Your hearing aids should help you hear better right? When they aren’t working right, it can be downright infuriating, it’s a real “You had ONE job” situation. 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. It may be time to come in and see us if you find it isn’t one of these common issues. Your hearing might have changed, for example, or you might need a hearing aid recalibration.
Potential Pitfall: Low Batteries
Hearing aid batteries, while improving in quality, still need to be recharged or replaced sometimes. So keeping up with charging your batteries is crucial. If it seems like the sound is fading or coming and going, check your battery first.
The fix: Keep ‘em Fresh
Investing in a battery tester, particularly if you like to stock up, is a worthwhile idea. Even if you keep batteries sealed until it’s time to use them, always a smart plan, they have a limited shelf life, and so the last batteries in that giant pack you purchased months ago probably won’t maintain a charge as long as the first few did. Another trick: When you open new batteries, wait 5 minutes before installing them. This can help the batteries last longer by allowing the zinc to become active.
Potential Pitfall: Grease, Grime, And Other Gross Stuff
Your hearing aids will gather dirt and debris 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 issue if sounds seem a little bit off or distorted.
The fix: Clean ‘em Out—And Keep Them Clean!
You can get a kit for keeping your hearing aids clean or you can use items you already have around the house to keep them clean. 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 components.
You can help keep your hearing aids from attracting excess filth by practicing basic hygiene practices. Wash and dry your hands before you take care of your hearing aids, and remove them while you’re doing anything, such as washing up, styling your hair, or even shaving, that may put them in jeopardy of being spritzed, sprayed, or splashed.
Potential Pitfall: Trapped Moisture
Moisture can wreak havoc on hearing aids, and it doesn’t take much to do so (you won’t need to be submerged, even a sweat can be a problem). Even humidity in the air can be a problem, blocking up the hearing aid’s air vents or draining more quickly. Problems ranging from distortion to static or even crackling might happen depending on how much moisture has gotten in. They may even seem to stop working.
The fix: Keep Them Dry
Be sure that when you store your hearing aids, you open the battery door; and if you’re storing them for longer than 24 hours, remove the batteries entirely. It takes almost zero effort and ensures that air can move, and any trapped moisture can get out.
Store hearing aids in a cool, dry place. Don’t store them in the bathroom or kitchen. Storing them in the bathroom might seem convenient but moisture is just too much. If you live in a humid climate, you may want to consider getting a hearing aid storage box. Most versions use a desiccant in the form of a small moisture absorbing packet, but some more expensive models remove moisture with electronics.
None of the above are working? It may be time to speak with us.