If you have hearing aids, you should be capable of hearing, right? When they aren’t working properly, it can be thoroughly frustrating, it’s a real “You had ONE job” situation. Fortunately, your hearing aids should have no problem doing their job if you properly maintain them.
Go through this list before you do anything rash. It may be time to come in and talk with us if you find it isn’t one of these common problems. Your hearing might have changed, for example, or you might need a hearing aid recalibration.
Potential Pitfall: Low Batteries
While hearing aid batteries have gotten dramatically 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 crucial. The first thing you need to do if your hearing aid starts to falter 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 as much voltage as the first few even if you keep them sealed. Another trick: When you unpack new batteries, wait 5 minutes before putting them in. This can help the batteries last longer by allowing the zinc to activate.
Potential Pitfall: Grease, Grime, And Other Gross Stuff
Your hearing aids will collect debris and dirt no matter how clean you keep your ears and if you have trouble hearing you’re most likely more conscientious about earwax. You might find yourself with a dirt issue if sounds seem a bit off or distorted.
The fix: Clean Them Out—And Keep Them Clean!
You can purchase 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 basic hygiene practices. Whenever you do something that calls for liquid or moisture, like washing 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
Moisture can be a real problem for hearing aids, and it doesn’t take very much to do so (you won’t need to be underwater, even sweating can be a problem). Even humidity in the air can be a problem, clogging up the hearing aid’s air vents or draining more quickly. Problems ranging from distortion to static or even crackling might happen depending on how much moisture has gotten in. They could even seem to stop working.
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 zero effort and ensures that air can circulate, and any trapped moisture can escape.
Store hearing aids in a cool, dry spot. Don’t store them in the bathroom or kitchen. Storing them in the bathroom might seem convenient but there’s just too much moisture. You will most likely 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 small moisture absorbing packet, but some more costly models eliminate moisture with electronics.
None of these are working out? It might be time to talk to us.
