You go out of your way to ensure your hearing aids are well cared for. When you go to bed, you always put them comfortably on the charger and you clean them every day.
But you get pretty discouraged when your hearing aids suddenly stop working the way they did once. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to diagnose the problem. Not doing any further damage is your top priority so you won’t have to replace them.
Troubleshooting your hearing aid
You saved the owner’s manual that came with your beautiful new hearing aids, right? Hopefully, you did so that you can consult with your owner’s manual to do maintenance and troubleshooting. Every model of hearing aid can be somewhat different so it’s essential to follow the manual’s recommendations.
Here are some things you can check on most models:
- Check for visible damage: Does your hearing aid have any apparent loose components or cracks around its shell? If you find cracks, it could mean that moisture is getting in and there may be more extensive damage.
- Check your battery: Even if you know your hearing aids charged all night, you’ll want to double-check the battery power. If your hearing aid has replaceable batteries, it might be a good plan to check if those batteries are correctly inserted or if a new one fixes the problem.
- Keep your microphone clear: Look for anything obstructing the microphone of your hearing aid. Your hearing aid might feedback or simply fail to work if the microphone is blocked.
- Wax accumulation: Make sure there is no wax on your hearing aid by giving it a visual inspection. Even if you perform routine cleaning, sometimes wax can accumulate quickly, so it’s worth checking this off your list.
Again, consult your owner’s manual on how you should approach each of these concerns. In some cases, you may be able to perform maintenance yourself.
When does my hearing aid need repair?
If your hearing aid continues to malfunction after you’ve performed basic upkeep and troubleshooting, it’s likely that your hearing aid will need to be professionally repaired. You need your hearing aids for almost every facet of your life so this may not sound really appealing.
You won’t necessarily be without your hearing aid for lengthy periods of time just because it needs to be repaired. In some cases, we can repair your hearing aid in office while you wait.
Or, you’ll be able to bring your hearing aids in for professional help and have them back in a matter of a few hours (this, obviously, depends on the extent of the damage, all the more reason to get your devices in for repair as soon as possible).
But quick repair will not be possible in all cases. And in those situations, you might find yourself in need of a backup set of hearing aids. So if you’ve got an old pair lying around, ask whether they will serve on a temporary basis. Or maybe we have a loaner pair you can borrow.
Don’t wait to get help with your hearing aids
It’s essential to get your hearing aid assessed and repaired if you start to notice the audio quality is beginning to fail.
Any degree of downtime should be avoided. Untreated hearing loss can affect your overall health, including your mental health. Moreover, once your hearing aids are forgotten in a box somewhere, it’s all too easy to pretend they don’t exist, meanwhile, your hearing gets worse and worse.
Keeping those hearing aids in good working order is the key to keeping your hearing healthy. Keeping them charged, clean, and when needed, professionally repaired is the best way to do that.