Hearing aids are vital tools for those with hearing loss, helping to improve the quality of life by making everyday sounds clearer. However, like all electronic devices, they require regular maintenance and occasional repairs to function optimally. Over time, hearing aids can experience wear and tear, which may result in malfunction or diminished performance. Fortunately, many common issues can be easily repaired by your audiologist, ensuring your devices continue to serve you well. Below, we’ll discuss the most common hearing aid problems we encounter.
Damaged Ear Hooks
The ear hook is a crucial part of in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids, designed to secure the device comfortably in place. Since it sticks out from the hearing aid, the ear hook can easily become bent or even broken if the device is mishandled. This can cause the hearing aid to sit incorrectly or even fall out of the ear. Thankfully, ear hook repairs are typically quick, easy, and affordable. An audiologist can replace the ear hook during a short visit to the office, allowing you to get back to enjoying clear sound without much disruption.
Broken Tubing
For behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, the tubing that connects the hearing aid to the earmold can experience wear over time. Tubing can crack, stretch, or become discolored due to moisture, debris, or general use. If you notice your hearing aid isn’t functioning as it should, or the sound quality seems off, it might be due to tubing damage. Fortunately, this is another easy repair that can either be performed by your audiologist or with their guidance if you prefer to do it yourself at home. Keeping your tubing clean and checking for signs of damage regularly can help prevent this issue.
Degraded Earmold
The earmold is the part of the hearing aid that sits in the ear canal, helping to direct sound. Over time, earmolds can degrade, losing their shape due to regular wear. This can lead to discomfort, poor sound quality, or even hearing aid slippage. A poor fit may also cause ear pain. If your earmold is damaged or has lost its shape, it’s important to get a replacement to restore the comfort and performance of your hearing aid. An audiologist can take an impression of your ear and create a custom earmold tailored to your needs.
Busted Microphone
The microphone in your hearing aid picks up sound from the environment and sends it to the amplifier to be processed and transmitted into your ear. If you experience issues with volume or sound quality, it may be due to a malfunctioning microphone. If replacing the battery doesn’t solve the problem, there may be an issue with the microphone itself. This type of repair can be tricky and usually requires professional attention. Bring your hearing aids to your audiologist for inspection and repair if you notice any problems with the microphone.
Moisture Damage
Moisture is one of the most common causes of hearing aid damage. Whether from humidity, sweat, or accidental exposure to water, moisture can infiltrate the delicate components of your hearing aid. If the moisture only affects the tubing, it can usually be repaired quickly and easily in-office. However, if the moisture has seeped into the circuitry, the hearing aid may need to be sent back to the manufacturer for more extensive repairs. To avoid moisture damage, always remove your hearing aids before showering, bathing, swimming, or spending time in a sauna, and store them in a dry place when not in use.
For more information about hearing aid repairs, contact a hearing aid expert at Evergreen Speech & Hearing Inc. today.