During the winter, the biggest threat to hearing aids is moisture. The problem with cold weather is that it often includes rapid changes in temperature to your device. If you’re outside, the drop in temperature might be extreme from that of a heated home or car. These rapid changes in temperature can produce condensation on and in the hearing aid. It’s optimal to check your hearing aid regularly in cold weather to guard against damage caused by moisture. The hearing aid battery is also affected by temperature. Hearing aids typically receive enough warmth from the body to keep the battery going. However, if the device was left in the car outside overnight, the battery may need a little time to warm up and properly power the hearing aid.
If at any time you feel your hearing aid is not working the way it should, please contact us.
How Will I Know if My Hearing Aid Has Been Damaged by Moisture?
There are a few warning signs that your hearing aid might have been damaged. Some of these things can also occur because the battery is damaged or needs to be changed. The first thing to do is check the battery. If the battery is corroded in any way, it should be disposed of it immediately. Change the batteries and see if the problems persist. If so, here are symptoms of a hearing aid needing service:
- Fading Sound. The sound fades in and out or doesn’t stay at the same volume level consistently.
- Static. If you’re hearing static frequently or if each sound has a trail of static after it, there may be a moisture issue.
- Stops Working. Your hearing aid may stop working completely with no warning, or if it stops and starts intermittently, it may need service.
- Clarity. If the sound is no longer crisp, there may be a problem.
Do These Signs Mean There’s Moisture Damage?
Fortunately, today’s hearing aids are largely moisture resistant, but there may be interruption of service from condensation that doesn’t cause permanent damage. There are several things hearing aid users may do at home if this occurs.
Trouble Shooting:
A good visual inspection is always the first step in trouble shooting any device and is a good rule to follow with hearing aids. Look over the device carefully to make sure the microphone and speaker (receiver) ports are not plugged with debris. Check that any controls on the device are in the right position. If your device has a tube or wire connecting the piece behind the ear to the earmold or tip that inserts into the ear, check to make sure it is nor frayed or cracked. If it is a tube, check to see if it is not plugged with moisture or wax. With any style of hearing aid, check the piece that is inserted into the ear for wax or debris. If your devices have replaceable batteries, check the battery contact points to make sure they’re clean and dry. If the batteries are rechargeable, check the charge status.
To take precautions to make sure your hearing aid does not get damaged by moisture exposure, use a hearing aid drying kit to help prevent moisture from building up. Replaceable batteries should be removed right away if moisture may have gotten in. Other precautions include covering the device and making sure to use hats and other outerwear to protect your hearing aid from the weather. Hearing aids with rechargeable batteries are carefully designed to prevent moisture from seeping in near the battery. If there is an incident and the rechargeable device is subjected to moisture, dry it off and turn it off if possible. Putting it on a charger is OK if it is working. If feels warm or isn’t working do not try and recharge until the device is completely dry.
If you’ve carefully checked your device and the problem persists, you may have moisture damage. If you need help repairing your hearing aid, please contact us for assistance.