What Are The Common Problems Hearing Aid Users Face?

Hearing aids are wonderful devices, but adjusting to them takes a little bit of time. There are some common problems that many hearing aid users face, but thankfully, these can easily be rectified through personal care of the device and with the help of an audiologist. 

Here are some of the common problems that you might face should you need a hearing aid in your life.

Battery life

Hearing aids require tiny batteries to charge them. Your audiologist will explain to you which hearing aid battery type is right for your device and will let you know how to install them. However, they don't last long. Generally speaking, they can last anywhere between three to 22 days when in your hearing aid, which can be a problem when you are out and about and your hearing aid stops working.

Hearing aid batteries only start to lose their effectiveness when taken out of the packet, so don't remove the tab until you are ready to use them. When you do take them out of the packet, don't install them into your device immediately. Wait around 5 minutes, as this will ensure the air properly activates your battery, and it could mean you will get an extra few days of use from it. 

When you're not using your hearing aid, store your batteries at room temperature. Provided they aren't left in a place where moisture might occur (usually your bathroom), you might be able to prolong the life of your batteries.

It's a good idea to carry spare batteries around you with you too. So, if the batteries in your hearing aid do die, you won't have to be without the ability to hear for very long. 

Earwax

Our ears naturally produce wax, so this isn't a problem in itself. However, excessive earwax can block your hearing aid's microphone and other small parts, and hinder its performance. So, there could be occasions when your device doesn't work as effectively as it is supposed too.

Firstly, keep your ear clean. Speak to your audiologist on the best methods to do so, as some ear-cleaning practices are known to be unsafe. When your ears are cleaned regularly, you are unlikely to experience a build-up of wax, so there is less chance of it clogging up your hearing aid device. 

Secondly, gently wipe your hearing aid clean after you remove it from your ear. Again, speak to your audiologist for advice on how best to clean your hearing aid, as you don't want to damage it in any way when cleaning. Some stores sell hearing aid cleaning kits for the daily maintenance of your device but listen to your audiologist’s advice before using them. 

Trying to maintain an active lifestyle

Many people new to hearing aids worry about how they are going to live an active lifestyle while wearing their devices. They worry about their hearing aids dropping out when playing sports or taking part in other active pursuits, and they might assume their lives have to change as a consequence. There is also the worry that the hearing aid might break when engaged in an activity. 

The chances of a hearing aid falling out are rare, especially when wearing one that snugly fits inside the ear canal. Speak to your audiologist for advice on the right hearing aid for your particular lifestyle. 

However, there are occasions when hearing aids could become loose, especially when playing rougher sports. Thankfully, hearing aid clips are available for both behind the ear (BTE) and in the ear (ITE) hearing aids, so you can reduce the chances of your hearing aid falling out. 

Speak to your audiologist about water-resistant hearing aids too, as these are perfect if you enjoy going swimming regularly. And ask about shockproof hearing aids, as these are built to stand running and contact sports. 

Contact us

For more advice on hearing aids and some of the common problems associated with them, get in touch, and we will give you the advice you need. Thanks to modern hearing aid technologies, many of the problems you might worry about or experience can be alleviated, and we will explain more about this with you when you make an appointment with us. 

We are dedicated to giving you the best hearing healthcare possible, so whether you're a new hearing aid user, a long-time wearer, or somebody who is considering wearing a hearing aid for the first time, call us at (334) 441-4090 and make an appointment to come in to see us.