Three Common Solutions to Avoid Hearing Aid Repairs

Hearing aids are a big investment, so you want to make sure they operate properly without problems. You may encounter issues with your hearing aids such as distortion, feedback, or no sound at all. Often these difficulties can be solved with a few simple steps at home. If not, you may need to have your hearing aid repairs done at the audiologist’s office or elsewhere. These common solutions can help avoid hearing aid repairs.

1.     Replace the batteries

It’s a bit distressing when your hearing aids go dead. Luckily, this problem usually has a simple solution: change your hearing aid batteries. When the batteries are running down, your hearing aids will play tones. A battery change usually will bring your hearing aids “back to life”. Most batteries last from three to ten days, but an older battery may drain faster. Remember to open your battery door at night to avoid battery drain.

If a change of batteries doesn’t fix the problem, your battery may be improperly inserted. Also check the battery contacts to make sure there is no corrosion. If corrosion cannot be removed with a cotton swab, see your audiologist.

Remember to always properly dispose of the batteries and keep them away from children and pets.

2.     Clean your hearing aids

Your ears produce wax, which sometimes can clog your hearing aid. Preventive maintenance works best. Clean your hearing aids daily.

• Start by wiping down the unit and brushing away any wax from the microphone inlet and the sound tip. Do not use any water or cleaning fluids on your hearing aids.
• Check the wax filter. Depending on the model, you can clean the wax filter or you may have to have it replaced by your audiologist. Behind-the-ear models require a check of the receiver tube to remove any wax build-up and debris.
• Clean your ears daily. Wax build-up in your ears can clog hearing aids, leading to sound issues.
• Also brush around your volume control to remove any debris. 

3.     Avoid moisture

Moisture is the enemy! If you inadvertently shower, bathe, or swim with your hearing aids, immediately remove them and dry them off. Perspiration and/or working in high-humidity areas may also trap moisture in your hearing aids. A hearing aid dehumidifier can be a great help. There are a variety of styles to fit all budgets.

Another tip is to use any aerosol hair sprays and deodorants prior to inserting your hearing aids to avoid damage.

If you encounter distorted sounds, no sound, or whistling or squealing, your first step is to do some troubleshooting at home. Many times, simple maintenance can solve the problem and help you to avoid costly hearing aid repairs.