Your new hearing aids can vastly improve the way you experience daily life, from being able to hear conversations better to enjoying a favorite hobby. However, just like any new device, hearing aids can get complicated. Here at Preferred Hearing Centers, we are always eager to help you with all of your hearing aid questions and problems. But, for when we are not in the office, I wanted to create a page with a few troubleshooting tips. Below you will find a list of common hearing aid issues accompanied with tips on how to fix them!
Issue #1: No Sound
- Check that the hearing aid is turned on! This may seem obvious, but sometimes it can accidentally be turned off when putting it in, and sometimes we just forget! The most obvious solutions are usually the most overlooked.
- Make sure the volume is where it’s supposed to be. It’s also very easy to accidentally change the volume settings when putting it in.
- If the power is on and the volume is set correctly, next check on the battery. Make sure that the battery is put in right side up, and that the cover is entirely in place. If that seems OK, check to see if the battery needs to be charged or changed.
- If your hearing aid is still not working correctly, you may need to look at the receiver tube for a blockage. If it is dirty or blocked, clean the tube.
- Lastly, check the microphone for dirt that may be preventing the sound from being picked up. If needed, clean the microphone of dust, dirt, and/or earwax and test it again.
Issue #2: Sound Isn’t Quite Right
- Double-check that your proper program and volume settings are still set to your hearing aid. If they were accidentally changed, reset them back to the correct settings. If you need assistance changing them or don’t remember your settings, we are here to help.
- Often, wax, dirt, and lint can build up in the controls. To clear them out, you will need to rotate dials or switch any switches a few times to clear out any lingering debris. Just don’t forget to set them back to your specific settings before putting them back in!
- If the last step does not work, try thoroughly cleaning your hearing aid. Clear the tube, microphone, and earpiece of any wax, dust, lint, or any other debris that can collect and block the sound from reaching your inner ear.
- Next, check your battery and the contacts on either side of the battery terminal. These contacts and the battery can become corroded and may need to be replaced.
- If corrosion isn’t a problem, there may be moisture in your hearing aid. This can be solved by using a drying kit or a dehumidifier that removes moisture overnight while you’re sleeping.
- If none of these troubleshooting steps solve the problem, come in and visit one of our hearing aid experts!
Issue #3: Whistling and Feedback
- Check to make sure your hearing aid was correctly inserted. Try taking it out and putting it back in, and remember to keep your head straight ahead until the hearing aid is secured to ensure proper placement.
- Try a different size earpiece or a closed tip dome earpiece instead for a different and more secure fit.
- The whistling and feedback may also be the result of too much noise trying to get through the hearing aid, so try turning down the volume.
- Next, inspect your hearing aid for any cracks in the tubing or the ear hook. If this is the case, bring your device into us, and we will replace the parts if needed.
- If you find that none of these steps work or the whistling persists, sometimes it could mean that earwax is blocking sound from traveling through your ear canal. Blockages should be assessed and cleared by a professional – don’t do this yourself!
Issue #4: It Doesn’t Fit Quite Right
- Have you dropped it at all? Even if it was a small fall that may have seemed insignificant, hearing aids are delicate devices and can be altered easily. If you have, do not try to fix it yourself. Wait until you can bring it to a trained professional to get fixed.
- Remember, fit can change over time! If you feel like something isn’t right, don’t hesitate to bring it in to our office and our staff will happily help you in any way we can.
When in doubt, visit us at one of our offices, and we will most certainly be able to help you!