Hearing aids are devices that have helped mankind in so many ways. They help to improve the hearing of so many people, hereby enhancing their conversational experience. Irrespective of their importance, hearing aids are prone to wear and tear and can become faulty at some point. This is why it is important to care for your hearing aid. One way to do that is to look out for signs that show that you need to see your audiologist to get it repaired.

What are hearing aids?

Hearing aids are small electronic devices that assist people with hearing loss to listen and communicate with others effectively. They are usually worn in or behind the ear, and they come in three basic parts; the microphone, amplifier, and speaker. They work by receiving sound waves through the speaker, which converts the sounds to electrical signals. The amplifier magnifies the electrical signals and sends them to the ear.

Hearing aids come in four major styles, and they include: in the ear (ITE), behind the ear (BTE), completely in canal (CIC) and in the canal (ITC). The audiologist determines what style of hearing aid is suitable or should be avoided by a person.

How do you know when your hearing aid needs repairs?

Like all electronic devices, your hearing aid needs to be checked routinely because it is prone to faults. Your hearing aid shows signs when it needs to be examined and repaired by your audiologist. Here are some of the signs.

Your hearing aid stops working

There are several reasons why your hearing aid stops working. It could be the batteries have died, and you need to change them. If you use rechargeable batteries, all you need to do is charge it, and it is good to go. Your hearing aid can also stop working because the tube that connects the earmold to the receiver is blocked by ear wax. In this case, you only need to restore the tube. However, if your hearing aid refuses to work after these checks, then it might be time to take it for repairs.

Your hearing aid buzzes or whistles

It is unpleasant to hear buzzing or whistling sounds in your ears, much less when it comes from your hearing aid. When this happens, it could be that your hearing aid hasn't been placed in your ears properly. You have to bring it out and fix it in or behind your ears properly, depending on what type you use. It will also help if you clean your ears with an ear cleaner to get rid of the wax build. If the buzzing or whistling persists after cleaning your ear and fixing your ear aid properly, then a trip to your audiologist is in order.

Your hearing aid has clear physical damage

Accidents are prone to happen, and your hearing aid is not an exception. It can be damaged due to poor handling or accidentally stepping on it. If you notice any crack on your hearing aid, you need to have it fixed, no matter how minor it is. It will be best if you do not ignore the damage, as it could get worse and wreck your hearing aid.

The volume of your hearing aid is low

You can set your hearing aid to the volume that is suitable for you. When you notice that the sound coming from it is very low, even when you have set the volume to its maximum, it might be that there is a wax buildup that has inhibited the sound from reaching your ears. In this case, your audiologist can clean it, and it will be as good as new. However, if the volume is still low, then you need to have it examined and fixed.

Your hearing gets worse

A functioning hearing aid is supposed to improve your hearing. When your hearing gets worse when using a hearing aid, then it is a sign that it has to be checked. You can check to see if it is still working and that the batteries aren't dead. If all is in order and your hearing doesn't improve, you have to take it to your audiologist, who will then reprogram it to capture every frequency.

It will be best to constantly care for your hearing aid and get it checked routinely to extend its longevity. At Siouxland Hearing Healthcare, P.L.C, we make sure that you enjoy the most of your hearing aid. When you need to fix your hearing aid, we are here at your service. We also offer other audiology services. Call us now at (712) 266-3662 and get the best maintenance for your hearing aid.