Hearing aids are built to last, but that doesn’t mean they won’t encounter issues from time to time. Like any other piece of technology, hearing aids can malfunction if not properly cared for. While the last thing you want is for your essential communication tools to quit working on you when you’re in the middle of negotiating strawberry prices at the Topeka Farmers Market, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of this happening.
Clean Your Devices Regularly
Your hearing aids are subjected to the rugged environment of your ear on a daily basis, which means they have to contend with earwax, sweat and oils from your skin. Because of this, it’s important to clean your devices every day after use. To do this, wipe them down with a soft, dry cloth and use a wax pick/wire loop to clear debris from the nooks and crannies as needed. Be sure to replace the wax guards if they become impacted and the tubing if it begins to crack.
Get Another Hearing Test
If you feel that your hearing devices aren’t working as well as they once did, it could mean you’ve experienced changes in your hearing. This is completely normal, as hearing loss is a progressive condition that develops and worsens over time. If a new audiogram shows any changes, your audiologist can simply reprogram your devices. They may recommend new devices if your hearing has changed drastically or if your current devices are more than five years old.
Your Ear Anatomy Has Changed
Just like your hearing, the anatomy of your ear can also change over time. If you’ve begun to experience feedback, whistling or physical discomfort when wearing your hearing aid, it’s a good indicator this is what’s happening. If you have a behind-the-ear hearing aid, you’ll simply need to be fit for a new earmold. If you have another type of device, your audiologist can discuss your options with you.
For more information about any problems with your hearing aids or to schedule an appointment for a clean and check or a hearing test, call the experts at Topeka ENT today.
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