If you have hearing aids, you should be capable of hearing, right? When your hearing aid stops doing its job, it can be seriously frustrating. Fortunately, your hearing aids should have no problem doing their job if you take proper care of them.
Go over this list before you do anything hasty. It might 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 instance, or you might need a hearing aid recalibration.
Potential Pitfall: Low Batteries
Hearing aid batteries, while improving in quality, still require recharging and replacing occasionally. That means that it’s essential to keep up with your hearing aids’ batteries. The first thing you should do if your hearing aid starts to falter or cut in and out is check the battery.
The fix: Keep ‘em Fresh
A battery tester is a practical 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 they stay sealed. Another trick: Wait five minutes after you open new batteries before you install them. This gives the zinc time to activate, and can possibly extend the life of the batteries.
Potential Pitfall: Grease, Grime, And Other Gross Stuff
Your hearing aids will accumulate dirt and debris no matter how clean you keep your ears and if you have problems hearing you’re most likely more conscientious about earwax. You may find yourself with a dirt problem if sounds seem a little off or distorted.
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 items you already have around the house. Once you’ve taken apart your hearing aids, use a soft, microfiber cloth (like you’d use to clean glasses or smartphone) to wipe down the hardware.
You can help stop your hearing aids from collecting excess filth by employing simple hygiene practices. Whenever you do something that calls for liquid or moisture, such as washing 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 be a real problem for hearing aids, and it doesn’t take much to do so (you won’t need to be submerged, even a sweat can be a problem). Even humidity in the air can be a problem, clogging up the hearing aid’s air vents or causing batteries to drain faster. Issues ranging from distortion to static or even crackling may happen depending on how much moisture is inside. They may even appear to quit altogether.
The fix: Keep Them Dry
Keep the battery door open when you store your hearing aid overnight and any longer than that, take the battery out. It takes almost no effort and ensures that air can circulate, and any trapped moisture can get out.
A cool, dry place is the best spot to store your hearing aids. Don’t keep them in the bathroom or kitchen. Keeping them in the bathroom may seem convenient but moisture is just too much. You will most likely want to get a hearing aid storage box if you live in an overly humid climate. 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? It may be time to talk to us.