Common Hearing Aid Problems and How to Fix Them
Hearing aid failure can be frustrating and expensive, especially if you rely on these devices to improve your quality of life. However, there are many ways to restore or enhance your hearing aid to return to listening to life’s soundtrack.
Vibrant Hearing is one of the area’s trusted providers of hearing aids, so we know a thing or two about them. If you need help with your hearing aid, consider us the best friend you’ve ever had. Let’s get to work helping you!
Causes of Hearing Aid Failure
Nothing is more frustrating than loving your hearing aids and one of them quitting. A handful of common issues, such as moisture, debris, and earwax buildup, can cause your hearing aids to stop working. These factors can block the microphone or speaker, reducing functionality or causing total failure.
Moisture
The most common cause of hearing aid failure is moisture and debris on the microphone or the speaker. If you consider that hearing aids must work on (and in!) a human body for 12 hours or more daily for years, something is bound to quit working.
Human beings are vapor machines. The relative humidity of a human ear canal is about 55%. We lose moisture through our skin (against which the hearing aid is closely tucked), we duck through rain, work up a sweat, walk through fog and snow, ride bicycles, and so much more.
Debris
It cannot be overstated how common everyday debris like dust and dirt can cause hearing aid failure. These tiny particulates can infiltrate the microphone and speaker of your hearing aid and cause mechanical issues or sound dampening.
This debris can result from being outdoors, working in a workshop, or relaxing at home. Whatever the issue causing a debris buildup in your hearing aid, you must work to prevent this through routine cleaning and using a protective case. Ensure you follow the manufacturer’s care instructions to help keep hearing aids functioning properly and extend their lifespan.
Earwax Buildup
Just like moisture and debris, earwax buildup is a common issue that can affect the overall use of your hearing aid. When earwax accumulates in the ear canal, it can reduce sound quality or completely prevent sound from reaching the ear. Over time, the wax can harden and become more challenging to clean, potentially damaging the hearing aid’s delicate components.
Earwax also contains moisture, which can interfere with the device’s electronics. Regularly cleaning the ears and hearing aids and scheduling professional cleanings can help prevent earwax-related issues and ensure optimal hearing aid performance.
Preventative Measures for Hearing Aid Maintenance
The real question is, what can you do to reduce the number of repairs over the life of the hearing instruments? As it turns out, there’s plenty you can do.
Hearing Aid Dryer
Invest in an excellent hearing aid dryer. They are worth the price (about $150) and will save you a lot of aggravation. These dryers use gentle heat or a desiccant to absorb humidity, preventing malfunctions caused by sweat or moisture. Some models also offer UV light to sanitize, reducing bacteria buildup. Regular dryer use extends the life of your hearing aids and improves their performance.
Routine Visits to the Hearing Care Specialist
Those who use hearing aids can also take them to the specialist for routine cleaning or tune-ups. Think of it like taking your car in for repairs. There is usually no cost for this service, an appointment is rarely necessary, and your provider or her technician can often spot emerging trouble and take care of it then and there.
Continuous Inspections
Inspecting your hearing aids daily or weekly can help you spot issues quickly. If moisture, buildup, or debris is causing muffled sounds, routine device inspections can help you establish a plan to treat the problem.
Troubleshooting Common Hearing Aid Issues
Something to remember: Sound must enter the aids, sound must exit, and the aids must have a reliable power source. Therefore, look at the microphones, the speaker port, the battery door, and contacts. If you aren’t sure what you are looking at or for, ask your provider or technician to let you into her lab and show you what all the parts should look like. Remember, if the aid does stop working, don’t panic!
When to Seek Professional Help
If your hearing aid isn’t working correctly, it’s understandable to feel concerned. Don’t worry because you’re not alone, and help is available. If basic troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s time to seek professional assistance.
A hearing specialist like the ones at Vibrant Hearing can diagnose the problem, whether it’s a technical malfunction, a blocked component, or moisture damage. We’ll also guide you through any necessary repairs or replacements. Remember, hearing aids are sophisticated devices, and with the proper care and support, you’ll be back to hearing clearly in no time. Don’t hesitate to reach out for expert help.
FAQs
We’ve heard plenty of questions about hearing aid failure. Here are a few of the common ones.
What Should I Do If My Hearing Aid Stops Working?
Check for moisture, debris, or earwax in any of the openings.
How Can I Prevent My Hearing Aids from Failing?
Routine cleaning and tune-ups at the hearing care specialist’s office will help!
What Are the Most Common Causes of Hearing Aid Failure?
Moisture, debris, and earwax buildup are the most common problems.
Vibrant Hearing Can Help
Vibrant Hearing’s specialists are a caring and compassionate staff dedicated to helping you hear again. Contact us today to schedule your hearing assessment.
