When technology stops working correctly, that’s when we tend to notice it most. That’s particularly true with hearing aids: Hearing aids are a crucial lifeline to the rest of the world for people who wear them not just a piece of technology.

So identifying solutions for a malfunctioning hearing aid, and finding those solutions as quickly as possible, is important for both physiological and emotional reasons. Whether you’ve been wearing your hearing aids for a week, a year, or a decade, troubleshooting can be a high-stakes, frustrating process. But there are some relatively easy measures you can try to get your hearing aid working properly again.

Before Trouble Occurs Take Preventative Measures

Any complex piece of technology needs maintenance, and hearing aids are no exception. Although the casing might appear simple and robust, the electronics inside can be amazingly sophisticated.

Due to this you have to keep them well maintained. As you’re wearing your hearing aids, there are a few things you can do that will make taking care of them easier.

Keep Your Hearing Aids Clean

Each day, a certain amount of wax is naturally and normally created by your ears. And, the ear wax is, to a certain degree good for your ears. But it’s not so great for your hearing aids. To help improve the longevity of your device keep your hearing aids free and clear of wax. The fact is that most hearing aids will come with a built-in wax filter that should also be periodically cleaned.

Don’t Let Your Hearing Aids Get Wet

Electronics and moisture don’t mix. And despite the best protection technology can produce, consistent exposure to moisture can gradually wear out the internal electronics of your hearing aids, compromising their effectiveness.

This Means wearing your hearing aids in the shower or while swimming is a bad idea. Also, towel dry your hearing aids if they get wet. Don’t use a hair dryer because it can damage them.

Schedule Time With Professional Cleaners

Hearing aids require specialized cleaning as they are delicate, expensive technology. Even if you’re fairly rigorous about your own cleaning habits, there are just some things that can be better achieved by a specialized cleaner.

That’s why it’s suggested that you take your hearing aids in to be cleaned every 4-6 months.

Troubleshooting Problems That Are Already Occurring

Protective steps are essential if your hearing aids are currently functioning properly. You’re probably more interested in quick fixes if your experiencing issues with your hearing aids not working anymore.

If your hearing aids aren’t functioning properly, try one of the following steps:

• Adjust the volume. Sometimes you can do this with a remote or manually with the wheel on the hearing aid. If your hearing aid has both options, try doing both.
• Cycle the device power (turn it off and turn it back on). In certain cases, this will fix the problem.
• Examine your hearing aids for blemishes, cracks or other obvious signs of damage. Such damage could mean the hearing aid needs to be repaired.
• Change the settings or switch between programs. Many hearing aids are different in this regard, so your plan of action will depend on the model you’re using.
• Look for loose wiring or corrosion in the battery compartment. If you find corrosion, you can attempt to carefully clean out, but considerable damage will need to be fixed professionally.
• Replace your power source or battery, even if your batteries are rechargeable.
• Inspect your hearing aid for wax or debris build up. Carefully wipe away any debris or wax you may discover.
• Check your own ears. Sound from your hearing aid might be blocked by earwax buildup.

It’s likely that you will need to get the device repaired professionally if you want it back to original condition if none of these tips work.

What if That Doesn’t Help My Hearing Aids?

You will likely have two options if you’ve tried to troubleshoot your hearing aid and it still won’t work: you either have to get a new set or send them in for service. Which choice works better for you will vary depending on your situation, how old your hearing aids are, and other factors.

Take the time to troubleshoot your hearing aids if they aren’t working well. A conversation with a hearing professional to determine a solution is the next thing you should do if that doesn’t help. Schedule an appointment to find a solution today.