Like most hearing aid users, you probably wear your devices a majority of the day, seven days a week. With this much constant use, it’s not surprising that hearing aids can experience some wear and tear. Below are the most common hearing aid problems and how to fix them.
Moisture Buildup
Much like other electronic devices, hearing aids are not waterproof and can be damaged when exposed to water. Living in a humid climate and spending time around the ocean, pools and lakes can put your hearing aids at risk of moisture buildup, which can cause damage to the circuitry within the device.
If you are experiencing poor sound quality or your hearing aids stop working, this may be a sign of moisture buildup. Your audiologist can open the devices and remove the excess water. If there has been additional damage done to the electronic components within the device, it may need to be sent to the manufacture for repairs or additional examination.
Broken Tubing
Tubing can become damaged over time through no fault of your own. Debris can get caught, the plastic can be overstretched or it can be punctured or cracked. Any damage to the tubing can lead to an issue with sound clarity.
Your audiologists can help you replace the tubing in no time at all.
Damaged Microphone
The microphone is responsible for picking up sounds from the environment so they can be converted into electrical signals. Debris or earwax can block sounds from entering the microphone, or the microphone itself can be damaged.
Your audiologist will assess what is wrong with the microphone and clean it, repair it or replace the entire piece.
Prevent Hearing Aid Damage
The best method of repair is to prevent the damage from happening.
Moisture can be controlled by opening the battery door overnight to help the device dry out. You can also invest in a dehumidifier.
Cleaning your hearing aid and using a wax guard can prevent the tubbing and microphone from getting blocked up.
You audiologist can help you put together a cleaning protocol and provide you with a list of cleaning tools to purchase.
Contact the experts at Burbank Audiology today to learn more tips for taking care of your hearing aids.
