Hearing aids are complex electronic devices designed to provide users with many years of amplification. But through accidents and simple wear and tear, they may require repairs. Understanding what can happen to a device and how the issue is corrected can ensure you visit your audiologist at the first sign of trouble.
Common Causes of Hearing Aid Repairs
There are many factors that can contribute to damage to your hearing aids.
Moisture Damage
Unless otherwise stated, hearing aids are not waterproof and can be severely damaged when exposed to moisture. If you forget to remove your hearing aids before taking a shower or jumping into Cottage Lake, you need to take action immediately. This includes:
- Turning off the hearing aid
- Removing the battery and drying the device with a clean cloth
- Shaking the device to remove as much water as possible
- Leaving the hearing aid out overnight on newspaper or near a warm radiator to dry
Sweat and moisture in the air can also collect on your hearing aid. If left to build up in the device, the moisture can cause damage.
Your audiologist can dry out the device to enable you to hear more clearly. They can also replace any circuitry inside your hearing aid that got damaged. If needed, your hearing aids may be sent back to the manufacturer for additional repairs.
Broken Tubing
Most hearing aids use plastic tubing, which can degrade over time. Debris can get stuck inside the tubing or it can get overstretched through frequent use. When this happens, sounds won’t carry as well.
Replacing broken tubing is a simple repair that your audiologist can complete in a few minutes.
Damaged Microphone
The microphone in your hearing aid is responsible for picking up sounds from the environment and, if damaged, can seriously impact how well you can hear. Your audiologist will either repair the broken microphone or insert a replacement if the damage is severe enough.
How to Prevent Damage
The best way to prevent needing repairs is to take good care of your hearing aid. This includes cleaning the device every day, making sure to remove any earwax and debris. You should also consider investing in a dehumidifier, which can remove excess moisture from your hearing aid. To learn more about hearing air repairs or to schedule an appointment with an audiologist, contact Hearing Advancement Center today.
