How to Improve the Performance of Your Hearing Aids: Try These Three Quick Fixes

Are you feeling frustrated with the performance of your hearing aids? You're not alone. Like any technology out there, hearing aids can experience some technical difficulties from time to time.  

Thankfully, there are quick solutions you can try at home that might help improve the clarity and reliability of your devices. Before you decide to book a repair appointment, consider these quick fixes that could restore your hearing aids' performance and save you a trip. 

1. Clean Your Hearing Aids 

A significant issue many hearing aid users face is reduced performance due to accumulated earwax or debris.  

Regular cleaning can help ensure that your devices are functioning at their best.  

• Gather Your Tools: Use a soft, dry cloth, a small hearing aid brush, and a wax pick or loop. These are typically included when you purchase your hearing aid. 

• Remove Buildup: Carefully clean the microphone and receiver openings using the brush. Be gentle to avoid pushing wax farther into the device. 

• Inspect and Wipe: Check for visible debris and wipe the outer casing of your hearing aids with a cloth. Make sure all moisture is fully removed before reassembling and wearing your devices. 

This simple maintenance step can drastically enhance sound clarity and prevent costly repairs. Just make sure not to use water or any cleaning solutions, as they can damage your hearing aids or irritate your ears. 

2. Replace Ear Domes or Wax Guards 

Ear domes and wax guards play a crucial role in maintaining the sound quality of your hearing aids. However, over time they can become clogged or worn out, impeding performance and affecting your quality of life. 

• Ear Dome Replacement: Detach the ear dome from your hearing aid and replace it with a new, identical one. Ensure you purchase the correct type and size for your hearing device. 

• Wax Guard Replacement: Access the wax guard by removing the ear dome. Use the tool provided with your hearing aids to gently lift out the old wax guard and insert a new one. 

Regularly changing these components, ideally every one to two months, can enhance the function of your hearing aids by ensuring clear sound transmission and preventing blockages. 

3. Perform a Factory Reset 

If cleaning and replacing parts don't resolve the issue, a factory reset might be your next step.  

This process restores your hearing aids to their original settings, eliminating any software glitches affecting performance or causing connectivity issues. 

• Consult Your Manual: Before proceeding, refer to the user manual specific to your hearing aids for the exact reset procedure. 

• Backup Settings: If possible, save or write down your current hearing aid settings. This enables a quicker setup post-reset. 

• Reset Process: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to reset. This usually involves pressing specific buttons simultaneously. 

• Reprogramming: After the reset, you might need to reprogram your hearing aids. If you’re unsure, consult with your audiologist or the hearing aid provider. 

While performing a factory reset can often improve functionality, it’s important to carefully follow the procedure to avoid further issues. 

Give Your Hearing Aids Some TLC! 

These quick fixes offer actionable solutions to improve the performance of your hearing aids at home. However, if problems persist, it may be time to consult with a professional audiologist.  

A full hearing aid repair could help address concerns to do with hearing aid performance by fixing broken parts, replacing malfunctioning parts, and making sure your devices continue to serve your unique needs for as long as possible. 

If you need further assistance, feel free to reach out and visit one of our locations in Washington for comprehensive support and maintenance.