That also means they’re complex pieces of medical equipment, with a number of moving parts that can fail or otherwise prevent the device from working correctly.
Luckily, you can fix many problems yourself, or at least figure out what the problem is before you bring your non-working hearing aid to Sonora Hearing Care for repair. Here are some of the most common problems, how to identify what’s going wrong and how you may be able to solve them.
Problem: Power Issues
Power issues have always been one of the chief complaints of hearing aid users. Hearing aid batteries are tiny and don’t have much power in them, so they get used up quickly. may have to change your disposable batteries every three to 14 days, or charge your rechargeable hearing aids every night or every few nights.
If you are experiencing power or battery life issues:
- Check that the hearing aid is on. You’d be surprised how easy it is to simply forget you’ve turned your device off, say, before bed, or for the on/off switch to be accidentally flipped.
- Ensure that the battery is inserted correctly. It is easy to install them upside down. A sure sign that the battery has been inserted incorrectly is that the battery door won’t close.
- Get a hearing aid battery tester to make sure your power problems aren’t stemming from a dead battery.
- Have spare batteries on hand, as they may drain quickly.
Problem: No Sound
What good is a hearing aid if it doesn’t amplify sound? It is not even a very good paperweight (too small). If your hearing aid isn’t transmitting sound, try these steps.
- Make sure the power is on.
- Make sure the battery is not dead.
- Make sure the volume is turned up enough; the slider may have gotten jostled at some point.
- Check the receiver wax trap for wax and change it with a new one.
- Check the microphone for wax and dirt, and clean if it is dirty.
Problem: Feedback or Distortion
You put your hearing aid in and turn it on, only to be greeted with a high-pitched whine or a buzzing sound, or people’s voices sound like they’re underwater or standing in front of a fan. What gives? Here’s what to check.
- Check that your hearing aid is fitted, aligned and inserted properly.
- Don’t turn your hearing aid on until the device is secure in your ear.
- Turn the volume down.
- Inspect the controls, microphone, earpiece and tubing for dust, dirt and debris.
- Make sure the hearing aid is on the correct programming setting.
- These problems could be caused by moisture. Use a hearing aid dehumidifier overnight.
- These problems could also be caused by an earwax blockage. See your audiologist for earwax removal. You may damage your ear if you try to remove it yourself.
If you’ve been unable to troubleshoot your hearing aid problem, request an appointment at Sonora Hearing Care. Our hearing experts will be able to determine the problem and take steps to ensure you have a hearing aid that works for you.