Your hearing aids are complex and expensive electronic devices that connect you with the hearing world. In order to keep them working their best, proper maintenance is key. You would never buy a new car only to refuse to ever change the oil, so why would you invest in your hearing health without a maintenance plan?
Hearing Aid Care Tips
There are many different types of hearing aids, and taking proper care of them is crucial to long-term success. This includes handling them delicately and storing them in a cool, dry place. When not in use, make sure the hearing aids are turned off or placed in their charger.
Your hearing aids spend all day in your ears and are exposed to dirt, grime and debris. They need a good cleaning every night in order to prevent damage. This includes:
- Wiping them down with a soft, dry cloth.
- Using a small brush to remove any built-up earwax.
- Changing the filter.
- Checking the tubing.
- Opening the battery compartment to allow the device to dry out overnight.
You should always remove your hearing aids before showering, swimming or participating in any water activities, such as spending the day out on Vancouver Lake. You may want to invest in a dehumidifier, as any excess moisture trapped in the hearing aid can cause erosion.
Troubleshooting Tips
Even with proper maintenance, sometimes things can still go wrong. Below is a look at some of the most common hearing aid issues as well as their usual causes and solutions.
- No sound is coming out of your hearing aid. This may be caused by a dead battery or a clogged sound outlet/microphone. You should try replacing the battery, cleaning the sound outlet and microphone as well as replacing the wax filter.
- The sounds coming out of your hearing aid are unclear or distorted. This may be caused by a dying or corroded battery or damage to the device. You should try replacing the battery and cleaning out the battery compartment.
- Your hearing aid is not loud enough. This may be caused by a blockage in the receiver tube, earwax in the filter or changes in your hearing. You should clean your hearing aid and replace the filter and wax guard.
If these simple solutions do not fix the issue, schedule an appointment with your audiologist. Your hearing aid may need to be professionally repaired or a part may need to be replaced.
To learn more about caring for your hearing aids or to schedule an appointment with a hearing aid expert, contact PDX ENT today.
