Your hearing aids should help you hear better right? When they aren’t working properly, it can be extremely frustrating, it’s a real “You had ONE job” scenario. The good news is, with regular upkeep, your hearing aids should be up to the job.
Go over this list before you do anything rash. If it’s not one of these common problems, it may be time to schedule an appointment with us to make sure there isn’t a bigger problem. For example, your hearing aids might need recalibration, or your hearing may have changed.
Potential Pitfall: Low Batteries
While hearing aid batteries have gotten significantly smaller and lifespans are improving, the batteries still need to be replaced occasionally or recharged. So staying on top of charging your batteries is important. If it seems as if the sound is fading or cutting in and out, check your battery first.
The fix: Keep ‘em Fresh
A battery tester is a worthwhile investment, especially if you like to stock up. Even if you keep batteries sealed until you need to use them, always a smart plan, they have a limited shelf life, and so the last batteries in that huge pack you bought months ago likely won’t last as long as the first few did. Another trick: Wait five minutes after you unpack new batteries before you put them in your hearing aids. This gives the zinc time to become active, and can potentially help the batteries last longer.
Potential Pitfall: Gross Things Like Wax And Grime
Your hearing aids will collect debris and dirt no matter how clean you keep your ears and if you have difficulty hearing you’re most likely more conscientious about earwax. You might find yourself with a dirt problem if sounds seem a little off or distorted.
The fix: Clean ‘em Out—And Keep Them Clean!
There are plenty 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 taken apart your hearing aids, use a soft, microfiber cloth (like you’d use to clean glasses or smartphone) to wipe down the hardware.
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 aren’t wet when handling them.
Potential Pitfall: Trapped Moisture
Moisture can wreak havoc on hearing aids, and it doesn’t take very much to do so (think sweating, not snorkeling). Even humidity in the air can be an issue, clogging up the hearing aid’s air vents or causing batteries to drain more quickly. Problems ranging from distortion to static or even crackling might happen depending on how much moisture is inside. They might even seem to shut down.
The fix: Keep Them Dry
Be certain that when you store your hearing aids, the battery door is open; and if you’re taking them out for longer than 24 hours, remove the batteries entirely. It takes almost zero effort and guarantees that air can circulate, and any captured moisture can escape.
A cool, dry place is the best spot to store your hearing aids. The bedroom is a smart spot, skip the kitchen or bathroom. Although the latter is convenient, the steam from a hot shower is precisely what you don’t want. If you live in a humid environment, you may want to consider getting a hearing aid storage box. Most models use a desiccant in the form of a little moisture absorbing packet, but some more expensive models get rid of moisture with electronics.
If you’ve tried all of these and none of them are helping then it might be time for you to give us a call.