Hearing aids are designed to survive the rugged environment of your ear, as they are subjected to earwax, sweat and oils from skin and hair on a daily basis. However, just because they’re built to last doesn’t mean they don’t sometimes become damaged. Below are some of the most common hearing aid problems and how to prevent them.
Moisture Damage
While most hearing aids have some degree of water resistance, like protective nano-coating, none are completely waterproof. This is because hearing aids contain intricate technology, which moisture never agrees with.
It doesn’t take a lot of moisture to damage hearing aids; just the small amount of moisture like a splash from Martin Luther King, Jr. Pool, can cause damage.
In order to prevent this, we recommend opening the battery doors at night when you take your devices out so moisture can evaporate. Even better, you can invest in a dehumidifier to store your devices in at night.
If your hearing aids have been damaged by moisture, they can be sent off to the manufacturer for an examination and repair.
Earwax Buildup
If earwax builds up in the microphone or receiver, it can impact the sound quality. To prevent this from happening, your hearing aids need to be cleaned daily.
At the end of each day, wipe down the shell of your hearing aids with a soft, dry cloth. Don’t use any solvents or chemicals that aren’t specifically designed for hearing aids. Next, use a wax pick/wire loop to remove any stubborn debris. You may need to wait until the next day when the earwax becomes flakier in order to get it all off.
If your devices have earmolds, you can wash them in soapy water. Make sure they’re completely dry before putting them back on.
Broken Tubing
The tubing on behind-the-ear hearing aids can sometimes degrade over time, especially if debris becomes caught in it, causing it to stretch.
This problem is easy to resolve; an audiologist can replace the tubing quickly in their office.
Broken Microphone
If the microphone on your hearing aid breaks, it won’t be able to pick up sounds in your environment. This is also an easy fix. Your audiologist can repair or replace your microphone as needed.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call The Hearing & Balance Center today.