Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Hearing aids are revolutionary pieces of technology that perform powerful functions despite their small size. However, hearing aids still require routine maintenance and the occasional device troubleshooting. Otherwise, you may not get the most optimal user experience. Here, we show you how to perform at-home hearing aid maintenance and troubleshoot common hearing aid issues regarding cleaning, care, and performance.
Easy At-home Hearing Aid Maintenance
The best way to get the most out of your hearing aids is with consistent at-home care. Regular hearing aid maintenance and proper cleaning can help maximize your device’s life and optimize your hearing experience.
Do
Don’t
Clean Your Hearing Aids Regularly
While your ear may be a self-cleaning machine, your hearing aids are not. Ear wax, moisture, and debris can cause less-than-stellar hearing aid performance. Plus, these things may cause damage to the sensitive technology housed within. That’s why it’s so important to clean your hearing aids on a regular basis.
Change the Wax Guards
Ear wax and moisture are the leading causes of hearing aid malfunction and poor performance. Wax guards prevent these from entering the sound outlet of your hearing aid and damaging the speaker. We recommend you replace your hearing aid’s wax guards every 2-4 weeks depending on how dirty your wax guards become.
- Before touching your hearing aids, wash your hands with soap and warm water.
- Remove the ear bud or receiver earmold from your hearing aid.
- Take out the new wax guard. Using the back side of the stick, insert the stick into the sound outlet and pull firm to remove the old wax guard.
- Flip the stick over to insert the new wax guard.
- Replace the ear bud or receive earmold.
- Wash your hands thoroughly before inserting your hearing aids.
Replace Your Hearing Aid Batteries
It’s important to know how to replace your hearing aid batteries because you never know when or where your batteries will die. Where your device’s batteries are stored will depend on the style of your hearing aid. As a result, we’ve created a few video walkthroughs to help you locate the battery compartment and learn how to replace your devices’ batteries.
Over-the-ear
In-the-ear (Custom)
Rechargeable
Schedule Regular Appointments with Your Hearing Specialist
A well taken care of hearing aid makes a noticeable difference in your hearing experience. But at-home hearing aid maintenance isn’t enough. Make sure you’re still attending quarterly check-ups to ensure that your devices are performing optimally. Only a professional hearing specialist can perform a deep cleaning and any advanced maintenance your hearing aids may require.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Occasionally your hearing aids may encounter malfunction. Fortunately, some malfunctions can be resolved at home, saving you time and money. Let’s walk through some common minor malfunctions that you may experience that you can solve yourself.
My Hearing Aids Won’t Turn On
First, check whether your hearing aid batteries are dead; you may need to replace them. For rechargeable models, check that your devices are charged; if the battery indicator is not illuminated, your hearing aids need charging.
Also make sure the batteries are facing the correct direction (+ with + and – with -).
Second, check whether the door of your device’s battery compartment is fully closed. A loose or open door will prohibit the devices from functioning.
I Can’t Hear Any Sound Coming from My Devices
First, check your hearing aid’s volume: is the volume turned down all the way or set to mute?
Next, check whether your hearing aid batteries are dead; you may need to replace them. For rechargeable models, check that your devices are charged; if the battery indicator is not illuminated, your hearing aids need charging.
Last, physically examine your hearing aids for any obstructions like ear wax buildup which can clog the microphone, speaker and/or receiver. If necessary, clean your hearing aids and consider replacing their wax guards.
The Sound Quality Is Muffled or Gargled
First, check whether your hearing aid batteries are dead; you may need to replace them. Dead or dying batteries will affect your device’s sound quality.
Next, physically examine your hearing aids for any obstructions like ear wax buildup which can clog the microphone, speaker and/or receiver. If necessary, clean your hearing aids and consider replacing their wax guards.
The Volume Is Too Loud and/or Too Quiet
First, check your hearing aid’s volume: is the volume turned down all the way or set to mute?
Next, double check whether you’re using the most appropriate program for your current situation. Some programs are designed specifically for phone conversations or noisy environments and therefore may not be appropriate for everyday situations.
Schedule a Hearing Aid Repair Appointment
It is important to remember that some things cannot be resolved at home. If your devices do not function properly despite consistent at-home care, seek professional help. Only a licensed hearing specialist can perform hearing aid repairs to address any outstanding issues affecting your hearing aids’ performance.