The hearing aid is an incredible little piece of technology. Even with their miniature size, they house a great deal of state-of-the-art components that perform advanced operations all day every day. But like all devices, they will on occasion require maintenance.
Common Reasons Hearing Aids Fail
- Earwax – Often hearing aids simply require a thorough cleaning to bring them back to working order.
- Moisture – The electronic components of a hearing aid may be damaged if exposed to too much moisture such as from showers, sweat, or high humidity.
- Defect – Like many devices, failure may be caused by a manufacturers defect. Often this would be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty.
Hearing Aid Home Care
Regular hearing aid maintenance is the key to getting the most out of your hearing devices. Below is a list of things you can do at home between your regularly scheduled appointments.
Daily Cleaning – Hearing aids should be gently cleaned daily with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid water, solvents, and alcohol to prevent premature degradation.
Test Batteries Frequently – The batteries are often the first place to look if your hearing device isn’t functioning properly. Remove batteries at night to prolong battery life and to prevent accidentally turning on the hearing device when not in use.
Wash Hands – It is important to thoroughly wash and dry your hands and anything else that will be making contact with your hearing aids. This will help prevent the risk of a possible bacterial infection.
Proper Storage – You should store your hearing aids inside of a protective case when not in use to protect from accidental damage or dirt and dust.
Hearing Aid Troubleshooting
Here are some common hearing aid fixes you can try at home to reduce the number repairs needed over the life of your hearing instruments:
- Check to ensure the device is on and volume is high enough
- Replace the battery / Ensure battery is properly inserted
- Clean away wax and debris (avoid detergents)
- Replace wax filter (if applicable)
- Inspect tubing of behind the ear (BTE) and receiver in canal (RIC) models for wear and tear