Recognizing Early Signs of Hearing Aid Wear and Tear

Hearing aid repairs are common and can be minor or major. But no matter how well you look after your device, they might experience wear and tear over the years. In fact, the expected lifespan is between three and seven years. So, what are the signs of wear and tear on your hearing aids?

The Device is Physically Damaged

While hearing aids are designed to accommodate most lifestyles and can withstand a small amount of damage, this can still lead to malfunctions. Cracks in the tubing and casing of a device could indicate that it will need some repairs soon, or you might need a new hearing aid. You may be able to see damage. However, some damage to hearing aids is also minimal and goes unnoticed by most people.

The Volume Goes Up and Down

Fluctuating volume is a common problem when there is something wrong with your hearing aids. The volume should remain at the constant setting you place it on. If it changes randomly or goes up and down, this is an indicator that there is an underlying issue. Take your device to an audiologist to determine whether you need a replacement.

Your Hearing Aids Are Producing a Whistling Sound

Environmental issues like strong winds can cause problems with a hearing aid. However, they almost always remain at a constant level and without extra sounds. Whistling is one of the most common sounds you can hear when there is a problem. After cleaning your device and checking the batteries, whistling may still happen. If this is the case, it is often a solid indicator that you will need to schedule an appointment with an audiologist soon to see about repairs or potentially upgrading your hearing aids.

Excess Earwax on the Device

All individuals produce earwax, and it is normal for it to build up inside a hearing aid. This is why cleaning is essential. However, even with proper care, there can still be too much earwax to where it causes a blockage. You can notice when this happens as the wax will begin to visibly buildup on the outside of the casing because there is no space inside. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean the device is damaged, wipe it with a clean, soft and dry cloth. If there is still earwax present, contact your audiologist for a professional cleaning.

Your Hearing Aid Switches Off

The sound cutting out clearly indicates something is wrong with your hearing aid. As mentioned, hearing aids are designed to provide constant audio in the settings you choose. Anything different than this, including cutting out, is an early sign of wear and tear. It really could just be the batteries. However, you can test this easily with changing the batteries. If it still happens after fresh batteries, then contact your audiologist as they will be able to determine the issue with your hearing aid.

If you notice any signs of wear and tear with your hearing aids, get in touch with an audiologist.