Lowering your chance of depression, minimizing the danger of falling, and increasing cognitive ability are some of the unexpected health advantages that have been shown to come from using hearing aids. Which is why it can be so aggravating when these devices fail to function properly. When you begin detecting buzzing feedback, or when your hearing aids abruptly stop working, quick solutions can make the difference between a wonderful family dinner or a miserable one.
Fortunately, some of the most basic hearing aid issues can be alleviated with a few practical troubleshooting measures. Finding out what’s wrong with your hearing aid as fast as you will can you back to what’s important all the sooner.
Try Changing The Batteries
A low battery is one of the most common challenges with hearing aids. Some hearing aids come with rechargeable batteries. Other devices are made to have their batteries exchanged. Here are a few of the symptoms that might give you a clue that the batteries are the culprit when your device goes on the fritz:
- Dull sound quality: It feels as if 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 possibility the battery is the principal problem.
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. (Sometimes, a battery will appear to be the same size as a different battery so it’s crucial that you be careful and check twice.)
- Make certain you have fully charged batteries. Let your rechargeable batteries charge overnight or for at least a few hours.
- Swap out the batteries if your hearing aid is manufactured to allow that. You might need to bring your hearing aid in to a specialist if the battery is sealed inside.
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 it’s not surprising that your hearing aids can get somewhat dirty in the process of helping you hear. In spite of the fact that hearing aids are designed to deal with some earwax, it’s a practical idea to get them cleaned now and again. A few problems linked to buildup and dirt could include:
- Discomfort: Earwax can buildup 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 replaced.
- Feedback: The feedback canceling feature on your hearing aid can be interrupted by earwax buildup generating a whistling sound.
- Muffled sound: Earwax and other buildup can cause your hearing aid to sound like it’s buried underneath something.
Some solutions:
- Double-check the tip of the hearing aid to make sure it is not covered or clogged by debris or earwax. Clean with your cleaning tool or as advised by the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Gently clean your hearing aids, as per the manufacturer’s suggestions.
- Bringing your hearing aid to a professional for routine upkeep is an essential procedure.
- Take care of the filter by examining it and, if needed, replacing it.
You May Just Need a Little Time
The hearing aid itself isn’t necessarily the issue. When you first put in your hearing aids, your brain needs to get accustomed to hearing the outside world again. As your mind adapts, you may notice that specific sounds are unpleasantly loud (the hum of the refrigerator, for instance). And some consonants frequently sound louder than the rest of the speech.
As your brain works to catch up, before long, you’ll adjust.
Even so, it’s important not to let too much time go by, with any issue, before seeking 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.