When technology quits working correctly, that’s when we usually notice it most. With hearing aids that’s particularly true: To most people who wear them, hearing aids are more than a piece of technology; they’re a vital lifeline to the rest of the world.

So finding solutions for a malfunctioning hearing aid, and finding those solutions quickly, is important for both physiological and emotional reasons. Troubleshooting can be a frustrating, risky process whether you’ve been using them for a week, a year, or decades. But there are some reasonably easy steps you can try to get your hearing aid working properly again.

Before Trouble Occurs Take Protective Measures

Any complex piece of technology requires upkeep, and hearing aids are no exception. Despite the fact that the casing may look simple and robust, the electronics inside can be extremely sophisticated.

Due to this you have to keep them well maintained. As you’re using your hearing aids, there are some things you can do that will make taking care of them easier.

Keeping Your Hearing Aids Clean is a Must

Each day, a certain amount of wax is naturally and normally produced by your ears. And, the ear wax is, to a certain extent helpful for your ears. But your hearing aids can be damaged by it. Keeping your hearing aids clean and clear of wax buildup can help improve the longevity of the devices. The fact is that a built-in wax filter comes with most hearing aids that should also be cleaned periodically.

Keep Your Hearing Aids Dry

Moisture and electronics don’t mix well. The effectiveness of your hearing aids can be compromised, despite the best protection technology available, if it is continually exposed to moisture.

This means that you should not wear your hearing aids in the shower or while swimming. Additionally, if your hearing aids do get wet, towel-dry them; heat from a hairdryer, as an example, can hurt your hearing aids.

Schedule Time With Professional Cleaners

Hearing aids need specialized cleaning because they are delicate, expensive technology. A specialized cleaner can better accomplish certain things that you can’t, even if you’re pretty rigorous about your cleaning routines.

Every 4-6 months is the suggested time between cleanings.

How to Troubleshoot Existing Problems

Even if your hearing aids are presently working, you will still need to take protective steps. You’re probably more interested in quick fixes if you’re experiencing issues with your hearing aids not working anymore.

Try one of the following steps if your hearing aids aren’t working properly:

• Inspect your hearing aid for debris or wax build up. Gently clear away any wax or debris you might discover.
• Change out your battery or power source, even if your batteries are rechargeable.
• Cycle the device power (turn it off and turn it back on). This will correct the issue in certain cases.
• Look inside the battery compartment. Look for corrosion or loose wiring. If you find corrosion, you can try carefully cleaning it away, but significant damage will have to be fixed professionally.
• Inspect your hearing aids for noticeable signs of damage, such as blemishes or cracks. Your hearing aid may need to be fixed if you find any of this type of damage.
• Check your own ears. Sound from your hearing aid could be blocked by earwax buildup.
• Adjust the volume. There will be either a volume wheel on the hearing aid or a remote you can use to do this. If your hearing aid has both options, try both ways.
• Switch between programs or adjust the settings. Many hearing aids are different in this regard, so your plan of action will depend on the model you have.

It’s likely that you will need to have the device fixed by a professional if you want it back to original condition if none of these steps help.

What if That Doesn’t Help My Hearing Aids?

When your hearing aids aren’t functioning properly anymore and troubleshooting has not taken care of the issue, you will most likely have two choices: either send the hearing aids in for service or buy a new pair of hearing aids. Which option works better for you will vary depending on your situation, how old your hearing aids are, and other factors.

If your hearing aids aren’t functioning properly right now, take the time to try some troubleshooting. If that doesn’t work, you can go on to the next steps, including a discussion with your hearing specialist to find a remedy. To find a solution make an appointment right away.