The Most Common Causes of Hearing Aid Malfunctions

A hearing aid, like any sophisticated technological device, can sometimes break or stop working. Sometimes, that may be due to an internal fault or an issue you had no control over.

Understanding the common issues that affect hearing aids and the factors most likely to cause malfunctions can be beneficial, whether you’re new to wearing them or have been wearing them for years. Here are some of the most frequent causes of hearing aid problems.

Moisture and Earwax Buildup

Moisture is a common cause of hearing aid malfunctions. Hearing aids are electronic devices, and exposure to water or high humidity can damage parts like the microphone, receiver or battery. Everyday activities can lead to moisture buildup inside the device. This can interfere with sound quality or cause your hearing aid to stop functioning. Using a dehumidifier or drying kit can help remove moisture and storing hearing aids in a dry, cool place when not in use can prevent these issues.

Earwax buildup is another frequent reason for hearing aid problems. While earwax serves an important purpose in protecting the ear, it can clog small parts of the hearing aid, like the microphone or speaker. This can reduce sound quality, cause feedback or stop the device from working properly. Regularly cleaning hearing aids to remove earwax buildup is necessary to keep them functioning well. Inspecting them often for signs of blockage and consulting an audiologist if the issue continues can help avoid further problems. Taking these steps can help keep hearing aids working effectively and minimize repairs.

Physical Damage and Rough Handling

Physical damage is a common reason for hearing aid malfunctions. These devices are fragile and can be easily damaged if dropped, stepped on or exposed to too much force. Even small cracks or dents can affect how they work. Accidental drops, mishandling during cleaning or storing them improperly are frequent causes of damage. Checking your hearing aids regularly for visible issues can help catch problems early.

Rough handling can also lead to malfunctions. Forcing parts, twisting tubing or being too rough during cleaning can wear down important components over time. This can shorten the lifespan of the device or cause it to stop working properly. To avoid these issues, handle your hearing aids carefully and follow the instructions for use.

Environmental Factors and Interference

Intense temperatures, direct sunlight, dust and even certain types of electromagnetic presence can affect hearing aids. If you’re working in a very dusty environment or experiencing sudden temperature changes, your device might experience issues in these environments. Some electronic devices can also cause interference, creating static or disrupting the sound quality. If you notice this happening, try to stick to shady environments, clean your hearing aids regularly and note when this is happening most of all.

With this advice, you can understand what risks are most common for hearing aid issues and avoid them. If you want to learn more about how to protect your hearing aids schedule an appointment with an audiologist.