Can You Prevent Hearing Aid Repairs?

Hearing aids are useful auditory devices that allow people with hearing loss to enhance their ability to hear. As small as they look, hearing aids are built with sophisticated parts that perform advanced functions. But, can you prevent hearing aid repairs? In many cases, yes. Knowing how to maintain your hearing devices properly can eliminate the need for repairs. 

Keep your hearing aids away from moisture

While some hearing aids are resistant to moisture, many are not fully waterproof. Exposing hearing aids to excessive water or moisture often leads to malfunctions. When spilled liquids get into contact with your aid, they can damage the electronics and render them useless. Unless you have a waterproof hearing aid, do not expose your device to water or moisture. 

Clean earwax regularly

The build-up of too much wax in your device can cause it to stop working until you take it for repairs. Wax often accumulates in aids when you wear them for a long time. Cleaning earwax regularly with a wax pic can improve the function of your hearing aid and extend its lifespan.

Store your device securely

Try to avoid keeping your device on the floor or other locations where they may easily get damaged. For example, storing your hearing aids on the ground is a bad idea, as you may step on them and damage their components. Since prevention is better than cure, store your devices securely in a box or case. You could also leave them in your drawer or somewhere else that's safer.

Avoid using hair sprays when your hearing aids are on

When you put on your ITE, BTE or ITC hearing aids, don't douse your head with perfumes, hairsprays, and the like. These chemicals can find their way into the interior of your device and damage them. If you must use perfumes or hairsprays, remove your device before doing so. 

Hearing aids troubleshooting tips

There are common hearing aid malfunctions that you can troubleshoot yourself. If your device is not functioning, you may want to keep the following hearing aids troubleshooting guide at your fingertips.

Check the batteries

Many hearing aids usually come with rechargeable or disposable batteries. You may have to test disposable batteries to ensure that they are correctly positioned in your hearing aid. Change batteries to see if the problem persists.

Inspect BTE tubing

People who use behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids may want to inspect the tubing if their devices are not working. Audiologists can also fix tubing issues relating to wear and tear. 

Increase the volume

The fact that you can't hear with your hearing aid doesn't always mean it's faulty. Sometimes, you need to turn up the volume to hear better.

Finally, understand that no matter how well you care for your hearing aids, they will need to be repaired by audiologists at a point in time when they are no longer effective.