Hearing aids are highly sophisticated devices that can last over seven years with proper care. However, hearing aids are also small and fragile objects, which can easily break if they are not cared for properly.

And, if you have noticed that your hearing aids are no longer working as expected, you should consider bringing them to your audiologist for repairs and maintenance.

Some of the most common issues you are likely to experience with a hearing aid include the following ones.

However, if you have doubts or questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your audiologist.

Moisture Issues and Water Damage

Unless you have invested in a waterproof model, one of the most important maintenance tips for hearing aids is to keep them dry and clean at all times. However, sometimes issues happen. For example, you might forget about your hearing aid and walk in the shower with it, or you might get caught in the rain.

In any case, moisture can damage the device’s circuits, thus affecting its functionalities. Luckily, this is a fixable issue that your audiologist will be able to resolve.

Battery Issues

If you no longer can hear sounds properly or you have started noticing other noises coming from your device – such as a static sound – you might be experiencing issues with the battery.

Your audiologist will be able to assess the issue and recommend an efficient solution. However, in most cases, you’ll simply need to change the battery!

Deformed Earmolds

Since you will be wearing your hearing aids throughout the day, it is crucial for them to feel comfortable and not get in the way of your everyday life. That is why, if you have noticed that the earmolds don’t fit well in the ear, you should immediately talk to your audiologist.

Earmolds can become deformed over time which, in turn, can cause you discomfort and even irritate the skin. Your audiologist will be able to fix this problem by simply replacing the earmold. You will also be able to reduce the chances of this issue in the future by following the best practices of hearing aid maintenance.

Earwax and Dirt Build-Up

Upon receiving your hearing aids, your audiologist will give you all the instructions you need to keep your device in tip-top shape for as long as possible. However, even with proper maintenance, it is possible for grime and earwax to build up, clog the microphone, or affect the receiver. If the wax builds within the connecting tube, it can harden over time and affect the functioning of the device.

Your audiologist will be able to deep-clean your device and even replace the tube in case this kind of intervention is needed.

Microphone Difficulties

If you have been struggling to hear sounds properly or following conversations, you might be experiencing issues with the microphone. While you should diagnose the issue by checking the device’s battery, it is also important to speak to an expert audiologist to understand whether the microphone needs fixing or replacing.

Do your hearing aids need a professional touch? Give Big Thicket Hearing Aids & Audiology a call at (409) 751-2590 to speak with a professional.