How To Service Hearing Aids: When to take it to a Professional
The first step in keeping the hearing aids at its optimal best is to keep it clean each day.
Hearing aids are devices that are expected to provide many years of service.
However, it may encounter problems from time to time. For minor problems, simple troubleshooting may spring it back to action. But, for more serious device issues, it would be best not to tinker with hearing aids on your own.
Hearing specialists or audiologists know the best method how to service hearing aids.
No matter how meticulous you are when it comes to hygiene, the ear canals inevitably attract and accumulate dirt, moisture and earwax buildup – all of which can wreak havoc with the small electronic components of your hearing aids.
Hearing Aid Troubles
Hearing aids are a complicated piece of technology, and the last thing you want is to tinker with them or deep clean them on your own.
The effects of tinkering with a hearing aid can bring more harm than good.
If you notice that your hearing device isn’t working as it should be, take these devices for evaluation by a qualified professional who expertly knows how to service hearing aids.
Regular Hearing Aid Maintenance
Regular maintenance can help keep hearing aids working in tiptop condition. Since most hearing aid wearers use the device every day for around 8 hours or more, it’s just normal that hearing aids may need repair or servicing.
How to Service Hearing Aids at Home: Simple Troubleshooting
If the hearing aid is not producing any sound, you can try the following:
• Make sure the battery is inserted correctly.
• Replace the battery if you think it might be drained.
• Replace the wax guard or remove excess earwax from the earmold.
• Check the hearing aid tubing for wax buildup or moisture.
• Make sure the hearing aid isn’t set to telecoil mode.
If you are experiencing feedback or whistling:
• Remove and reinsert the hearing aid.
• Turn the volume down.
• Check if there is something covering or blocking the hearing aid.
• Have an audiologist check your ears for excess wax and have it removed if necessary.
If the sound is distorted or weak:
• Replace the battery – it may be weak or drained.
• Open the battery compartment and clean the contacts with a soft, dry cloth.
• Clean the tubing or ear mold with wax removal tools.
• Replace wax guard.
When to consult a professional
If you’ve done all these and still aren’t happy with how your hearing aids are performing, it’s time to bring them to your hearing care provider.
Here are instances when it’s time to contact your hearing care provider or an audiology clinic to ask for help with your hearing aids:
• You have tried troubleshooting and your hearing aids still aren’t working as it should.
• You are experiencing excessive feedback or whistling. This could actually mean that you have an improper physical fit with a BTE earmold or a custom hearing aid.
Even if hearing aids fit perfectly initially, keep in mind that ears can change their size and shape over time, especially if a person has been ill or if there has been recent weight changes.
• If one of your hearing aids has been cracked or damaged. If there are visible holes anywhere on the faceplate or shell, it needs to be brought to a hearing specialist if it can still be repaired.
Professional Servicing: What to Expect
Audiology clinics may be able to make some “in-house” repairs, depending on the expertise of their staff and the extent of damage of the hearing device.
However, for more serious damages, the hearing aid may need to be sent to the manufacturer for repair. If the hearing aids are not under warranty, expect some associated costs for repair and/or servicing.
Preventing the Need for Hearing Aid Repairs
The first step in keeping the hearing aids at its optimal best is to keep it clean each day. This can be done with a dry tissue or cloth.
In connection with keeping the hearing aids clean, it’s also necessary to keep the ears clean. Hygiene is the best shield of defense of hearing aids.
Keep hearing aids dry. Moisture is the leading cause of hearing aid problems. Hearing aids being used daily can accumulate moisture. You can use a hearing aid dehumidifier to keep moisture to a minimum.
Hearing Aid Repair Massachusetts
If you are a hearing aid user and need to find a professional that knows how to service hearing aids, Atlantic Hearing Care, MA can help. Call us today to schedule an appointment!