HAVING ISSUES WITH YOUR HEARING AIDS? HERE ARE SOME TIPS

April 27, 2021

Hearing devices are a marvel of modern technology. They help us get through our days independently. For those of us who experience hearing loss, they can make all the difference.

Anyone who uses hearing aids has probably become reliant on them to go about daily life. So, when there is an issue or interruption it may be cause for quick thinking!

The good news is that most issues that arise are common, and we can easily fix them ourselves. Armed with these handy tips, you won’t have to worry about a minor malfunction—you can fix them up yourself in no time!

The most common hearing aid issues and how to fix them:

  1. Distorted sound or low volume

If your hearing device sound suddenly lowers and adjusting the volume level does not work, investigate these areas:

  • Check the Programming Today’s hearing aids are “smart,” and they adjust according to our preferences, usually on our smart phones or other digital devices. The settings may have been inadvertently changed, so check to ensure they are correct according to your specifications.
  • Dust it Out! Dust or lint can sometimes interfere with the connection. Be sure to regularly clean your hearing aids to ensure it is clear of debris that can accumulate in the controls.
  • Moisture is Not Your Friend Humidity and moisture in the controls may also disturb the sound processing. Investing in a dehumidifier for your device is a great idea, especially if you live in a humid climate. There are even dehumidifier boxes that are designed specifically for hearing aid storage to use at night.
  1. The connection cuts in and out

If the volume varies or the sound is not consistent, try these steps to fix it:

  • Look at the controls and adjust the preferences. There is occasionally a glitch in the software, so resetting the preferences may correct the issue.
  • Clean or dust your earpiece because debris can land in the controls and cause an issue.
  • Try replacing the battery
  1. A whistling sound or other strange interference
  • Often this is a simple issue of not being inserted in the ear quite right. Try to remove and then put the hearing aid back in.
  • Your earpiece could also be an improper fit for your ear. Everyone has a slightly different shape, so it could be a matter of finding the one that fits you.
  • Try adjusting the volume down. High volume can sometimes result in feedback.
  • If you haven’t changed out the tubing in your device, there may be a crack. Those tubes can be replaced.
  • Get your ears checked. Earwax could be blocking your ear canal and causing an issue.

What if you don’t hear anything?

If they just aren’t working at all, try these steps:

  • Test the power. The simplest thing is most often the solution. Make sure the power is still on—sometimes it can be adjusted unintentionally as the hearing aids are being inserted.
  • Test the volume. The same as above, check and adjust the volume accordingly.
  • Test the battery. Try replacing the battery.
  • Test the receiver tube. The tube could be blocked or dirty; try cleaning it or checking for cracks.
  • Test the microphone. Dirt or earwax can block the microphone, so try cleaning that too.

If the issue still eludes you after trying all of these steps, check with your hearing aid provider or audiologist. Your device may still be under warranty. It’s possible that if they are old, your hearing aids may need to be replaced. You may also want to get a hearing screening to ensure your hearing has not changed since you last visited your audiologist.

Diablo Hearing Services   2301 Camino Ramon, STE 106   San Ramon (925) 394-4646

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