Hearing Aid Tips
Your hearing aids are designed to provide many years of dependable service. Cleaning them regularly can help prevent many common problems. Be sure to wipe them off using a soft, dry cloth; stay away from water and cleaning fluids, as moisture can damage the circuitry. Store them in a protective case when removing them at night, or invest in a dehumidifier or drying kit. Most audiologists offer “clean and check” appointments where they will inspect your hearing aids to ensure they are operating properly; take advantage of these when you can.
Despite your best efforts at keeping your hearing aids clean, you are likely to experience an occasional problem. Before resorting to potentially costly repairs, you may be able to resolve the issue yourself by following a few troubleshooting tips.
No sound from your hearing aids:
- Remove and reinsert the battery
- Replace the battery if removing and reinserting does not work
- Clean earwax from the earmold and/or replace the wax guard
- Remove any built up earwax from the tubing; clean with a blower tool
- Make sure the hearing aid isn’t set to telecoil mode
Your hearing aids are experiencing feedback or whistling:
- Remove and reinsert your hearing aids
- Turn the volume down
- Make sure nothing is blocking or covering your hearing aids
The sound from your hearing aids is weak or distorted:
- Replace the battery
- Open the battery compartment and wipe the contacts with a dry cloth
- Clean the earmold or tubing with wax removal tools; replace the wax guard
If you are still experiencing problems after trying these tips, your hearing aids may need repair. Contact your audiologist to determine your best course of action.