Whether you are chatting over the phone, online with the grandchildren, or just listening to your favorite programs on TV or Radio, communication is vital for your mental health and well-being. We want to ensure that you are able to hear and enjoy life.
Due to the Covid-19 outbreak and the Santa Clara County mandate asking all residents to shelter in place, Los Gatos Audiology is available by phone or video conferencing and can handle curbside drop off and pick-up, repairs, shipping of supplies and emergencies as they come in.
In the meantime, here are some tips for caring for your hearing aids at home and reducing trips for hearing aid repairs:
Get the proper tools: A wax pick and brush are indispensable tools for at-home cleaning. Earwax can accumulate in the opening at the end of a hearing aid.
Stock up on supplies: Batteries are not the only thing you need to think about picking up. Many hearing aids have replaceable domes and wax filters that need changing periodically to keep them free of wax and debris.
Establish good habits: Leave hearing aids out of your ears during your hygiene routine. Shower and wash your face and hair without your hearing aids in so water and soap can’t damage them. Put your aids in after you apply hair products like hairspray or gels.
Clean your device at the end of the day: Cleaning your hearing aids before bedtime gives them several hours to air out before you will put them in again. Avoid wipes with chemicals or alcohol when cleaning hearing aids as they could damage the devices.
Troubleshooting Hearing Aids:
If your hearing aid is not working properly, the problem might be one you can solve on your own. Here are some tips to try before calling your audiologist.
Problem: Hearing Aid Sound Is Weak or Dead: First things first: Check to make sure you have a fresh battery in your device and replace the battery regularly as needed.
The most common reason for a hearing aid to sound weak or dead is that it is clogged with wax or debris. If your hearing aid has a wax guard, try replacing it with a fresh one. If you have a cleaning tool (brush or pick), clean both the microphone and receiver (speaker).
Problem: The Hearing Aid Has Gotten Wet: Check for moisture visible in the tubing of a behind-the-ear model and for corrosion in the battery door compartment. If moisture is a possible concern, put the device in your hearing aid dehumidifier or drying kit. (Rice can be a good cheat as well)
Problem: Whistling or Feedback: Make sure the device is properly inserted into your ear canal. If it is still creating feedback, you may have a blockage of wax or debris in your ear canal, or the device may not be fitting properly.
Problem: The Hearing Aid Is Uncomfortable or Painful: Check to see that you have the hearing aid properly inserted into the ear. You may also need to check for wax buildup in the ear canal. If the discomfort persists, you may need a different dome or the hearing aid shell may need to be modified or remade for a better fit.
What to Do Next:
If your hearing aid is still not performing properly, give Los Gatos Audiology a call and we will do our best to help you.
Los Gatos Audiology appreciates your support and understanding during this period. We want to do our part to reduce the chance of transmission to our vulnerable patients and ensure the high-level continuity-of-care that Los Gatos Audiology is known for.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call us.
Los Gatos Audiology
408- 673-4052
15899 Los Gatos-Almaden Rd. Suite 8, Los Gatos, CA 95032