What Causes Hearing Aids to Need Repairs

Hearing aids are advanced tools designed with longevity and durability in mind, giving the wearer peace of mind that they will work as required when required. However, like anything, they can become susceptible to wear and tear and damage from use.

Identifying and resolving hearing aid repairs is straightforward. An audiologist can guide you through some of the more common issues you might encounter with your hearing aids, help you to resolve this issue on your own.

Blocked or Damaged Tubing

The tube on your hearing aid connects the outer device to the ear, and this tube can come into contact with different containments in the outer casing. Most specifically, as it sits inside the ear to carry the sound from the hearing aid into the ear canal, it will come into contact with earwax. If you’ve noticed a drop in sound quality or no sound at all, it’s worth checking your tubing for any earwax or dirt buildup that can be impacting its ability to transfer sound to the ear; if so, clean the tubing and remove the build and insert your device to check if it’s working again.

Damage to tubing can occur with handling over time and lead to the loss of hearing when wearing your devices, so if you are experiencing a drop in sound quality, it could be that you need to replace the tubing.

Battery

Hearing aid batteries are small cells designed to be replaced easily when required. Their lifespan can vary depending on the frequency of use. If your hearing aids aren’t transmitting any sounds, check and change the battery to see if this resolves your problem. If this does not work, contact your audiologist as there may be a different issue with your hearing aid.

Water Damage

Modern hearing aids are water-resistant but not completely waterproof, so they can get damaged if exposed to more than a light shower or a few drops of water. Inside each hearing aid are many small electrical and mechanical parts that can be harmed by water. If your hearing aid gets wet, use a dry cloth to wipe away the moisture and let it dry completely or you can use a dehumidifier to get rid of the excess moisture before wearing your hearing aids again. This might fix the problem, but if the damage is more serious, you may need repairs. In such cases, consult your audiologist to address the water damage.

External Damage

Sometimes, individuals can accidentally drop, sit on or otherwise cause damage to their hearing aids. The severity of the damage from this act can range from slight external aesthetic damage to complete failure of the unit, requiring it to be repaired or even replaced. Taking care when wearing or removing your hearing aids and storing them correctly in their case can limit the risk but not entirely.

Like any other device, hearing aids require regular maintenance. By taking responsibility for their care and implementing proper cleaning and maintenance techniques, you can significantly reduce the number of malfunctions and the potential damage they may sustain.