Just like any other piece of technology, hearing aids need to be well-maintained and taken care of. However, over time, you will wear them out and need to get them fixed or fix them yourself. In this article, we will discuss the most common issues that you may experience with your hearing aids.
Common Issues with Hearing Aids
If you wear hearing aids, you may experience a few common issues. Here are some tips to help you troubleshoot:
1. Feedback
If you’re experiencing feedback from your hearing aid, you can do a few things to reduce the noise. First, make sure that your hearing aid is properly fitted. A loose fit can cause the amplified sound to escape through the ear canal, leading to feedback. If your hearing aid is too loose, try adjusting the fit or ask your audiologist for help.
2. Earwax Buildup
Earwax is a natural substance produced by our bodies to help keep the ear clean and free from harmful substances. However, too much earwax can sometimes build up and block the ear canal. This can cause hearing loss and other problems. If you notice an increase in earwax, it’s important to clean your ear canal carefully.
A soft, wet cloth can remove earwax from the ear canal. You can also use a cotton swab, but be careful not to insert it too far into the ear. If you have a lot of earwax buildup, you may need to see a doctor to have it removed.
3. Moisture
Hearing aids are delicate devices that can be easily damaged by moisture. It is important to keep them dry to avoid any damage. If your hearing aid gets wet, remove it immediately and use a soft, dry cloth to dab it dry. You should also avoid using hair dryers, steam rooms, and saunas while wearing your hearing aid.
If you are going to be in a situation where you might get your hearing aid wet, such as swimming, it is important to take precautions. There are special waterproof covers available that can be purchased to protect your hearing aid. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for properly using the cover.
4. Battery Life
There are a few different types of hearing aids, but the most common are those that use disposable batteries. These batteries need to be replaced every few days, and when they start to run low, you may notice a decrease in sound quality or volume. If this happens, it’s time to change the batteries.
5. Connectivity
If you have a Bluetooth-enabled hearing aid, you may experience occasional connectivity issues. This is usually caused by a weak signal or interference from other devices. Keep your hearing aid and other devices at least 3 feet apart to reduce interference. You should also avoid using your hearing aid in areas with a lot of metal or concrete, such as parking garages or underground tunnels.
Conclusion
Hearing aids are an important part of many people’s lives, but they’re not perfect. Like any other technology, they can experience problems from time to time. By understanding the most common hearing aid problems and how to fix them, you can keep your hearing aid working properly for years.
Get a free hearing test in Lexington with Hear More Associates. Don’t wait until it’s too late, and prioritize your ear health. Get your hearing checked with us at Hear More Associates.
