Thousands of people rely on hearing aids all over the world. Hearing aids not only make life easier for people with hearing loss, they also make life more enjoyable and safe. However, as beneficial as hearing aids are, they do wear down after some years of use.

Various factors can cause your hearing aid to need repairs. These factors include wax buildup, exposure to water and excessive humidity. When the damage happens, a visit to an audiologist for a fix may be all that’s required. Some of the signs to look out for include:

Fluctuating volume

A hearing aid is made in such a way that you can easily adjust the volume to an appropriate level. If you notice that you can’t make these adjustments, an internal problem may be cropping up and you need to have your hearing aid checked out by an audiologist.

Physical defects

Worn out or broken components of your hearing aid could hinder its fit and performance. Some of the physical defects could be cracks in the model shells, worn out tubing or even broken case or the hearing aid body. These defects should be fixed right away to avoid costly repairs later on. The small pieces are easily repaired in an audiologist’s office.

Whistling sound

A continuous whistling sound may indicate a fault with your hearing device, an incorrectly fitted earpiece or presence of wax in your ears. If you constantly experience a whistling sound, remove the device and clean your ears and try to fit it back again. In case this doesn’t work, it could be a problem with the device and you need to visit your audiologist.

Recurrent hearing aid issues

A disappearing sound or a sporadic problem could indicate a defective battery. Try replacing the battery. If the problem is persistent, you can be certain that you need professional assistance.

Hearing only gets worse

When a perfectly working hearing aid stops delivering satisfactory results, it is essential to contact an audiologist. If you notice that your hearing only gets worse, an audiologist can reprogram the device to ensure that every frequency is perfectly captured. An audiologist can also reassess the hearing aid to determine if it suits you. They may recommend an upgrade or a change of model.

Your hearing device dies

When your hearing device stops working, the first reaction would be to get a new one. Nevertheless, an inoperative hearing aid may not be necessarily dead. Sometimes all you need is to replace the battery. You may also need to check the tubing that connects the mold to the receiver as often it is blocked by earwax, making it difficult for sound to pass. In such a case, you’ll need to replace the tubing.

If these two solutions do not help, you’ll need to visit an audiologist.

These are some of the signs that indicate that it is the time to get your hearing aid repaired. If some of these suggestions do not work, consult an audiologist to find out if your hearing aid needs repairs.