Hearing aids are complex electronic devices that are built to last. But since they are used for most hours of the day and spend much of their time in a fairly inhospitable environment, it is normal for them to need repairs every now and again.
Below is breakdown of the most common hearing aid repairs you may need and what you can do to keep your hearing aids safe.
Common Hearing Aid Repairs
There are three major culprits that cause a need for hearing aid repairs.
Moisture
Like most electronic devices, hearing aids and water do not mix. If exposed to water from accidentally wearing your hearing aids into the shower or pool, action needs to be taken immediately.
Most hearing aid wearers are exposed to moisture from daily wear. Moisture can build up inside your hearing aids, affecting the sound clarity. Your audiologist can easily remove a buildup of moisture. If the circuitry inside the hearing aid has been damaged by moisture, your hearing aids may need to be sent back to the manufacture for more extensive repairs.
Broken Tubing
Plastic tubing is used in many hearing aid models to connect important components. The tubing is known to degrade over time, but more often than not damage is caused by dirt or debris becoming trapped in the tubing or the tubing being overstretched. When this happens, sound does not travel through well.
Broken tubing is a quick and easy fix that your audiologist can perform in the office while you wait.
Broken Microphone
The microphone is a vital piece of any hearing aid, as it is responsible for picking up sounds in your environment. A broken microphone can either be repaired or replaced, depending on the severity of the damage.
Preventing Hearing Aid Damage
Depending on the age of your hearing aids and the level of coverage you have, hearing aid repairs can be costly. But before you head down to California Bank and Trust to make a withdrawal, consider doing what you can to help prevent damage from happening in the first place.
Performing regular maintenance at home can extend the life of your hearing aids. This includes:
- Routinely cleaning your hearing aids
- Removing excess wax
- Using a dehumidifier
To learn more about hearing aid repairs or to schedule an appointment with a hearing aid expert, contact Torrance Audiology today.