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Hearing Aid Tips and Troubleshooting
Hearing Aid Maintenance
Cleaning and maintaining your hearing aids is important. It preserves the life of your hearing aids and minimises the need for repairs. Hearing aids are highly sophisticated devices worn in and around the ear canal where moisture and wax are present, making them more susceptible to breakdown compared to other electronic devices. If a hearing aid is not maintained properly, wax and moisture damage can affect the function of your aid.
Signs of damage to a hearing aid can include:
- Feedback or whistling
- Batteries not lasting as long
- Loss of volume or clarity so sounds appear quieter and muffled or distorted
Hearing and Audiology performs hearing aids servicing and minor repairs on site. We recommend you have your hearing aids serviced yearly. When a hearing aid’s warranty is about to expire we also recommend sending the aid away to the manufacturer for a warranty service. We can arrange this for you. For more information on hearing aid repairs and servicing see our Repairs, Adjustments and Parts page.
For optimal hearing aid functioning we recommend you:
- Use a Dri-aid kit to absorb any accumulated moisture. These can be obtained for a small fee and some may have been complimentary with your device.
- Wipe your hearing aids with a tissue or cloth when you remove them from your ear. Examine them closely to see if you need to remove wax or debris from the end that goes into your ear.
- Use your cleaning tools carefully – do not damage your hearing aids by cleaning too vigorously. Brush over the microphone gently.
- Do not get your hearing aids wet. They need to be removed before taking a bath, shower or swimming. They should also be removed at the hairdressers and before using hairspray.
- Keep your hearing aids in a cool, dry place, away from children and dogs! Hearing aids seem to be attractive to dogs, and it is not uncommon for a hearing aid to be brought in for repair or replacement as a result of being chewed by a dog.
- Have your hearing tested annually so hearing aids can be programmed to match your exact hearing needs. Hearing changes over time and your hearing aids will need to be adjusted to match to ensure optimal performance.
Don’t wear your hearing aids if you have an ear infection. Use an alcohol wipe to ensure no transfer of germs.
Wax guards, filters, tubing and ear moulds for behind-the-ear hearing aids need to be replaced regularly. Your clinician can show you how to change filters, microtubing and domes but changing regular tubing is generally done by your clinician at our clinic. You can drop your hearing aids off for minor maintenance and servicing at your local Hearing and Audiology clinic. We have clinics in Subiaco, Duncraig, Manning and Geraldton. If you want to be guaranteed prompt service we recommend calling ahead to make sure there is an audiologist available.
Batteries
Make sure you buy fresh batteries of the correct size for your hearing aids. Stale batteries will have a reduced life and may result in poor performance from your hearing aids. Certain brands of batteries can cause intermittent function. It’s important to use a reputable brand. We stock high-quality batteries, and with our high turnover, they are always fresh. If you are unable to come in to purchase batteries, we will post them to you.
Another tip for better battery life – when using a new battery wait 5 minutes after removing the sticker before placing the battery in your hearing aid. This gives the battery time to ‘charge up’, which it does by exposure to air.
If your batteries are not lasting as long as they used to it might mean there is something wrong with the aid. If you think your batteries aren’t lasting as long please make an appointment to see one of our clinicians.
Hearing Aid Troubleshooting Checklist
Aid is Dead:
- Is there a battery in the hearing aid?
- Is the battery fresh?
- Is the battery inserted correctly?
- Is the battery the correct size?
- Is there any wax blockage at the end of the hearing aid where it inserts into your ear?
- Is the microphone clear?
My hearing aid is Working but weak:
- Is there any wax blockage at the end of the hearing aid where it inserts into your ear?
- Is the microphone clear?
- Is there any moisture in the tubing? (for behind the ear style hearing aids)
I can hear static/white noise but no amplification:
- Possible receiver/microphone damage. Your aid needs servicing. Please call us.
If you’ve tried checking all the above and still can’t get your aid working, please call us to arrange an appointment. If you don’t know how to check any of the above please make an appointment and one of our friendly clinicians will be happy to teach you.
Preventing moisture damage
Moisture damage is usually caused by accidental wetting or humidity. Develop a habit of removing your hearing aids prior to showering or swimming and towel dry the ears before reinserting them. Remember to also remove the hearing aids before applying perfumes, aftershaves or hairspray.
Oh no! The hearing aid has been wet. What should I do?
- Place the hearing aid on a soft dry cloth
- Remove and dispose of the battery
- Leave the battery door open to dry out.
- If you have a Dri-aid kit or silicone sachet – place hearing aid inside and seal.
- Consult your hearing professional.
If you need more information on hearing aid servicing or repairs please see our Repairs, Adjustments and Parts page.
Didn’t find the answer to your question? Have a look at our hearing aid FAQs.