If you’ve got hearing aids, you should be capable of hearing, right? When they aren’t working right, it can be extremely frustrating, it’s a total “You had ONE job” situation. Fortunately, your hearing aids should have no problem doing their job if you take proper care of them.
Before you do anything extreme, consider this list. If it’s not one of these common issues, it might be time to schedule an appointment with us to ensure there isn’t a more substantial issue. Your hearing may have changed, for instance, or you may need a hearing aid recalibration.
Potential Pitfall: Low Batteries
While hearing aid batteries have gotten dramatically smaller and lifespans are improving, the batteries still need to be replaced occasionally or recharged. So staying on top of charging your batteries is important. The first thing you should do if your hearing aid begins to fail or cut in and out is check the battery.
The fix: Keep ‘em Fresh
Investing in a battery tester, particularly if you like to stock up, is a practical idea. 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: When you open new batteries, wait 5 minutes before installing them. This can help extend the battery life by allowing the zinc to activate.
Potential Pitfall: Gross Things Like Wax And Grime
Your hearing aids will accumulate dirt and debris regardless of how clean you keep your ears and if you have difficulty hearing you’re probably more conscientious about earwax. If you’re able to hear but sounds seem distorted or a bit off, dirt could be the cause.
The fix: Clean ‘em Out—And Keep Them Clean!
There are lots of products available specifically for cleaning hearing aids, but you can DIY it with things you already have around the house. You can use a microfiber cloth, like the kind you use to clean your cellphone or glasses, to wipe your hearing aid down after disassembling it.
You can help stop your hearing aids from accumulating excess filth 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 small amount of moisture can really harm your hearing aid (think working up a sweat, not snorkeling). The vent in the hearing aid and the battery can even be impacted by humidity in the air. Issues ranging from distortion to static or even crackling may happen depending on how much moisture is inside. They might even seem to stop working.
The fix: Keep Them Dry
Make sure that when you store your hearing aids, the battery door is open; and if you’re taking them out for longer than overnight, take out the batteries entirely. It takes almost no effort and ensures that air can circulate, and any trapped moisture can escape.
Store hearing aids in a cool, dry spot. Don’t keep them in the kitchen or bathroom. Although the latter is convenient, the steam from a hot shower is precisely what you don’t want. If you live in a humid environment, you may want to think about purchasing a hearing aid storage box. Most models use a desiccant in the form of a small moisture absorbing packet, but some more expensive versions get rid of moisture with electronics.
None of the above are working out? It might be time to talk to us.
