When you’re on vacation, the last thing you want to deal with is a malfunctioning hearing aid. Whether you’re lounging on the beach or exploring a new city, you need your hearing aids to work as smoothly as they do at home. Don’t worry—if you run into trouble with your devices, here are some helpful tips for troubleshooting common hearing aid issues while you’re traveling.
Hearing Aid Stopped Working? Try This
If your hearing aid suddenly stops working, the first thing to check is whether it’s charged or has a fresh battery. If not, simply charge it or replace the battery. Sometimes, even with a good battery, the sound may be blocked by wax buildup. Try changing the wax guard, as it’s a common culprit for sound issues. You can also clean your hearing aid gently with a soft, dry toothbrush to remove any debris. With these quick steps, your hearing aid may be good as new!
Hearing Aid Won’t Charge? Here’s What to Do
If your hearing aid won’t charge, it may not always be as serious as it seems. Sometimes, the charger’s indicator lights stop working, but your hearing aid is still charging. To check, take the hearing aid out of the charger and see if it’s functioning. If it’s still not working, try this simple reset: hold down the bottom of the toggle switch on the back of the hearing aid for 30 seconds. Then, place the hearing aid in the charger for another 30 seconds. If you’re still having trouble, don’t hesitate to call our office when you get back, and we’ll check it out for you.
Hearing Aid Fell in the Pool? Here’s the Fix
Accidents happen, especially when you’re on vacation, and sometimes hearing aids can take an unexpected dip in the water. The solution depends on whether your hearing aids are rechargeable or not.
For non-rechargeable hearing aids, open the battery door, remove the battery, and place the device in a bag of uncooked, dry rice overnight to help absorb moisture. In the morning, replace the battery and check if the hearing aid works.
For rechargeable hearing aids, place the device in a bag of uncooked rice overnight. The next day, place your hearing aid in the charger and check for functionality.
When to Seek Professional Help
Although these troubleshooting tips can help in a pinch, any time your hearing aids stop working—even temporarily—it’s important to get a clean-and-check when you return home. This ensures that no long-term damage has occurred and gives us the opportunity to address any wear-and-tear that may be affecting the performance of your devices.
At Evergreen Speech and Hearing Clinic, we’re always here to assist with any hearing aid issues, even while you’re away. Don’t let a malfunctioning hearing aid put a damper on your vacation—just follow these easy steps to get back to enjoying your trip!