Imagine a situation where you are hanging out with your friends at a café or eatery, and suddenly the buzz and sound seems to fade. You try to hear what they are saying and the music track in the background, but everything sounds distant and faded! It is something several people in Singapore experience. It happens when the hearing aid fails to work properly or its effectiveness declines.
Like any other device, your hearing aids have a lifespan, and after that, they start showing signs of wear. In such situations, you should not delay and visit an audiologist.
A look at the reasons behind malfunctioning or failing hearing aids
Your hearing aids are exposed to humidity, perspiration, and heat all year round. There can be cases of accidental mishandling, too. This will take a toll on their performance and longevity.
The main reasons for performance slowdown are:
- Battery life deterioration or charging issues.
- Earwax buildup affecting the microphone or receiver.
- Moisture damage, especially for people staying outside for long periods.
- Changes in your hearing profile over time.
Only a qualified and experienced audiologist can assess if a hearing aid has reached the end of its lifespan and you need a replacement.
Major signs indicating your hearing aids need a checkup
- Distorted and muffled sounds- You may struggle to hear songs or TV and find it hard to hear others. It can be the signs of a failing unit or dirt gathering in the parts.
- Whistling sound- Some people who have been using hearing aids for several years experience a whistling sound. It can be an alignment issue or signs of a failing device.
- Volume issues- If you have to set the device volume at the maximum setting to hear properly, it is better to get the unit checked by an audiologist.
- Battery draining quickly- If the device battery is draining faster than usual, it is worth checking.
When you spot one or more of these signs, contact a trusted and reputable audiologist. There are several such clinics in Singapore. You can check out the ones like https://www.hearingbalance.sg.
Why should you avoid the DIY fix method?
Do not try to fix your hearing aids at home. Only a veteran audiologist can check and troubleshoot the device properly.
When you visit such a clinic, here’s what you can expect:
- The audiologist will use specialized equipment to test the device.
- They will check your hearing capacity in the right way.
- They can offer professional device cleanup to remove moisture and debris.
- They can perform software tweaking to make the device work better.
You can get your hearing aid device checked twice a year. However, those living an active lifestyle and spending a lot of time outdoors can go for more frequent visits.
Summing it up
Visiting a veteran audiologist will help you check your hearing aid in the right way. However, you must remember that sometimes a functional device may not give you the desired performance. This is caused by aging and certain health conditions like diabetes, ear infections, among others. Even then, a device checkup, along with a hearing test, will reveal the truth. We hope this article helps any hearing impaired members at Sweepstakes Advantage.