Contemporary hearing aids are pretty durable devices. However, hearings aids can and do fail. Most hearing aid problems are pretty straightforward. Many are avoided by proper maintenance by the user. But, sometimes, a hearing aid will fail and needs our expert assistance and TLC.
Typical Hearing Aid Problems
The biggest problem facing hearing aids is earwax. This can clog the opening of the receiver (speaker) in both in-the-ear and over-the-ear devices. Often, even if not visible, microscopic debris can get in the way of sound transmission. The microphone openings can also get clogged with the normal flaking off of dry skin or hair particles.
On occasion, the tiny wax filter at the end of the receiver needs to be replaced. These are provided (when one is part of your device) at the time the hearing aid is received, and the instructions for how and when to replace them are in the user manual. We also include this advice when we instruct you on how to use them.
But, again, hearing aids can and do fail. Many problems can be addressed right in our offices, without needing a trip to the laboratory.
Hearing Aid Styles – Different Problems
For over-the-ear style hearing aids, we may need to replace the receiver (speaker) unit for a receiver-in-the-canal (RIC) aid. We keep an inventory of common speaker sizes and strengths from each of the different manufacturers that we work with. Each style of aid, and each new generation, may have a variety of connections to attach these receivers, so we have special tools and training for replacing them.
Conventional behind-the-ear hearing aids may need the tubing replaced for the custom ear mold, or the slim tube replaced or unclogged. Again, special tools and training allow us to do onsite repairs.
Custom in-the-ear devices may occasionally need a repair to the shell or casing of the aid. We can easily patch or reinforce a small hole or case crack in the office. For some hearing aids we can replace a broken battery door, or remove a stuck battery that has managed to slip down into the electronics. Sometimes battery contacts need deep cleaning or re-tensing for any of the styles of hearing aids.
Watch our audiologist as he fixes a hearing aid in the office.