What are the Most Common Hearing Aid Repairs?

Hearing aid wearers use their devices for extended periods during the week, which of course can come with issues of wear and tear as they continue to age. They are just like any other form of technology in that they are intricately designed with multiple parts, and are susceptible to physical damage and deterioration.

Although the higher quality models are designed to be durable and last some time, there’s still a good chance you may experience some issues with your hearing aid at one point or another. Some of these problems may be simple fixes, requiring a basic adjustment of its position or settings, whereas others will be much more complex.

To help you identify any problems when they occur and take the appropriate course of action, here are some of the most common hearing aid repairs.

Low Battery

If you are experiencing any trouble with the volume or function of your hearing aid, the first thing to check should be the battery. Firstly, check that the battery is inserted properly, and if this still doesn’t then replace it with a fresh one. If it still isn’t working after this, then you know there may be a problem with the power supply and you should take it to your audiologist to be repaired or replaced.

Broken Earmold

The earmold is the part that sits around your ear and ensures your hearing aids fits comfortably. Unfortunately, these can be fragile and they are easy to break if you fall asleep wearing them or they are dropped. In some cases, it may be simple enough to glue it back together, but for more extensive damage you’ll need to take it in for repair.

Faulty Microphone

Hearing aids work by picking up sounds with an inbuilt microphone and then amplifying this sound into your ear. If you are experiencing any distortion or inconsistencies in volume then there’s a good chance this microphone has been damaged or dislodged. This is likely a quick fix for your audiologist, so avoid trying to fix this yourself or you may cause more problems.

Wax Buildup

Some people are prone to producing a lot more earwax than others, and an excessive buildup can affect the functioning of your hearing devices. Our bodies produce wax as a way of preventing dust, bacteria and other foreign organisms from entering our ear canals, and this can seep out into the ear opening. If you wear hearing aids it is possible that this wax buildup can clog the tube that connects the device to the receiver, leading to a decline in sound quality. If you take your device to your audiologist, they will be able to clean or replace the tube for you, but it’s best to avoid this by keeping your earwax levels in check.

Long Term Wear and Tear

For hearing aid wearers who have had their devices for several years, it’s unavoidable that they will undergo some wear and tear. One of the most common problems is the earmold simply wearing out from prolonged use. This can lead to it changing its position and sitting uncomfortably around or within your ear. If you notice any unusual tenderness or that your hearing aid is starting to feel loose, it may need to be replaced so book an appointment with your audiologist. 

Moisture Issues

It goes without saying that you should avoid exposing your hearing device to moisture of any kind. This means taking it out when you have a shower or bath, and being careful in wet weather. There are of course many waterproof models on the market, but unless you have been advised that it’s safe to get it wet, you should steer clear of water. If a relatively small amount of moisture has seeped inside, the issue might be fixable, but if it has affected the circuitry then it will need to be replaced. Keeping the device clean of wax and dirt will help you avoid this, but make sure you don’t wash it with water.

For any problems with your hearing aids, the best course of action is to take it to your audiologist who will be able to diagnose the issue and advise you on the best course of action. Don’t attempt to fix it yourself unless you are sure about what you are doing. To learn more about hearing aids as well as the causes and symptoms of hearing loss, contact Ascent Audiology at (360) 515-9948.