Your hearing aids are an important investment that connect you to the world around you. If they’re not working how they’re supposed to, it can be stressful, especially if it means you’re having trouble hearing at the Redmond Saturday Market. Below are some of the reasons your hearing aid may not be working and how you can fix it.
Your Hearing Has Changed
In many cases, patients report to their audiologist that their hearing aids aren’t working like they used to. However, the change isn’t with the hearing aids, but with their hearing. Hearing loss is a progressive condition, meaning it can develop and worsen over time. If you haven’t had a hearing test in the past year, be sure to schedule an appointment. Your audiologist will then be able to reprogram your hearing aids to match your new hearing needs.
Your Ear Anatomy Has Changed
Much like your hearing, the anatomy of your ear can also change over time as you age or if you have changes in weight. These changes can cause your hearing aids to leak, which can result in feedback and whistling, or discomfort that makes you stop wearing your devices. If your hearing aids no longer fit, visit your audiologist to get a new impression made of your ear.
Your Hearing Aids Haven’t Been Taken Care Of
Your hearing aids live in the rugged environment of your ear, meaning they are subjected to earwax, sweat and moisture in your environment. As such, they need to be cleaned and dried on a daily basis. To ensure a long life for your hearing aids:
- Clean them with a soft, dry cloth at the end of every day.
- Be sure to open the battery door and take them out at night so they can dry.
- You can also invest in a dehumidifier to store them in at night.
- Replace wax guards as needed.
- Avoid using cleaning agents.
- Don’t apply hairspray with the devices in your ears.
For more information about hearing aid maintenance or to schedule an appointment with an audiologist for a hearing test or clean and check, call the experts at Evergreen Speech & Hearing Clinic today!