DIY Hearing Aid Repairs

Hearing aids are complicated and delicate devices and if things go seriously wrong with yours, it’s best to hand it over to a professional when it comes to repair work. However, there are a few things you can try yourself to keep down your costs and ensure that your hearing aid is working as perfectly as possible. Many hearing aid wearers learn the best ways to clean and maintain their devices and how to spot the common problem areas, which means there are several issues you can troubleshoot on your own. Let’s take a look at some DIY hearing aid repairs advice so you can take control of your device.

Device won’t turn on?

Many people experience this problem with their hearing aids, but before you bring your device into your audiologist, perform the following checks. First, check your device is actually turned on – it’s a more common mistake than you might think! Next, check the battery door is closed properly – it can sometimes close without locking properly and is a simple fix. At this stage, if you have a telecoil setting, makes sure this is turned off – again, this is a common problem that is ever so easy to solve yourself. Next, look at your batteries and search for any signs of corrosion, cleaning if necessary – or possible. You may just need a new set of batteries if all the other potential faults have proven to be OK.

Device produces distorted sound?

Poor quality and distorted sound can be a nightmare for hearing aid users. In some cases, you may need to bring your device into your audiologist, but before you do, try the following tricks. Check your batteries, first, as it could be corrosion that is causing them to work inefficiently. Use fresh batteries if necessary, which should give you the full power needed to give you perfect sound – any drop in power can impact the sound quality. Finally, check your settings. Because many hearing aids have multiple settings, it might be that you are using the wrong program for your environment.

Device whistling and producing feedback?

Whistling and feedback can cause incredible discomfort for hearing aid users. And the likelihood is that it’s down to your earmold not fitting in your ear properly. This could be down to one of two reasons, one of which you will be able to fix yourself and the second meaning you might need a replacement device. Earwax can attach itself to your hearing aid and even affect the shape of your ear, so check for wax in both – and remove if necessary. However, there could be a multitude of reasons why your device doesn’t fit anymore, including the natural growth over time of your own ears. In this case, it will be necessary to visit your audiologist.

Device won’t produce sound?

If your hearing aid is clearly powered but not making any noises, there are a couple of things you can do before paying for repairs. The biggest likelihood is that your hearing aid is blocked – probably with earwax – in a variety of areas. First of all, check the microphone – once blocked with wax this won’t be able to pick up sound as it should. Use your cleaning tools to carefully remove the wax, making sure it is dry before you get started. If that doesn’t solve the problem, look at the earmold tubing. If wax is clogging up the tube, sound won’t get through. If you’re unsure how to clean your tubing properly, talk to your audiologist.

Need more help?

The Hearing & Balance Centers of West Tennessee offers a free hearing screening and consultation service, in which we will review your hearing loss, hearing difficulties and communication environment. A discussion of your needs will follow with recommendations and solutions. If you have any problems whatsoever with your device and it needs repair, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today. The reality is that not all hearing aid problems are solvable by a non-professional, although the advice above will give you all you need to do DIY repairs.

To arrange an appointment or to find answers to any of your questions about finding a hearing aid or anything else that is hearing related, please contact our Jackson office at (731) 256-5973 and our Memphis location at (901) 201-6761. We are ready to help you get the most out of your device!