Troubleshooting Hearing Aids
We are all busy people. Who has the time to drive back and forth to their San Diego audiologist’s office whenever the slightest thing goes wrong with their hearing aid? Before you sit in San Diego traffic, try the following techniques for a quick fix.
If there is no sound:
- Make sure the battery is inserted correctly.
- Replace the battery if you suspect it is dead or weak.
- Remove excess earwax from earmold or replace wax guard.
- Check tubing for wax buildup or moisture; clean with blower tool.
- Make sure hearing aid isn’t accidentally set to telecoil mode.
If you are experiencing feedback or whistling:
- Remove and reinsert your hearing aids.
- Turn down the volume.
- Make sure there is nothing blocking or covering your hearing aids.
If the sound is weak or distorted:
- The battery may be dead or weak; replace it.
- Open the battery compartment and clean the contacts with a dry cloth.
- Clean the earmold or tubing with wax removal tools; replace wax guard.
Professional Hearing Aid Repairs
Unfortunately, sometimes your hearing aid may need to be professionally repaired. Like anything you own, you will never know the extent of the repair needed until you take it in (think of your San Diego audiologist as your hearing aid mechanic).
If your hearing aids are still under warranty, repair costs will be nominal or free. If the warranty has expired, your San Diego audiologist will need to assess the level of damage before providing you with an estimate.
Much like you cannot simply drive your totaled car, a hearing aid that needs to be repaired cannot provide with you the level of hearing assistance that you need. If you are in need of a hearing aid repair, don’t wait. The sooner the problem is fixed the quicker you can return to your life.