3 Common Causes of Hearing Aid Repairs

Hearing aids are sophisticated and can need repairs if not properly cared for and maintained. Identifying the common causes of hearing aid repairs can help individuals take better care of their devices.

1. Earwax

Earwax and the debris accumulated in the ear are the most common causes of hearing aid damage. Speakers, microphones, as well as the transducers, get affected due to the build-up of the earwax. The invasive hearing devices, such as In the Canal hearing aids, are the most impacted by the wax. This is why regular cleaning of the outer ear, as well as the ear canal, is important to increase the lifespan of these devices. The earwax has the tendency to slip through even the smallest of the crevices of the device, causing some really bad damages. Thus, this is why some users have their ears professionally cleaned by a specialist.

2. Natural elements

Damages to hearing aids are also often caused by exposure to the natural elements, such as humidity and water. In fact, extended exposure to extreme temperature may also cause the hearing aid to develop problems. For instance, exposure to the summer heat or winter cold can reduce the life of the hearing aids. Dirt and grime also slip through the crevices of the device and tend to clog the insides of it. Most of the serious internal damages are caused by water, which can fry the delicate electronic components of the hearing aids.

3. Mishandling

Mishandling of the hearing device is also a very common cause of damages. For instance, some people forget their equipment inside the car for a prolonged period of time, exposing it to the extremes temperature in the winter and summer. Quite often, the internal components of the earphone get damaged while trying to dislodge the debris using a sharp and pointed object. Additionally, not properly storing the hearing aids at night can lead to pets chewing on them or even you knocking them off and stepping on them. If you experience any kind of malfunction with your hearing aids, it’s crucial to have them checked out by your hearing healthcare professional. Your specialist will be able to evaluate your devices and determine if any repairs are needed. Most hearing specialists can perform minor fixes in their office, while major hearing aid repairs may need to be sent back to the manufacturer.