Now that you are living with hearing aids, it may be difficult to imagine what life would look like without them. Your hearing aids go just about everywhere with you and amplify sound all day, which means they go through a lot. To get the most out of your hearing aids you are going to want to know how to care for them. You are also going to want to know what to do if something goes wrong. Fortunately, we have compiled some of the most common issues which happen with hearing aids and have a rundown of what to do if they happen to you.
My hearing aids aren’t producing any sound
You put in your hearing aids and you hear absolutely nothing. Don’t panic. You can most likely get to the bottom of this issue by being methodical and thorough.
- First and foremost, make sure your hearing aids are turned on.
- Second check the battery. Is it installed correctly? Replaceable batteries need to be switched out every 3 to 5 days. If your hearing aids use rechargeable batteries, make sure the charging port is making contact at both sides of the plug. Often you can check the status of the charge via a Bluetooth enabled phone app.
- Visually inspect your hearing aids for any damage. Due to nightly cleanings you should be well versed in what your hearing aids are supposed to look like. Is there any earwax blocking a speaker or clogging a tube? If so, clear it away and listen for sound. If further damage is identified contact us or your hearing aid provider.
- Check the volume. Sometimes the issue is as simple as turning up the volume.
- Switch between listening programs to be sure that you are on the correct one. Listen for several minutes to see if that makes a difference.
- Did your hearing aids get wet? Some are water resistant but there is only currently one fully waterproof hearing aid on the market now. If your hearing aids got wet or have had a buildup of moisture it could short circuit your devices or cause the battery terminals to corrode. For further assistance contact us. We often have same day appointments to inspect your device and schedule a repair.
My hearing aids aren’t loud enough
- Visually examine the hearing aids for damage or earwax build up. Inspect any tubing, speaker openings, and filters to make sure everything checks out.
- It can’t hurt to try to turn up the volume on your hearing aid. For those who use an app, it can sometimes malfunction..
- Switch programs to determine if another is more effective.
- Has your hearing ability changed? Hearing loss is a progressive issue which most often becomes worse over years. It could be that you need updated programming or require a more powerful set of hearing aids. If it’s been a while since your last hearing assessment, it’s always a good idea to schedule a hearing exam to monitor your current hearing health.
My hearing aids sound “funny” or distorted
- For those with disposable batteries, often corrosion at the contacts is the cause of distortion in sound quality. Clean the contacts with a solution of lemon juice and baking soda gently with a nonabrasive cloth and this should eliminate the issue.
- Try a different program or memory. If you are listening in the wrong setting, such as a speech in a noisy setting in a quiet environment it could clearly be the source of distortion.
- If the previous options don’t fix the issue we are here to help you get to the bottom of the issue. Don’t hesitate or go with malfunctioning hearing aids for too long.
My hearing aids are “whistling” or producing feedback
- Take them out and put them back in. Perhaps they are resting wrong in your ear.
- Check for a buildup of earwax
- Have you lost weight recently? It could change how your hearing aids fit significantly. Contact us to set up a new fitting.
- For users of behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid style with an earmold and tubing, check the tubing to make sure it’s functioning properly.
If you’ve tried these troubleshooting tips and your hearing aids still aren’t working, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you every step of the way. Call today!