If you have hearing aids, you should be capable of hearing, right? When your hearing aid fails at its one job, it can be extremely frustrating. The good news is, with regular upkeep, your hearing aids should be up to the job.
Consider this list before you do anything rash. It might be time to come in and talk with us if you find it isn’t one of these ordinary issues. For example, your hearing aids might need recalibration, or your hearing may have changed.
Potential Pitfall: Low Batteries
Hearing aid batteries, while improving in quality, still require recharging and replacing occasionally. That means that it’s important to maintain your hearing aids’ batteries. The first thing you need to do if your hearing aid begins to fail or cut in and out is check the battery.
The fix: Keep ‘em Fresh
Purchasing 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 gives the zinc time to become active, and can potentially help the batteries last longer.
Potential Pitfall: Gross Things Like Wax And Grime
Regardless of how clean you keep your ears, and if you have difficulty hearing, you’re a lot more likely than the average individual to pay attention to earwax, your hearing aids are going to accumulate dirt and debris. If you’re able to hear but sounds seem distorted or a little off, dirt might be the cause.
The fix: Clean Them Out—And Keep Them Clean!
You can buy a kit for keeping your hearing aids clean or you can use items you already have around the house to keep them clean. Once you’ve disassembled 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.
Simple hygiene habits will go a long way to keeping your hearing aids clean. Whenever you do something that calls for liquid or dampness, like washing your face or styling your hair, take your hearing aids out and make sure your hands aren’t wet when handling them.
Potential Pitfall: Trapped Moisture
Even a small amount of moisture can really harm your hearing aid (you won’t need to be underwater, even sweating can be an issue). Even humidity in the air can be an issue, clogging up the hearing aid’s air vents or draining faster. Issues ranging from distortion to static or even crackling might happen depending on how much moisture is inside. They may even seem to quit altogether.
The fix: Keep ‘em Dry
Be certain that when you store your hearing aids, the battery door is open; and if you’re storing them for longer than 24 hours, take out the batteries entirely. It takes almost no effort and guarantees that air can circulate, and any captured moisture can escape.
A cool, dry place is the best spot to store your hearing aids. Don’t store them in the kitchen or bathroom. Keeping them in the bathroom might seem convenient but moisture is just too much. You will most likely want to get a hearing aid storage box if you live in a very humid climate. More expensive models plug in, but less expensive options use desiccants or gels (yes, like those “throw away do not eat” packets you find in the box when you buy a pair of shoes) to absorb moisture.
If you’ve tried all of these and none of them are helping then it might be time for you to give us a call.
