If you use hearing aids but you’re still having problems hearing, your hearing aids might require professional repair.
You take care of your hearing aids. You baby them. You charge them nightly and clean them every day.
But you can’t understand why your hearing aids aren’t functioning effectively and it’s really frustrating. Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue. Just remember: your number one job is to avoid damaging your hearing aid further (or else replacing them might be required).
Troubleshooting Your Hearing Aid
Always consult your owner’s manual when doing upkeep and troubleshooting because every model of hearing aid can be somewhat different. Here are some things you can check on most models:
- Wax buildup: Inspect for wax buildup which could be stopping the standard functionality of your hearing aids. Even if you perform routine cleaning, sometimes wax can build up rapidly, so it’s worth checking this off your list.
- Keep your microphone clear:Sometimes, the microphone can be blocked. A blocked microphone can cause feedback or can cause your hearing aids to sound silent or broken.
- Check for noticeable damage: Check if there are any noticeable cracks or loose components around the shell of your hearing aid. Cracks, clearly, could reveal more extensive damage (or allow).
- Examine your battery: Always double check your battery level even if you are certain your hearing aid sat on the charger all night. If your hearing aid has changeable batteries, it may be a good idea to check if those batteries are inserted correctly or if a new one fixes the issue.
Each of these concerns will have its own strategy so check your owner’s manual. In certain cases, you might be able to perform maintenance yourself. (But, again, read the instructions.)
When Does my Hearing Aid Need Servicing?
If your hearing aid continues to malfunction after you have performed basic maintenance and troubleshooting, it’s probable that your hearing aid will require professional repair. Because you depend on your hearing aids for all of your basic conversations and social activities, this most likely doesn’t sound very appealing.
However, it’s worth pointing out that “repair” doesn’t always mean you need to “send your hearing aid out” for service and wait several weeks. There are some situations where it can be fixed in shop while you wait.
Meaning, in some instances, you’ll be capable of bringing your hearing aids in for professional help and get them back in a matter of minutes or hours (this is why it’s a good idea to bring your hearing aid in so we can assess the damage).
Not all cases can be fixed in house though. A backup pair could be required in those cases. So if you have an old pair lying around, ask us whether they will serve on a temporary basis. We might even have some we can let you use while you wait.
Get Assistance With Your Hearing Aids Right Away
If your hearing aids are beginning to fade, the sound quality is starting to falter, it’s important to get it repaired.
If you do this you will be more likely to prevent any downtime. Untreated hearing loss can influence your general health, including your mental health. An even more serious worry is that your hearing will get worse as your hearing aids sit forgotten in a drawer.
The best way to get the maximum help from your hearing aids is to keep them working at their highest quality. And the easiest way to do that is to clean them, charge them, and, when needed, take your hearing aids to get some professional help.