Hearing aids are life-changing devices that improve your quality of life, which makes it particularly frustrating when you encounter issues with them.
Can you fix it at home, or do you need the best hearing aid repair in Falls Church, Virginia? Here’s everything you need to know, including tips on how to fix them yourself when possible!
What Are Signs That It’s Time to Repair Your Hearing Aids?
There are many reasons why you may need to repair or replace your hearing devices. Common signs you need to fix hearing aids or get new devices include the following:
- Feedback or whistling noise: While the technology for hearing aids has come a long way, it still isn’t infallible. Because of this, you may experience something called feedback. If you’re not familiar with what that is, think of the sound a microphone makes when it’s too close to a speaker.
That sharp whistling noise is what feedback is. It occurs when the acoustic signal escapes your ear canal and hits the microphone, producing a sound similar to a loud buzz, whistle, screech, hiss, or squeal.
- Muffled sound: If your hearing aids still produce sound but it’s muffled or much lower than you need it to be, it could be as simple as the volume being set too low or earwax becoming lodged into crevices of your devices, it’s an undeniably frustrating experience that limits your hearing aids’ full capabilities.
- No sound: Instead of muffled sound, there’s also a possibility to experience no sound from your hearing aids at all. This can be the result of the device’s battery being dead, earwax blockage, or actual damage to your hearing aids. Sometimes, it is just the result of accidentally turning down the volume. In most cases, this one can be a little trickier to diagnose and tends to require a professional repair.
- Distorted sound: There’s no feedback, the sound is at the appropriate volume, yet it’s still not quite right. An example of this is that the audio input sounds crackly. This is usually due to damage or corrosion to the batteries, especially if you have disposable ones.
- Visible damage: Obvious damage to the hearing aids is usually pretty apparent. Improper storage, lack of maintenance, and dropping your hearing aids can cause damage to them. Moisture, dirt, and earwax can also lead to needing a repair or even replacement in worst case scenarios.
Troubleshoot Your Hearing Devices at Home With These Six Simple Tips
Troubleshooting hearing aids on your own really isn’t that difficult. In fact, it’s probably much simpler than you think! Follow these tips before seeing a hearing aid repair professional.
- Adjust the volume of your devices to make sure that they’re at the appropriate volume for you.
- Be sure your hearing aids are charged if they’re rechargeable, or that the batteries are still good.
- Consider that your hearing needs have changed, which may create a muffled or ineffective sound.
- Examine your hearing aids and check for earwax or physical damage.
- Make sure your hearing devices are turned on and, if applicable, connected to your phone or other device.
- Remove and re-insert your hearing aids to ensure that they fit correctly.
Here’s When to See a Trained Professional for Device Repair
As a general rule, if you have attempted the aforementioned techniques to fix your devices on your own but they either don’t work or fixes are short lived, it’s time to have a pro take a look.
The best hearing aid repair in Falls Church, Virginia gets to the bottom of your hearing aid issues and fixes them promptly when possible. If a replacement is needed, they can help you find one within your budget.
Repairs include thoroughly cleaning the instruments, replacing the batteries, fixing a faulty microphone, changing the behind-the-ear (BTE) tubing, and checking to make sure the devices still fit your ears correctly or that they meet your requirements.
You and your repair person will discuss what the problem is, what can be done to fix it, and how long the repair will take. They will provide an estimate of how much a repair will cost.
How Do I Take Care of Hearing Aids at Home to Help Avoid Future Repair?
Whether you have a brand new pair or recently have gotten your hearing instruments repaired, sufficient care and maintenance are a must. Setting aside time to take care of your hearing aids can extend their longevity and quality significantly. This involves basic steps like:
- Always handle your devices gently and with care in a clean environment that has good lighting.
- Change your wax guards or filters when necessary.
- Clean your instruments periodically to remove any earwax or debris.
- Don’t wear them when showering, swimming, using a hair dryer or hair spray, or in a sauna.
- Store your hearing aids in a safe, dry place when you aren’t wearing them.
- Turn your devices off when not in use.
- Visit your audiologist for routine checkups, both for your hearing and your hearing aids.
Your Search for the Best Hearing Aid Repair in Falls Church, Virginia Is Over Now That You’ve Found ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery
Our audiology team, conveniently located in McLean, is here to help you every step of the way with your hearing aids. From testing to repairs, we’ve got you covered!
Contact us today at 703-448-0005 to schedule an appointment and hear the world more clearly again!