We rely on our hearing aids to get through most of our day-to-day activities, so it’s not completely surprising that they’re prone to wear and tear over time – even with the best care routine. Most devices are usable for between three to seven years, with factors like maintenance practices, your individual body chemistry and your home climate all contributing to the lifespan of your hearing aid.
Tips for Hearing Aid Issues
Let’s start with the basics! Is your battery charged or does it need to be changed? Have you changed or cleaned the filter that catches earwax? If you have performed these routine tasks and are still experiencing muffled audio or feedback, contact Hear in MetroWest to discuss next steps with an audiologist. Your device may be aging or may have sustained physical damage.
These problems do occur even when your hearing aid is properly cared for. We service most major hearing aid and accessory brands and can advise you on the next steps even if you are not a current patient or your device was not purchased from Hear in MetroWest.
Office Repairs for Hearing Aids
Some repairs can be done in our office, but some hearing aids may have to be returned to the manufacturer for repair. Your audiologist will act as a liaison between you and the manufacturer to ensure that you are kept up to date during the repair process and will know when your hearing aid will be returned to you!
In the event that your device cannot be repaired, your audiologist will help you explore your options for a replacement. Hearing aids do come with a warranty upon purchase. Even if your warranty has expired, it is possible to repair most devices for a small fee. This new repair may come with an updated warranty.
You can help mitigate issues and keep your device in good working order is by performing proper routine maintenance at home. Be sure to clean your hearing aid daily with a dry cloth, remove the batteries at night if applicable to allow any gathered moisture to evaporate, and examine it frequently for any cracks, scratches, or other visible damage.
Don’t apply water or solvents to your device. Liquids of any kind may cause damage to the sophisticated electronics that your unit needs to function properly. Don’t leave your hearing aid in direct sunlight or in your vehicle and avoid exposure to extreme environments like steam baths or saunas. Contact Hear in MetroWest immediately if you discover any type of damage or experience any malfunctions or have any questions about your device’s functionality.
