Common Hearing Aid Problems & How to Fix Them

Common Hearing Aid Problems & How to Fix Them

Robert Weissman, Au.D., B.C.A., CCC-AUncategorized

Robert Weissman, Au.D., B.C.A., CCC-A

If you have taken the leap and invested in new hearing aids, then you deserve a congratulations! All too often, people put off treating their hearing loss for years, due to avoidance or denial. However, once you get used to your new hearing aids you can expect many benefits including improved relationships at home and at work, a greater sense of independence, higher self-esteem, improved mobility and a higher quality of life in general. 

Understanding and Caring for Your Hearing Aids

Now, it’s important to commit to wearing your hearing aids every day and making sure to maintain them. Hearing aids are complex machines which are designed to work from the moment you wake up, till the moment you go to sleep at the end of the day. We expect a lot out of our hearing aids and that means keeping up with care and maintenance can improve the quality of the sound you hear. When you understand the ins and outs of your device you can understand how to fix minor problems as they arise, so you can ensure that your hearing won’t be interrupted for too long. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them.

Scenario #1: Your Hearing Aids are Too Quiet

You shouldn’t have to strain to hear your hearing aids. If the volume is turned all the way up and you are still struggling to hear then there is definitely an issue. This is where being familiar with the parts of your hearing aids can come in handy. Examine your hearing aids, from the microphone opening to the sound outlet, tubing, and earpiece. Look for any cracks, buildup of dirt, ear wax or places where moisture may be collecting. Many times, cleaning off your hearing aids, with a soft dry cloth, can fix this problem quickly. In fact, examining and cleaning your hearing aids, as part of your evening routine can help you avoid this issue all together. However, if you do discover a crack, it’s a good idea to have this repaired by a professional before dirt or moisture has a chance to enter the casing causing a more serious issue such as a short circuit. 

Many times the issue could be that your hearing aids are set to the wrong setting for your listening conditions. Test out each setting to see if one works better than the one your hearing aids are currently set at. Sometimes, the problem is not with the entire device but with a particular setting. If you discover this to be an issue, we are here to help fix this problem either remotely or at our office.

Another thing to consider is how long you’ve had your hearing aids. Hearing ability can change over time, meaning that there is a chance that your hearing has gotten worse. Even when you wear hearing aids, it’s a good idea to have your hearing checked annually to monitor your hearing. In many cases we can simply reprogram your hearing aids to adjust to your updated hearing ability.

Scenario #2: The Sound is Garbled or Fuzzy

Many times, the volume is fine on your hearing aids, but the sound is just distorted. In most of these cases this can be attributed to the battery. Either the battery needs to be changed or there is corrosion around the battery ports. This can easily occur when your hearing aids are exposed to moisture. Try opening and closing the battery door. Examine the ports. If you spot corrosion, clean the contacts with vinegar and a cotton swab and replace the battery.

Scenario #3: Feedback

It was common for analog hearing aids of the past to struggle with feedback, but today’s digital hearing aids are designed to avoid this hassle. If you are experiencing feedback, then there is definitely an issue with your devices. Try taking them out of your ears and putting them back in. Sometimes it is just the position, or it could be a buildup of earwax. It also may fix the problem to turn the volume a little lower. If the problem persists then this is a job we can handle.

Regular Maintenance & Hearing Aid Repair

Most hearing aids last 5 to 7 years and we want to make sure you get the most out of them. We are here to help. We can help walk you through these and many other issues you may be experiencing. When you care for your hearing aids you are caring for your quality of life and we take this incredibly seriously.