Debunking Common Hearing Aid Repairs

Hearing aids can be an effective way to manage hearing loss, but they aren’t immune to wear and tear or changes in your hearing over time. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation about hearing aids and the repairs they might need. If you’re shopping for hearing aids, it’s essential to understand the realities of owning and maintaining these devices. Knowing the truth about hearing aids and their upkeep can help you take better care of them and avoid unnecessary issues. Here are some of the common hearing aid repair myths debunked.

You Can Always Clean Hearing Aids Yourself

One common misconception is that you can always clean your hearing aids yourself. While regular cleaning is important to prevent dirt and debris from building up and causing blockages, this isn’t always enough. If a blockage does occur, your attempts to clean it at home might not solve the problem. In such cases, it’s best to take your hearing aids to an audiologist. They have specialized tools to reach areas you can’t access, providing a more thorough cleaning to restore your device’s performance.

Hearing Aids are All Waterproof

One common misunderstanding about hearing aids is the belief that they are fully waterproof. While some hearing aids are made to be water-resistant, meaning they can handle minor exposure to moisture like sweat or light rain, they are not meant to be submerged in water. Wearing hearing aids in the shower, while swimming or during heavy rainfall can allow water to seep into the device, potentially leading to issues like muffled sound or malfunctioning parts. Knowing the limitations of your hearing aids is an important part of keeping them in good working order.

If your daily activities involve exposure to water, talk to your audiologist about water-resistant hearing aids and how they can suit your needs. Even with these models, it’s best to take steps to protect them, like removing your hearing aids before swimming or storing them safely in damp conditions. Understanding how to properly care for your devices helps maintain their performance and reliability over time.

Your Hearing Aids Will Only Be Adjusted Once

A common myth about hearing aids is that they only need to be adjusted once, but this isn’t true. Hearing aids often require fine-tuning over time to ensure they continue to meet your needs. Your hearing might change, or you may find that certain settings don’t work well in specific environments. Regular follow-up appointments with your audiologist allow for adjustments to things like volume levels, frequency settings or noise reduction features. These ongoing changes are a normal part of getting the most out of your hearing aids and ensuring they provide the best possible experience.

If you are ever unsure of how to properly take care of your hearing aids, you should schedule an appointment with your audiologist. They will show you how to clean and use your hearing aids, making sure you are keeping them in optimal function to meet your specific needs. If you have any questions about hearing aid repairs or your hearing, contact an audiologist.