Your hearing aids should help you hear better right? When they aren’t working right, it can be downright frustrating, it’s a real “You had ONE job” scenario. Here’s the good news, with regular maintenance, your hearing aids should continue to function efficiently.
Before you do anything extreme, look at this list. If it’s not one of these ordinary issues, it might be time to schedule an appointment with us to ensure there isn’t a more substantial problem. For example, your hearing aids may need recalibration, or your hearing may have changed.
Potential Pitfall: Low Batteries
While hearing aid batteries have gotten significantly smaller and lifespans are improving, the batteries still need to be occasionally replaced or recharged. That means that it’s essential to maintain your hearing aids’ batteries. If it seems like the sound is fading or cutting in and out, check your battery first.
The fix: Keep ‘em Fresh
Purchasing a battery tester, especially if you like to stock up, is a worthwhile idea. Even if you keep batteries sealed until you need 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 most likely 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 gives the zinc time to become active, and can possibly help the batteries last longer.
Potential Pitfall: Grease, Grime, And Other Gross Stuff
Your hearing aids will collect debris and dirt regardless of how clean you keep your ears and if you have difficulty hearing you’re probably more conscientious about earwax. You may 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 cleaning your hearing aids or you can use things 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 hardware.
Simple hygiene habits will really help with keeping your hearing aids clean. Whenever you do something that involves liquid or dampness, like washing your face or styling your hair, take your hearing aids out and make sure your hands aren’t wet when handling them.
Potential Pitfall: Trapped Moisture
Even a small amount of moisture can really damage your hearing aid (you don’t need to be submerged, even a sweat can be a problem). The vent in the hearing aid and the battery can even be effected by humidity in the air. Issues ranging from distortion to static or even crackling might happen depending on how much moisture has gotten in. They could even seem to stop working.
The fix: Keep Them Dry
Make sure that when you store your hearing aids, you open the battery door; and if you’re taking them out for longer than 24 hours, take out the batteries entirely. It takes almost no effort and guarantees that air can circulate, and any captured moisture can get out.
A cool, dry place is the best spot to store your hearing aids. Don’t keep them in the bathroom or kitchen. Storing them in the bathroom might seem convenient but there’s just too much moisture. You will probably want to get a hearing aid storage box if you live in an overly humid environment. Most versions use a desiccant in the form of a small moisture absorbing packet, but some more costly versions remove moisture with electronics.
None of the above are working? It may be time to speak with us.