Reducing your chance of depression, decreasing the danger of falling, and enhancing cognitive ability are some of the surprising health advantages that have been shown to come from using hearing aids. Which is why it can be so aggravating when these devices have malfunctions. When you start observing screeching feedback, or when your hearing aids abruptly go silent, expedient solutions can be the difference between a pleasant family dinner or a difficult one.
Fortunately, some of the most fundamental hearing aid problems can be alleviated with a few practical troubleshooting steps. figuring out what’s wrong with your hearing aid as fast as possible will can you back to what’s important all the sooner.
Maybe The Batteries Need to be Swapped Out
One of the most prevalent issues with hearing aids is a low battery. Many hearing aids come with rechargeable batteries. Replaceable batteries are standard on other models. Here are some of the symptoms that may lead you to believe the batteries are the culprit when your device goes on the fritz:
- Weak sounds: You feel like you are constantly straining to hear what’s happening around you.
- Hearing aids won’t turn on: If your hearing aid doesn’t turn on, or won’t stay on, there’s a good chance the battery is the principal problem.
- Dull sound quality: Voices sound dull like they are far away or underwater.
Some solutions:
- Exchange the batteries if your hearing aid is manufactured to allow that. You may have to take your hearing aid in to a professional if the battery is sealed inside.
- Double-check to make sure the correct batteries are installed. Putting the wrong type of battery into your hearing aid can result in malfunctions. (At times, the wrong kind of battery can be purchased in the correct size, so double-checking is important.)
- Make certain you have fully charged batteries. If your hearing aid comes with rechargeable batteries, charge them for a few hours or overnight.
Try Cleaning Every Surface
Obviously, hearing aids log a lot of time inside of your ears. And your ears have a lot taking place inside of them. So in the process of helping you hear, it’s not surprising that your hearing aid can get a little dirty. Most hearing aid models are designed to deal with some earwax accumulation, but it’s a good idea to have a regular cleaning schedule also. A few issues connected to buildup and dirt might include:
- 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.
- Feedback: It’s possible that earwax buildup can obstruct the feedback canceling functions of your hearing aid, causing you to hear a whining noise.
- Discomfort: If they feel like they’re suddenly too large for your ears, it may be because earwax buildup has begun interfering with the fit. The plastic will sometimes need to be replaced if it starts to harden.
Here’s what you do about it:
- The tip of your hearing aid can become coated and clogged up by earwax and debris so look for that. Clean with your cleaning tool or as advised by the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Maintain the filter by checking it and, when needed, replacing it.
- Bringing your hearing aid to a professional for routine upkeep is an important procedure.
- Gently clean your hearing aids, as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
Try Giving Yourself Some Time
The hearing aid itself isn’t always the issue. When your brain isn’t used to hearing the outside world, it can take a little time to get used to your new hearing aids. As your mind adjust, you might notice that specific sounds are unpleasantly loud (the hum of the refrigerator, for instance). You may also detect that particular consonant sounds may seem overly pronounced.
These are all signs that your brain is racing to catch up to auditory stimuli again and, in time, you’ll adapt.
However, it’s important not to let too much time pass, with any issue, before getting 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, give us a call, we can help.