Hearing aids have been proven to support your health in unexpected ways including increasing cognitive abilities, minimizing depression, and limiting your risk of falls. Which is why when your hearing aids seem like they malfunction, it’s so infuriating. When you begin observing screeching feedback, or when your hearing aids abruptly go silent, expedient solutions can make the difference between a pleasant family dinner or a difficult one.
The good news is, there are some practical troubleshooting steps you can take which may relieve or address some typical hearing aid problems. The sooner you determine what’s going on with your hearing aid, the sooner you can get back to what’s important.
Try Changing The Batteries
One of the most common problems with hearing aids is a low battery. Rechargeable batteries come standard with many hearing aid models. Changeable batteries are standard on other hearing aids. Here are some of the symptoms that could lead you to believe the batteries are the bad guy when your device starts to malfunction:
- Dull sound quality: It seems like someone is talking to you underwater or from across the room.
- Hearing aids won’t turn on: There’s a good possibility that your battery is to blame if your hearing aid keeps turning itself off or doesn’t turn on at all.
- Weak sounds: You feel like you are always straining to hear what’s happening around you.
Some solutions:
- If you have replaceable batteries, replace them on a regular basis. You might have to take your hearing aid in to a specialist if the battery is sealed inside.
- Verify that the batteries are fully charged. Allow your rechargeable batteries to charge overnight or for at least a few hours.
- Having the right batteries is essential so make sure you double check that. Your hearing aid can be damaged by the incorrect battery. (In some cases, the wrong type of battery can be purchased in the right size, so double-checking is important.)
Try to Clean Every Surface
Needless to say, hearing aids log a lot of time inside your ears. And your ears have a lot going on inside of them. So it’s no surprise that your hearing aids will get somewhat dirty in the process of helping you hear. Despite the fact that hearing aids are designed to cope with some earwax, it’s a practical idea to have them cleaned now and again. A few problems connected to buildup and dirt may include:
- Muffled sound: Earwax and other buildup can make your hearing aid sound like it’s buried underneath something.
- Feedback: It’s possible that earwax buildup can interfere with the feedback canceling functions of your hearing aid, causing you to hear a whining sound.
- Discomfort: If they feel as though they’re suddenly too large for your ears, it might be because earwax buildup has begun interfering with the fit. The plastic will sometimes need to be replaced if it starts to harden.
Some solutions:
- Bringing your hearing aid to a professional for regular upkeep is an important procedure.
- Lightly clean your hearing aids, as per the manufacturer’s suggestions.
- The tip of your hearing aid can become covered and plugged 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.
Try Giving Yourself Some Time
The hearing aid itself isn’t necessarily 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 may notice that some sounds are unpleasantly loud (the hum of the refrigerator, for instance). You might also notice that particular consonant sounds might seem overly pronounced.
As your brain works to catch up, before long, you’ll adjust.
However, it’s important not to let too much time go by, with any issue, before seeking help. If your hearing aids are uncomfortable or you’re experiencing constant noise issues or things don’t seem to be working just the way they should be, we can help get you back on track and make sure you’re enjoying, not enduring, your hearing aids.