Your hearing aids are your lifeline to the hearing world. In order to keep your devices in good working order, it is important to know what can go wrong and how to prevent any permanent damage.
Hearing Aid Parts
While there are a number of types and styles of hearing aids, they all have the same basic components that require regular care: the shell, microphone and receiver.
The shell is the outer part of the hearing aid. If earwax or other debris adheres to the shell, this can affect the hearing aid’s fit and can cause ear discomfort.
The microphone is the most delicate component of the hearing aid and is responsible for picking up sounds from your environment. This part is vulnerable as it often comes into contact with debris.
The receiver is responsible for passing the newly amplified sounds into the ear. Since it sits inside the ear canal, this part of the hearing aid can easily become clogged with earwax.
What to Know About Hearing Aid Repairs
The cost of repairing your hearing aid can vary depending on your warranty and how severe the damage is. Oftentimes a repair can easily be completed within the office. For more complex issues, your hearing aids may need to be mailed back to the manufacture for more specialized service.
The sooner you get an issue diagnosed, the easier the repair is. You should schedule an appointment with your audiologist at the first sign of trouble, much like you would bring your car into Greg’s Garage when you hear a rattling sound in the engine. Letting a problem go for a while can escalate a minor issue to an extensive repair.
Common Causes of Hearing Aid Damage
Below are a few of the most common reasons for hearing aid repairs.
Moisture
Like most electronic devices, moisture and hearing aids do not mix. Your hearing aids can build up moisture after spending all day in your ear; if not removed, the moisture can damage the internal components of your hearing aid. We recommend investing in a dehumidifier or simply opening the battery door to let your hearing aids dry out overnight.
Broken Tubing
The tubing used in behind-the-ear hearing aid models can twist, crack or simply degrade over time. If the tubing is damaged or debris is inside the tube, sounds won’t travel well. Replacing your tubing is an inexpensive and simple repair.
Broken Microphone
If your microphone gets clogged or damaged, your hearing aid is unable to pick up sounds to amplify. Your audiologist can examine your broken microphone and determine if it can be repaired or if the part needs to be replaced.
To learn more about when to bring your hearing aid in for repair or to schedule an appointment with a hearing aid expert, contact LeMay Hearing & Balance today.