loud (the hum of the refrigerator, for example). And certain consonants often sound louder than the rest of the speech.
These are all indications that your brain is racing to catch up to sound again and, before long, you’ll adapt.
However, it’s worthwhile not to let too much time go by, with any problem, before seeking help. If your hearing aids are not comfortable or you’re experiencing constant noise issues or things don’t seem to be working just the way they should be, we can help get you back on track and ensure you’re enjoying, not enduring, your hearing aids.
