For people who experience hearing loss, the right hearing aid can be a game-changer. Once you and your ear specialist have made it through the process of selecting, fitting and adjusting your perfect hearing aids, you’re ready to get out and hear the world loud and clear! That said, your hearing aid experience can’t end there. Hearing aids are vulnerable to wear and tear, making it important to consult your audiologist both for regular maintenance and hearing aid repair.
Unsure whether or not your hearing aid is ready for a checkup from the ear doctor? The experts at Francis Audiology recommend watching for five signs that your hearing aid needs a little TLC:
1. There’s Physical Damage to the Device
Hearing aids are small and delicate, making them prone to damage. If you notice cracks in the tubing or shell of your hearing aid, it’s definitely time to visit the ear specialist for repairs. Here’s the catch: some damage is invisible. Specifically, some cracks in these tiny devices can be difficult for the untrained eye to see, so it’s always best to check in with your audiologist any time your hearing aid doesn’t seem to be working properly.
2. The Device is Smeared or Covered with Ear Wax
It’s perfectly normal to have earwax - in fact, it plays an important role in protecting, moisturizing and keeping your ears free of bacteria. However, if your hearing aids aren’t working as they should, earwax build-up may very well be the culprit! In that case, a simple hearing aid cleaning performed at a hearing center should do the trick. A smear on your hearing aid doesn’t necessarily indicate that your earwax is excessive, but if you are experiencing symptoms of ear wax build-up, the hearing specialists at Francis Audiology are happy to help - ear cleanings should always be left to a professional!
3. The Device Switches Off Automatically
Is your hearing aid working fine one moment, and the next, acting as if it’s not even on? Chances are, it really isn’t! Cutting out intermittently is a big indicator that your hearing aid may be damaged and in need of further inspection. Those who are Deaf and hard of hearing should address this issue as soon as possible: what once required a simple repair (or even a new set of hearing aid batteries) can quickly become a costly replacement if allowed to worsen over time!
4. You Experience Distorted Hearing or Loss in Clarity
No one knows your hearing impairment better than you and your doctor. If your hearing is suddenly compromised in an unusual way while wearing your hearing aid, the device may be damaged. Concerned? Take a moment to listen for these indicators throughout your day:
- Sounds are difficult to hear
- Sounds are distorted or muffled
- Sounds are at a very low volume
If you’re experiencing any of these problems with your hearing aid, it’s time to consult your audiologist for a cleaning or repair.
5. There’s Feedback or Whistling
In a similar vein to sound distortion, a whistling noise or sharp feedback should be a red alert that something is wrong with your device. Feedback is a fairly common problem those who wear hearing aids face, and there are a number of reasons why it might occur, including acoustic pickup of outside noise and physical vibrations within the plastic casing. However, it’s entirely possible your feedback is due to an electrical malfunction, which will require repairs from your hearing aid center.
Remember, your hearing aids are meant to last between three and five years. By staying vigilant, communicating with your audiologist, and caring for your hearing aids, you can ensure that they’ll keep you going strong - your ears (and wallet) will thank you!
Need help from an audiologist? Let us know! You can request an appointment from us online or contact us at 412-123-3456. We offer all the services you’ll need to keep your hearing aids in good shape, including hearing aid repairs and ear cleaning.
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