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If you notice that your hearing aid isn’t working like it’s meant to, it’s easy to quickly become frustrated. For those that use these devices every day, the smallest issue is a major problem. It could be that everything sounds muffled, or suddenly there’s no sound at all.
Fortunately, it’s not every time that hearing aid problems take you to a professional. Some of these issues can be fixed at home with a little know-how. With this troubleshooting guide, it’s easy to get things working again.
Check for Sound Obstruction
When a hearing aid stops working, the first thing to do is make sure nothing is blocking it. Earwax can accumulate, and this blocks the opening of the device. Other culprits could be moisture and dust sneaking in after a phone call or humid day.
If the wax guard is installed, it might be clogged too, and this needs a replacement, not cleaning. With signs of obstruction, the next thing is to clean the device with a dry, soft brush or cloth. If sound suddenly becomes muffled or distorted, it might be a sign to clean the hearing aid and not repair it.
Inspect the Battery and Power Source
Many hearing aids work with batteries, so a minor power issue can disrupt the entire day. If the device is off or keeps turning off and on, the best thing to do is check the battery. It might be loose, old, or dead. The solution is simple too: put a new one in, and it solves the issue immediately.
For rechargeable models, it’s best to check whether it’s charging properly. The device might not be sitting well in the charger, or the charger itself might be damaged.
Look at the Fit and Placement
Sometimes, the problem isn’t with the hearing aid but the way it has been fitted in or behind the ear. If the sound feels off or there’s whistling, it might be because of a poor fit. If it’s loose, sound will escape and re-enter the microphone, causing an annoying squeal known as feedback.
If a person notices that their hearing aid isn’t working right, it’s a good idea to remove it and wear it properly. Also, if the fit feels different, consider visiting a hearing health professional to correct this.
Check the Microphone and Receiver
Hearing aids have tiny microphones and receivers. Both components are delicate and easily damaged by tiny particles. Wind, dust, cosmetics, and hair products can clog these components. Thus, whenever sounds become disruptive, they must be thoroughly inspected.
If so, carefully clean the outside with a dry towel and avoid liquid cleaners. If something is blocking the microphone port or the receiver isn’t making sound, they may need a professional’s help.
Reset or Reconnect as Needed
Digital hearing aids can act up just like any other electronic device. There can be cases of freezing, lagging, or poor connection to the smartphones or remote. A quick fix is to turn it off, wait a while, and then turn it back on.
If it’s connected to Bluetooth or app-controlled devices, re-pair the connection or update the app. The troubleshooting process is similar to rebooting a computer and will get things working right again.
Know When It’s Time for Professional Help
Even if a person focuses on attention to detail at home, there are times when a hearing aid needs professional attention. If cleaning, battery changes, and reconnections don’t work, it might be time to book an appointment.
Also, major issues like cracks in the cases, bent battery contacts, and persistent sound problems can’t be solved at home. The best option is to visit a hearing health professional who will test the device and then repair or replace it if needed.
Trust in Ongoing Hearing Care Support
Many common hearing aid problems can be fixed at home with troubleshooting, but sometimes these devices need ongoing support from a hearing health professional to work properly.
When anything feels wrong, a reliable expert may help keep them functioning at their best. However, it’s a great idea to know how to clean, charge, and fit your hearing aids. A hearing aid service appointment or tune-up is necessary to maintain strong and dependable sound quality.