If you have hearing aids, you should be capable of hearing, right? When they aren’t working right, it can be extremely frustrating, it’s a real “You had ONE job” situation. The good news is, with regular maintenance, your hearing aids should be up to the job.
Before you do anything extreme, go through this list. It may be time to come in and see us if you find it isn’t one of these common problems. For example, your hearing aids might need recalibration, or your hearing may have changed.
Potential Pitfall: Low Batteries
Hearing aid batteries, while improving in quality, still need to be recharged or replaced occasionally. That means that it’s essential to keep up with your hearing aids’ batteries. The first thing you should do if your hearing aid begins to falter or cut in and out is check the battery.
The fix: Keep ‘em Fresh
Investing in a battery tester, especially if you like to stock up, is a worthwhile idea. Batteries have a shelf life so the last batteries in the pack might not have the same voltage as the first few even if they stay sealed. Another trick: When you open new batteries, wait 5 minutes before installing them. This can help extend the battery life by allowing the zinc to become active.
Potential Pitfall: Gross Things Like Wax And Grime
No matter how clean you keep your ears, and if you have difficulty hearing, you’re a lot more likely than the average individual to stay on top of earwax, your hearing aids will gather debris and dirt. You might find yourself with a dirt problem if sounds seem slightly off or distorted.
The fix: Clean ‘em Out—And Keep Them Clean!
There are lots of products on the market specifically for cleaning hearing aids, but you can DIY it with items you already have around the house. Once you’ve disassembled your hearing aids, use a soft, microfiber cloth (like you’d use to clean glasses or smartphone) to wipe down the components.
Simple hygiene practices will go a long way to keeping your hearing aids clean. Whenever you do something that calls for liquid or dampness, like cleaning your face or styling your hair, take your hearing aids out and make sure your hands are dry when handling them.
Potential Pitfall: Trapped Moisture
Moisture can be a real problem for hearing aids, and it doesn’t take very much to do so (think sweating, not snorkeling). The vent in the hearing aid and the battery can even be effected by humidity in the air. Problems ranging from distortion to static or even crackling might happen depending on how much moisture has gotten in. They might even appear to quit altogether.
The fix: Keep ‘em Dry
Leave the battery door open when you store your hearing aid overnight and any longer than that, remove the battery. It takes almost zero effort and ensures that air can circulate, and any captured moisture can escape.
A cool, dry place is the best spot to store your hearing aids. Don’t keep them in the kitchen or bathroom. Even though the latter is convenient, the moisture from a hot shower is precisely what you don’t want. If you live in a humid climate, you might want to think about purchasing a hearing aid storage box. Most models use a desiccant in the form of a little moisture absorbing packet, but some more costly models get rid of moisture with electronics.
None of the above are working out? It might be time to consult us.
