A hearing aid is a device that helps people with hearing problems. There are many different types of hearing aids, but they all have one thing in common: they need to be repaired or replaced when something goes wrong. 

Understanding how your hearing aids function will enable you to know when they are faulty, leading to a faster solution. How your hearing aid functions depends on type and manufacturer. Common types of hearing aids are:

  • In the ear (ITE)
  • Behind the ear (BTE)
  • In the canal (ITC)

Some hearing aids have an automatic function that will detect and diagnose a fault, but others don't have this feature. Regardless of whether your hearing aid has this ability, there are some signs to watch for so you can know when it's time to contact the manufacturer or go in for repairs.

You Are Experiencing Difficulty Hearing Conversations

If you strain to hear or understand conversations, it could be a sign that your hearing aids need repairs. A faulty battery can make the problem worse because you'll have to turn up the volume constantly in order for it to work. Worn-out microphones and earpieces will also lead to difficulty hearing conversations. 

You Hear a Buzzing or Ringing Sound in Your Ears

A ringing sound or buzzing in your ear signals problems with the hearing aid that ought to be checked immediately. A hearing aid with a broken wire, loose battery connection or damaged earmold can cause this problem. In addition, the buzzing sound can be caused by the telecoil in your hearing aids not working properly and picking up electromagnetic waves from nearby electronic devices such as computers and televisions.

You Have Trouble Understanding People on the Phone

If you strain to understand what people are saying on the phone, even if they speak slowly and loudly, it may be time to get hearing aid repairs. The same goes when you have trouble understanding the television.

If you can't hear what is being said on a TV show because of background noise or when others are talking, this might mean that your hearing aids need repair. An audiologist can have a look at the device and come up with a fast solution. 

There's an Increase in Background Noise When Wearing Your Hearing Aids

If you've lately realized that there is a lot of background noise when wearing hearing aids, you need to have them checked and repaired by an expert. Having the device checked sooner than later can help avoid more device problems. It will also restore your comfort and ability to hear well.

The problem may be due to a defect in the microphone, a dirty or blocked ear canal and water damage. To find out what's causing your device noise issue, bring it to an audiologist for examination. 

You Are Having Trouble with The Volume of Your Hearing Device

If you cannot effectively adjust the device's volume, have hearing loss in the low or high ends of the frequency range or feel that hearing aids are no longer effective, these may be indicators that you need hearing aid repairs. To restore comfort, talk to an audiologist to discuss hearing aid repairs. 

Most of the problems can be resolved quickly after detection but ignoring the issues can lead to a total device breakdown resulting in a replacement.