Can You Perform Your Own Hearing Aid Repairs?

Do you need hearing aid repairs? It’s easy to forget but these devices are quite vulnerable to damage. That’s an issue, particularly when you consider that modern designs are about as complex as miniature computers. One of the questions you will need to consider is whether you can complete repairs yourself or if you will need the help of an audiologist. 

What repairs can you complete yourself?

As mentioned, hearing aids are quite complex. If something goes wrong, there’s a strong possibility that it won’t be something that you can fix without any assistance. However, there are exceptions to this. For instance, you might find that hearing aids are dirty. 

A common problem here is going to be the build-up of earwax on and around the device. This is an issue due to the fact that your ears are self-cleaning. As such, excess earwax is naturally pushed to the surface of the ear. With the ear blocked by the hearing aid, it can clog up the device. The good news is that cleaning your hearing aids is simple and won’t require an expert solution. Don’t submerge your hearing aids. Instead, make sure that you use a damp cloth to wipe away excess earwax. If you notice a build-up in the tube, you might be able to disconnect this and run water through before attaching it again. 

Aside from cleaning your hearing aids, you may also be able to complete a few troubleshooting steps. If your hearing aids aren’t providing the level of support you want, try switching through the settings. 

You can also consider switching them off and on again. This will solve the most common tech issues. Alternatively, you might want to consider switching the batteries. They could be running low or they might in inserted incorrectly. 

When do you need an audiologist?

If you’re confused about any of the above steps or you’re not sure how to proceed, then an audiologist can be the right answer. They will make sure that you get the support and the solution that you require. 

However, it’s also possible that there are other issues with your devices. For instance, you may have noticed damage to the molding. This is an issue as it can cause the hearing aid to irritate the inner ear or even cause scratches and open cuts. It should be fixed quickly to avoid discomfort. 

Severe technical issues with the device may also require the support of an audiologist. Programming a hearing aid can be quite complex. However, an audiologist will be able to correct problems here and ensure that your devices provide the right level of support. 

Similarly, damage can also lead to technical malfunctions. If this is the case, then the hearing aid will either need to be repaired or replaced. A common cause of an issue like this is water damage. 

We hope this helps you understand when you will be able to fix your hearing aids yourself and when you should contact your audiologist. While most fixes can be completed there and then, in some cases your device will need to be sent away for further repairs.