If you have hearing aids, you should be capable of hearing, right? When they aren’t working properly, it can be extremely frustrating, it’s a real “You had ONE job” scenario. The good news is, with regular upkeep, your hearing aids should be up to the job.
Go over this list before you do anything hasty. If it’s not one of these common issues, it may be time to schedule an appointment with us to make sure there isn’t a more substantial issue. For example, your hearing aids may need recalibration, or your hearing may have changed.
Potential Pitfall: Low Batteries
Hearing aid batteries, while improving in quality, still need to be recharged or replaced occasionally. So staying on top of charging your batteries is important. If it seems as if the sound is diminishing or cutting in and out, check your battery first.
The fix: Keep ‘em Fresh
A battery tester is a practical investment, particularly if you like to stock up. Batteries have a shelf life so the last batteries in the pack might not have as much voltage as the first few even if you keep them 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: Gross Things Like Wax And Grime
No matter how clean you keep your ears, and if you have a tough time hearing, you’re a lot more likely than the average individual to stay on top of earwax, your hearing aids will collect debris and dirt. If you can hear but sounds seem distorted or slightly off, dirt may be the cause.
The fix: Clean ‘em Out—And Keep Them Clean!
You can get a kit for keeping your hearing aids clean or you can use items you already have around the house to clean them. You can use a microfiber cloth, like the kind you use to clean your computer screen or cellphone, to wipe your hearing aid down after taking it apart.
You can help keep your hearing aids from accumulating excess grime by employing simple hygiene practices. Whenever you do something that calls for liquid or moisture, like cleaning your face or styling your hair, take your hearing aids out and make certain your hands aren’t wet when handling them.
Potential Pitfall: Trapped Moisture
Even a little bit of moisture can really harm your hearing aid (you won’t need to be underwater, even sweating can be an issue). Even humidity in the air can be an issue, blocking up the hearing aid’s air vents or causing batteries to drain faster. Issues ranging from distortion to static or even crackling may happen depending on how much moisture has gotten in. They could even seem to shut down.
The fix: Keep Them Dry
Leave the battery door open when you store your hearing aid overnight and any longer than that, take the battery out. It takes almost no effort and guarantees that air can circulate, and any trapped moisture can get out.
A cool, dry place is the best spot to keep your hearing aids. The bedroom is a practical spot, skip the kitchen or bathroom. Even though the latter is convenient, the moisture from a hot shower is precisely what you don’t want. You will probably want to get a hearing aid storage box if you live in a very humid environment. Most models use a desiccant in the form of a little moisture absorbing packet, but some more costly models remove moisture with electronics.
None of these are working out? It may be time to consult us.