When technology quits working properly, that’s when we usually notice it the most. That’s especially true with hearing aids: To the majority of people who wear them, hearing aids are more than just a piece of technology; they’re a vital lifeline to the rest of the world.

So finding solutions for a malfunctioning hearing aid, and discovering those solutions quickly, is important for both physiological and emotional reasons. Troubleshooting can be a difficult, risky process whether you’ve been using them for a week, a year, or decades. But there are some relatively easy measures you can try to get your hearing aid working properly again.

Before Trouble Occurs Take Preventative Measures

Hearing aids are no exception to the rule, like any other piece of technology, they need regular upkeep. Even though the casing might appear simple and robust, the electronics inside can be incredibly sophisticated.

Due to this you need to keep them well maintained. There are a few easy ways you can make sure to take care of your hearing aids while you’re using them.

Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean

Your ears normally and naturally produce a certain amount of wax every day. And, to a certain extent, that earwax is helpful for your ears. But your hearing aids can be damaged by it. To help improve the life of your device keep your hearing aids free and clear of wax. The fact is that most hearing aids will have a built-in wax filter that should also be periodically cleaned.

Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry

Moisture and electronics don’t mix well. And in spite of the best protection technology can build, consistent subjection to moisture can eventually wear down the internal electronics of your hearing aids, compromising their effectiveness.

This Means wearing your hearing aids in the pool or shower is not a good idea. Also, dry your hearing aids with a towel if they get wet. Don’t use a hair dryer because it can damage them.

Schedule Time With Professional Cleaners

Hearing aids need specialized cleaning since they are delicate, expensive technology. Even if you’re fairly thorough about your own cleaning habits, there are just some things that can be better achieved by a specialized cleaner.

Every 4-6 months is the recommended time between cleanings.

How to Diagnose Existing Issues

Preventative steps are important if your hearing aids are currently functioning correctly. You’re most likely more interested in quick fixes if your experiencing problems with your hearing aids not working anymore.

If your hearing aids aren’t functioning correctly, try one of the following steps:

• Look over your hearing aids for blemishes, cracks or other obvious signs of damage. Your hearing aid might need to be repaired if you find any of this kind of damage.
• Check your hearing aid for debris or wax build up. If you find any wax accumulation or debris, clear them away.
• Adjust the volume. Sometimes you can do this via a remote or manually with the dial on the hearing aid. Try to do both if you have the option with your hearing aid.
• Inspect the battery compartment. Look for corrosion or loose wiring. If you see any corrosion, you can attempt to carefully clean it away, but considerable damage will need to be repaired professionally.
• Cycle the device power (turn it off and turn it back on). This will fix the issue in certain cases.
• Toggle between programs or change the settings. How you deal with it will depend on the model because they’re all different in this way.
• Check your own ears. It’s possible that earwax accumulation in your ear canal is interfering with the sound from your hearing aid.
• Replace your power source or battery, even if your batteries are rechargeable.

It’s likely that you will need to have the device fixed professionally if you want it back to peak performance if none of these tips help.

What if That Doesn’t Fix My Hearing Aids?

You will most likely have two choices if you’ve tried troubleshooting your hearing aid and it still won’t work: you either have to buy a new set or send them in for service. The age of your hearing aids, your personal circumstances, and other factors will establish which option will work best for you.

If your hearing aids aren’t functioning properly right now, take the time to do some troubleshooting. A conversation with a hearing professional to find a solution is the next step if that doesn’t work. Make an appointment to find a solution today.