Despite your best efforts, you may still need a hearing aid repair at some point. Here’s how to keep your hearing aids in good shape and what to do if you experience a problem.
Hearing aids are tiny marvels of technology. Despite their small size, they contain a lot of sophisticated parts and perform many advanced functions every second. If you suspect your hearing aids need to be repaired, try these steps before calling your audiologist.
Troubleshoot common hearing aid issues
The following steps may be completed before calling your hearing clinic:
- Check to ensure the hearing aid is turned on: This seems simple but check anyway. If your hearing aids are battery operated ensure the battery door is shut completely. If your hearing aids are rechargeable check that you haven’t switched them off by accident. You can put them back in their charger and take them out again to switch them off and on again.
- Turn up the volume: Make sure the volume control is at the appropriate level and wasn’t accidentally turned down or altered. If your hearing aid is Bluetooth compatible you can check this on your hearing aid app. You can also reset the volume by switching your hearing aid off and on again.
- Check the battery: If you have disposable batteries, make sure your batteries are correctly positioned in the hearing aids (with the smooth side facing upwards). Replace the batteries to make sure the problem isn’t with the batteries.
- With a BTE (behind-the-ear) model, inspect the tubing: BTE tubing can sometimes become damaged or worn over time. If hearing aid tubing shows any signs of wear and tear or breakage, Noosa Hearing can replace the tubing for you.
- If you have ITE (in-the-ear) devices replace the wax filter at the front of your hearing aid.
- With RIC (receiver-in-the-ear) devices remove the dome at the front of the hearing aid. Then replace the wax filter inside the speaker. Replace the dome again after you have changed the wax filter.
If your hearing aid batteries suddenly don’t last very long, it can indicate you need a repair.
When to get more help for a repair
- You have attempted troubleshooting and your hearing aids still aren’t working properly.
- Excessive feedback or whistling could signal an improper physical fit with a custom hearing aid or an ear mould. Even if your hearing aids fit well initially, ears can change size and shape over time, especially if your weight has changed significantly.
- If one of your hearing aids has been irreversibly damaged, the case has cracked or there are visible holes anywhere on the hearing aid.
Our principal audiologist may be able to do some repairs “in-house”. This means you avoid being without your hearing aids for several days. Sometimes, this just isn’t possible. Our principal audiologist can tell you how long it will take to get the aid repaired by the manufacturer. There might be associated costs if your aids are not under warranty. At Noosa Hearing we service all the major brands namely: Phonak, Unitron, Oticon, Starkey, GN Resound, Signia, Siemens and Beltone.
Preventing the need for repairs: Keep your hearing aids clean
Because hearing aids are such compact devices, it can be easy for earwax and other debris to become trapped in tiny holes and spaces. To avoid excessive build-up from clogging microphone and sound ports, it’s important to clean the device each day with a clean and dry tissue or cloth.
It is common for earwax to become trapped in the small ports of a hearing aid device, this can cause temporary static sounds or feedback to be heard when in use.
Lastly, keep hearing aids dry
Prolonged exposure to moisture is the leading cause of repair in hearing aids. Most people don’t realize how much moisture hearing aids can accumulate with daily use. At night, open the battery compartment and place them in a drying unit if you have one.
Need help?
If you currently wear hearing aids and need to find a professional to help with a repair contact us.
Reference:
