Signs Your Hearing Aid Needs Repair

Several common factors can damage your hearing aid over time. It’s normal to get a buildup of wax or debris from being in your ear all day; exposing it to excessive humidity or water may also cause damage.

Earwax is completely natural and necessary for the ears to secrete, but it can cause problems with your hearing aids if it becomes lodged in ports or crevices of the aid. Keeping your hearing aid (and ears) free of debris can lessen the need for hearing aid repairs.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

In the event your hearing aid is not functioning properly, here are some steps you can take before contacting your hearing healthcare professional:

• Ensure the hearing aid is turned on. This seems obvious, but it can take up to a month for new hearing aid users to adapt and develop a routine.
• Turn up the volume. Hearing aids have many features and settings, some of which include volume control. If you suspect your hearing aid isn’t working properly, check the volume to ensure it’s set at the appropriate level and wasn’t accidentally turned down or altered.
• Check the battery. It’s good practice to remove the batteries at night to allow moisture to evaporate and to clean dust out of the compartment. Ensure batters are placed in the hearing aids correctly. If placement is correct, try swapping out the old batteries for new ones in the event they are running out of power.
• Behind-the-ear (BTE) models. Inspect your hearing aid’s tubing: with regular use, tubing can become damaged or worn. If hearing aid tubing shows signs of wear and tear or breakage, your hearing healthcare professional can easily repair it in the office.

When To Contact Your Hearing Healthcare Professional

If you follow good cleaning and maintenance practices and the above troubleshooting tips do not resolve the issue, it might be a good idea to contact your audiologist.

First, if you begin to experience increased static or feedback, find the volume is fluctuating or experience any other interference or malfunctions, it might be time to take the hearing aid into your hearing center for diagnosis.

Second, if you have been recently fit with a new hearing aid and notice any feedback or whistling, it could mean there is an improper fit. There are changes made to the ear canal over time that can cause hearing aids to have a less secure fit; these types of problems can cause issues with your hearing aid

Finally, if the internal tubing becomes dislodged, the vent develops a hole or any cracks are noticed on the faceplate of the hearing aid, you should contact your audiologist immediately. He or she will be able to discuss options for repair and how long it will take. Some professionals can make simple repairs themselves, while more severe damage might need to be sent back to the manufacturer for repair.

In the event your hearing aid has suffered irreversible damage, it is possible your hearing healthcare provider will discuss the option of replacing the device with a new one.