If you have hearing aids, you should be able to hear, right? When they aren’t working correctly, it can be thoroughly infuriating, it’s a total “You had ONE job” situation. Luckily, your hearing aids should have no problem doing their job if you take proper care of them.
Consider 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 ensure there isn’t a larger issue. Your hearing may have changed, for instance, or you might need a hearing aid recalibration.
Potential Pitfall: Low Batteries
While hearing aid batteries have gotten considerably smaller and lifespans are getting better, the batteries still need to be occasionally replaced or recharged. That means that it’s essential to keep up with your hearing aids’ batteries. If it seems like the sound is fading or coming and going, check your battery first.
The fix: Keep ‘em Fresh
A battery tester is a worthwhile investment, particularly if you like to stock up. Batteries have a shelf life so the last batteries in the pack might not have the same 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 gather debris and dirt regardless of how clean you keep your ears and if you have problems hearing you’re most likely more conscientious about earwax. If you’re able to 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 cleaning your hearing aids or you can use things you already have around the house to clean them. Once you’ve taken apart your hearing aids, use a soft, microfiber cloth (like you’d use to clean the screen of a computer or smartphone) to wipe down the hardware.
You can help stop your hearing aids from collecting excess grime by employing basic hygiene habits. Whenever you do something that calls for liquid or dampness, such as cleaning your face or styling your hair, take your hearing aids out and make sure your hands are dry when handling them.
Potential Pitfall: Trapped Moisture
Moisture can wreak havoc on hearing aids, and it doesn’t take much to do so (think working up a sweat, not snorkeling). Even humidity in the air can be an issue, clogging up the hearing aid’s air vents or causing batteries to drain more quickly. Depending on how much moisture’s gotten in, you could experience problems from sound distortion to static, to crackling. They may even appear to quit altogether.
The fix: Keep Them Dry
Make sure that when you store your hearing aids, the battery door is open; and if you’re storing them for longer than 24 hours, remove the batteries completely. It takes almost no effort and ensures that air can move, and any trapped moisture can get out.
Store hearing aids in a cool, dry spot. Don’t keep them in the bathroom or kitchen. Storing them in the bathroom might seem convenient but there’s just too much moisture. If you live in a humid climate, 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 models get rid of moisture with electronics.
None of these are working out? It might be time to consult us.