If you have hearing aids, you should be capable of hearing, right? When they aren’t working right, it can be downright frustrating, it’s a total “You had ONE job” situation. Luckily, your hearing aids should have no trouble doing their job if you take proper care of them.
Go through 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 common 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. So staying on top of charging your batteries is important. If it seems like the sound is diminishing or cutting in and out, check your battery first.
The fix: Keep ‘em Fresh
A battery tester is a worthwhile investment, particularly if you like to stock up. Even if you keep batteries sealed until you need to use them, always a good plan, they have a limited shelf life, and so the last batteries in that giant pack you purchased months ago likely won’t last as long as the first few did. Another trick: When you open new batteries, wait 5 minutes before installing them. This gives the zinc time to activate, and can possibly extend the life of the batteries.
Potential Pitfall: Gross Things Like Wax And Grime
No matter how clean you keep your ears, and if you have a tough time hearing, you’re much more likely than the average person to pay attention to earwax, your hearing aids are going to collect dirt and debris. You may find yourself with a dirt problem if sounds seem a little off or distorted.
The fix: Clean ‘em Out—And Keep Them Clean!
You can get a kit for cleaning your hearing aids or you can use things you already have around the house to keep them clean. Once you’ve taken apart your hearing aids, use a soft, microfiber cloth (like you’d use to clean glasses or smartphone) to wipe down the hardware.
Simple hygiene practices will really help with keeping your hearing aids clean. Whenever you do something that involves liquid or dampness, like cleaning your face or styling your hair, take your hearing aids out and make sure your hands are dry when handling them.
Potential Pitfall: Trapped Moisture
Even a little bit of moisture can really damage your hearing aid (you won’t need to be underwater, even a sweat can be an issue). Even humidity in the air can be a problem, clogging up the hearing aid’s air vents or causing batteries to drain faster. Depending on how much moisture’s entered, you could experience issues from sound distortion to static, to crackling. They may even appear to quit altogether.
The fix: Keep ‘em Dry
Make sure that when you store your hearing aids, you open the battery door; and if you’re taking them out for longer than 24 hours, take out the batteries entirely. It takes almost no effort and ensures that air can circulate, and any trapped moisture can escape.
A cool, dry place is the best spot to keep your hearing aids. The bedroom is a smart spot, skip the kitchen or bathroom. Storing them in the bathroom may seem convenient but there’s just too much moisture. You will probably want to purchase a hearing aid storage box if you live in an overly humid environment. Most versions use a desiccant in the form of a small moisture absorbing packet, but some more costly versions eliminate moisture with electronics.
None of these are working? It might be time to talk to us.