If you have hearing aids, you should be able to hear, right? When they aren’t working properly, it can be extremely frustrating, it’s a total “You had ONE job” scenario. Luckily, your hearing aids should have no trouble doing their job if you properly maintain them.
Go over this list before you do anything rash. If it’s not one of these ordinary problems, it might be time to pay us a visit to make sure there isn’t a larger issue. For instance, your hearing aids may need recalibration, or your hearing could have changed.
Potential Pitfall: Low Batteries
While hearing aid batteries have gotten significantly smaller and lifespans are getting better, the batteries still have to be replaced occasionally or recharged. So staying on top of charging your batteries is important. If it seems as if the sound is fading or cutting in and out, check your battery first.
The fix: Keep ‘em Fresh
A battery tester is a beneficial investment, particularly if you like to stock up. Batteries have a shelf life so the last batteries in the pack may not have the same voltage as the first few even if they stay sealed. Another trick: Wait five minutes after you unpack new batteries before you put them in your hearing aids. This gives the zinc time to activate, and can potentially extend the life of the batteries.
Potential Pitfall: Grease, Grime, And Other Gross Stuff
Regardless of how clean you keep your ears, and if you have difficulty hearing, you’re much more likely than the average individual to stay on top of earwax, your hearing aids will accumulate debris and dirt. You may find yourself with a dirt issue if sounds seem a little bit off or distorted.
The fix: Clean Them Out—And Keep Them Clean!
There are plenty of products available specifically for cleaning hearing aids, but you can DIY it with items you already have around the house. Once you’ve disassembled your hearing aids, use a soft, microfiber cloth (like you’d use to clean glasses or smartphone) to wipe down the components.
You can help stop your hearing aids from accumulating excess filth by practicing simple hygiene practices. Clean and dry your hands before you handle your hearing aids, and take them out while you’re doing things, like washing up, styling your hair, or even shaving, that may put them in danger of being spritzed, sprayed, or splattered.
Potential Pitfall: Trapped Moisture
Even a little bit of moisture can really harm your hearing aid (think working up a sweat, not snorkeling). Even humidity in the air can be an issue, clogging up the hearing aid’s air vents or causing batteries to drain faster. Depending on how much moisture’s gotten in, you might experience problems from sound distortion to static, to crackling. They may even seem to stop working.
The fix: Keep ‘em Dry
Be sure that when you store your hearing aids, the battery door is open; and if you’re taking them out for longer than 24 hours, remove the batteries completely. Any trapped moisture will be able to evaporate and air will be able to flow with very little effort on your part.
A cool, dry place is the best spot to store your hearing aids. The bedroom is a smart spot, skip the bathroom or kitchen. Even though the latter is convenient, the moisture from a hot shower is precisely what you don’t want. If you live in a humid climate, you may want to consider getting a hearing aid storage box. Pricier models plug in, but less costly options use desiccants or gels (yes, like those “throw away do not eat” packets you find in the box when you buy shoes) to take in moisture.
If you’ve tried all of these and none of them are helping then it might be time for you to give us a call.