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Hearing aids are a unique technological solution that returns people the ability to hear the world around them. These small devices are truly the pinnacle of technological advancement.
Every year manufacturers improve the operation of devices and add new useful functions. Don’t forget about design. Today you can find a hearing aid that is perfect for your lifestyle and favorite hobbies. However, like any electronic device, your hearing aid can fail. What should you do if you find that your device is not functioning?
The most common problems with hearing aids
Manufacturing companies are improving their models by adding new features and capabilities. This includes protecting the devices against moisture and dust. But despite all the efforts of the engineers, hearing aids can fail. Most often, this is due simply having the device in your ear all day, and leading to wax obstruction. Technological flaws are rare. Although if a person has forgotten to remove their hearing aid before going to the shower, as with any electronic device, it can break.
What are the most common complaints reported by hearing aid users?
The hearing aid device will not turn on
The device emits a weak signal or is completely silent
The hearing aid makes a humming or buzzing sounds
The device whistles
The hearing aid transmits intermittent or distorted sounds
The earmold does not fit well or falls out
How to extend the lifespan of your devices?
Before we look at what to do if your hearing aid malfunctions, let’s look at some very simple but helpful preventative measures. By following them, you will maximize the life of your devices and save a lot of money. Dr. Zhanneta Shapiro has prepared some useful tips for you to get rid of most breakdowns.
Clean your hearing aids every day. Typically, a person wears devices all day long, removing it only when sleeping. Of course, during this time, dirt, dust, and even earwax can get into the device, clogging the holes and sound ports. Therefore, it is very important to clean any dirt from your hearing aid after each use. We recommend the use of special hearing aid cleaning supplies for this purpose. With their help, you can easily cope with the task without damaging the device.
Keep your ears clean. Earwax can clog the small openings in the hearing device and is the most common cause of sound problems. Keeping your ears clean is simple, wipe them and wash them during the shower. If you feel that these measures are not enough, then contact Audiology Island. Some people accumulate more wax than others, particularly if you have a device blocking your ear all day. You may need professional help for earwax removal.
If you have pets, it is important to keep hearing aids out of their reach. Modern devices are very small, so they can become a toy to roll a round for your cat or a thing to chew on for your dog.
Try to remove the hearing aid from your pet’s jaw as soon as possible. Check its integrity. If the device is not damaged, then simply clean it properly or have it checked at your audiology office. But if you see that there are no batteries, then call your veterinarian.
Do not expose devices to moisture. High humidity in the device during the day can cause short circuits and increased current consumption. The phenomenon is especially common in summer. Aggressive water vapor attacks the electronic components of the hearing aid, causing damage. This can be avoided by using special hearing aid dryers. Also, don’t forget to remove your devices before showers, swimming pools, and other water activities!
Protect your hearing aid from high / low temperatures and electromagnetic radiation. Do not place your devices near heating appliances, or near a working TV or computer. Also, do not leave your hearing aids in direct sunlight. Strong electromagnetic radiation can damage the components of the devices. Be sure to remove them before medical examinations (such as X-rays, MRI, ultrasounds, etc.).
Every 3-6 months have your audiologist check your hearing aids in their office to clean and inspect as well as prevent malfunctions.
Following these simple rules will significantly increase the life of your devices.
What to do, if the hearing aid stops working?
Have you followed all the safety precautions, including instructions and our tips, but suddenly your hearing aid starts to fail? First of all, don’t panic! You may be able to fix the cause of the failure yourself. What are the steps to take for digital hearing aid repair?
Check if the hearing aid is turned on. Yes, it happens to the best of us. Make sure the battery door is closed or that your charger was plugged in and charged your device overnight.
Carry out a visual inspection of the device. Earwax or other debris can clog the ear-tip openings and sound channel, resulting in poor sound transmission. Use a dry cloth and hearing aid cleaning supplies to clean the elements of the device from dirt
Check the functionality of the battery. The battery / rechargeable battery may be low. Also, make sure that the battery is inserted correctly into the device and the polarity is correct. When properly positioned, the battery door closes tightly and with a click
Increase the volume of the device
Check the device settings and program settings
Make sure that the size of the hearing aid parts (earmolds, sound channel length) is right for you
Check the wireless settings of the device if your device is connected to your smart phone
If you have taken all of the above actions, but did not get the result, then you should contact a specialist.
Don’t know what to do? Contact the professionals!
Have you performed all the necessary manipulations, but your hearing aids are not working? A reasonable question arises: “Can hearing aids be repaired?” Of course, yes! Just contact us and our professionals are sure to help you! We have extensive experience in both hearing devices and their maintenance. We have a lab onsite where we carry many of the needed parts for repair, to avoid having it sent back to the manufacturer. This way, your device can be returned quickly to you in a functioning state. Contact Audiology Island for the highest quality service!
Hearing aids are modern and indispensable helpers for millions of Americans. But they need proper care. Follow our recommendations and then your devices will serve you for many years!
About Dr Zhanneta Shapiro
Dr Zhanneta Shapiro received her Masters of Science from Brooklyn College in 2005 and completed her Doctorate of Audiology from Florida University in May 2008. Her graduate training was in various hospitals in the tri-state area and a residency period completed at Ear Nose and Throat Associates of New York. [ Learn More ]
