Hearing aids provide some incredible benefits leading to a more independent and rewarding lifestyle. To reap these benefits, they need to perform as designed.
Residents in Ventura and Los Angeles communities understand the troubleshooting and tech support of some of the most advanced electronic components on the market.
Most hearing aid issues are easy to troubleshoot, allowing users to carry out simple solutions to ensure optimum performance. Here are five of the most common hearing aid problems and how to fix them.
#1 Low Or No Power
One of the most common hearing aid problems relates to batteries. The typical service life of a hearing aid battery is from 4 days to 2 weeks, depending on how much you use your hearing aids.
Since the power drains off faster than we expect, and because they don’t take up a great deal of storage space, your best bet is to keep a supply of several fresh batteries on hand or make sure that you recharge your device when its power is running low.
#2 Moisture Concerns
Moisture is the enemy of all electronic devices, including hearing aids. Because the technology used inside hearing aids is among the most delicate available and they operate in an environment where sweat, condensation, and humidity pose a constant threat, you have to become very conscious of moisture. Three steps you can take to combat moisture include:
- Set your hearing aids aside in a safe place while using the shower, swimming pool, hot tub, sauna, during your hygiene routine, or during any activity that risks excessive exposure to moisture.
- Use a bulb blower, typically found in camera shops, to clear moisture from your device.
- Consider investing in a dehumidifier if you live in an area with high humidity.
#3 Earwax Buildup
The second most damaging element after moisture is earwax. Earwax can block the microphone or speaker of your hearing aid, interfering with the performance of the delicate parts of your device. Daily cleaning goes a long way toward eliminating the issue of earwax buildup on and inside your hearing aid.
In addition, frequent inspection and replacement of earwax filters helps to protect the delicate technology inside the hearing aid casing.
#4 Uncomfortable Sounds And Feedback
Uncomfortable sounds and feedback are common, irritating issues faced by hearing aid wearers.
There are a variety of causes behind these issues, which can be divided into two categories of problems, and are easy to troubleshoot.
The first category of problems affects new hearing aid wearers. New users experience uncomfortable sounds resulting from the shock of sudden amplification of sounds after your brain had gotten used to dull or muted sounds.
Taking frequent breaks from your hearing aids when you first begin to wear them and building up to longer wearing times allows your brain time to adjust.
The second category of problems usually leads to a high-pitched whistling sound similar to a poorly set up sound system. Several common causes and fixes can eliminate this issue, including:
- Improper Insertion – Reinsert your hearing aids to make sure that they set properly inside your ear canals.
- Hair or Clothing Brushing Against the Microphone – Make sure the area near the microphone is clear of hair and clothing.
- Volume Too High – When the unit is properly adjusted to the correct level of amplification, it will stop whistling.
- Loose Wires and Component Damage – During daily cleaning, be sure to inspect your hearing aids for cracks or damage to the casing, loose wires, or other damage. DO NOT try to fix them yourself. Take them to your hearing care provider for repair.
#5 Damage And Malfunctions
Damage to hearing aids from being dropped, stepped on, exposed to UV radiation, or a wide range of other issues are common. Storing your hearing aids in a shockproof container and in a safe location will help.
Using a towel or working over your bed when cleaning or changing batteries is another way of preventing damage. Making sure the unit is free of moisture and earwax is essential to proper performance.
Inspecting your device during daily cleaning will help you to recognize any damage before it becomes a major issue. Be sure to keep appointments with your hearing care provider for scheduled maintenance to ensure your hearing aids are in optimum operating condition.
We Provide Solutions To Your Hearing Aid Problems
Troubleshooting and tech support for your hearing aids is among the benefits of professional hearing care. We have the equipment and expertise at West Coast Hearing and Balance Center to help troubleshoot, maintain, and repair your hearing aids so that you can take full advantage of the life-changing benefits they provide.
Contact us to set up an appointment for troubleshooting your device, or bring them into the West Coast Hearing Center nearest to you for repair, adjustment, or scheduled maintenance.
