What are the Common Signs You Need Hearing Aid Repairs?

Hearing aids provide an individual level of correction determined by the audiologist to suit precisely your needs. Sounds are designed to be amplified precisely to the level that matches your personal requirements and preferences. Therefore, because there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, users are likely to spot differences in sound quality or volume rapidly. When your hearing aids don’t offer a suitable level of amplification anymore, it’s time to consider having them checked or repaired. You can book an appointment with your audiologist to discuss potential hearing aid repairs or replacement. More importantly, your audiologist can help you sort out the issue quickly.

Whether you’ve been using hearing aids for a long time or you are a new user, there are warning signs that don’t lie. Here is how to troubleshoot some of the most common issues with hearing aids.

Visible damage on the device

Hearing aids are small devices; therefore, it may not be easy to spot minor defects at first sight. However, maintain a regular cleaning routine can help you to notice loosened components or worn out parts before it’s too late. A crack in the shell may not appear like much when you hold the device between your fingers, but it can loosen inside your ear and expose the delicate components. Ideally, you should fix defects as soon as possible before the issue can escalate. Not only can a broken case or loose components be easily fixed by your audiologist, but it can also save you the trouble of having to wait for a replacement.

There’s a whistling sound

An electronic fault with your device can create a continuous whistling-like sound. The whistle might not only affect your hearing, but it can also drown out any other noise. However, experienced users know that the whistle may not be the result of a fault inside the hearing aid. Indeed, an incorrectly fitted earpiece can create a whistling sound. You might want to remove the device and clean your ear – to remove earwax – to ensure the fault is with the earpiece. If upon inserting it, the whistling resumes, you need to consider hearing aid repairs.

You don’t receive any sound

There are many reasons why your hearing aid doesn’t amplify sounds. The first and most common issue is a wax blockage, which can be either on the earpiece or inside your ear. Clean both can sort out the problem. Similarly, ensuring your device is turned on will avoid many unnecessary appointments. If nothing helps, your audiologist can help with hearing aid repairs.

Sounds are distorted

Sometimes, you might find that your earpiece continues to receive and amplify noises, but the sound you get is distorted. Sound distortion can be the result of earwax buildup; therefore, it should be the first thing for you to check. However, if both the earpiece and your ear are clean, you should book an appointment to get your audiologist to troubleshoot the technical fault.

The device doesn’t turn on

Your fitting appointment teaches you how to look after your hearing aids, including changing or charging the battery. Consequently, the first thing you need to consider when the earpiece won’t turn on is the battery health. However, when changing the battery doesn’t solve the problem, you will need dedicated hearing aid repairs to fix the damaged circuits. Depending on the extent of damage, your audiologist might suggest a replacement, which can take a few days to weeks to arrive.

The volume fluctuates

Your hearing aid lets you adjust for volume. However, if you can’t adjust anymore, or if the adjustments you’ve made fluctuate, an internal problem might be affecting the device. Your audiologist can check for faults and help with hearing aid repairs or replacement.

The device got wet

Your earpieces are not waterproof. They are water-resistant to sustain sweat and rain. However, you shouldn’t wear them in the swimming pool or the shower, where moisture damage can affect the circuits. People who live in humid areas can also experience condensation issues into the earpieces. You can find hearing aid dehumidifiers to reduce the risk; however, severe water damage requires professional hearing aid repairs.

Your hearing got worse

If you found yourself constantly adjusting the volume or struggling with background noises, you may want to book a hearing test with your audiologist. Indeed, your hearing aids need to be adjusted to provide the correct amount of amplification. However, if your hearing worsens, you need to make sure your audiologist reprograms the earpieces to the most recent measures. Hearing aid repairs, replacement, and adjustments are a necessary part of your maintenance routine as an earpiece wearer. While you can troubleshoot some issues, it’s important to react quickly to avoid unnecessary escalations. Postponing repairs puts your communication and hearing health at risk.