If you’ve got hearing aids, you should be capable of hearing, right? When your hearing aid fails at its one job, it can be really frustrating. Fortunately, your hearing aids should have no problem doing their job if you properly maintain them.
Consider this list before you do anything hasty. It might be time to come in and see us if you find it’s not one of these ordinary issues. For instance, your hearing aids may need recalibration, or your hearing may have changed.
Potential Pitfall: Low Batteries
Hearing aid batteries, while improving in quality, still need to be recharged or replaced occasionally. That means that it’s essential to keep up with your hearing aids’ batteries. If it seems as if the sound is diminishing or cutting in and out, check your battery first.
The fix: Keep ‘em Fresh
A battery tester is a worthwhile investment, particularly if you like to stock up. Batteries have a shelf life so the last batteries in the pack may not have the same voltage as the first few even if they stay sealed. Another trick: Wait five minutes after you open new batteries before you put them in your hearing aids. This can help extend the battery life by allowing the zinc to become active.
Potential Pitfall: Grease, Grime, And Other Gross Stuff
Your hearing aids will gather debris and dirt no matter how clean you keep your ears and if you have problems hearing you’re most likely more conscientious about earwax. You might find yourself with a dirt issue if sounds seem a little bit off or distorted.
The fix: Clean Them Out—And Keep Them Clean!
There are plenty of products available specifically for cleaning hearing aids, but you can DIY it with items you already have around the house. Once you’ve taken apart your hearing aids, use a soft, microfiber cloth (like you’d use to clean the screen of a computer or smartphone) to wipe down the hardware.
Simple hygiene practices will go a long way to keeping your hearing aids clean. Whenever you do something that calls for liquid or moisture, such as cleaning your face or styling your hair, take your hearing aids out and make sure your hands aren’t wet when handling them.
Potential Pitfall: Trapped Moisture
Even a little bit of moisture can really harm your hearing aid (think working up a sweat, not snorkeling). The vent in the hearing aid and the battery can even be effected by humidity in the air. Problems ranging from distortion to static or even crackling may happen depending on how much moisture is inside. They may even seem to stop working.
The fix: Keep Them Dry
Keep the battery door open when you store your hearing aid overnight and any longer than that, remove the battery. It takes almost no effort and ensures that air can circulate, and any captured moisture can get out.
Store hearing aids in a cool, dry spot. Don’t store them in the kitchen or bathroom. Even though the latter is convenient, the moisture from a hot shower is precisely what you don’t want. If you live in a humid environment, you may want to consider purchasing a hearing aid storage box. More expensive versions plug in, but less costly options use desiccants or gels (yes, like those “throw away do not eat” packets you find in the box when you buy a pair of shoes) to take in moisture.
None of the above are working out? It may be time to consult us.