Many people use hearing aids to help improve their hearing. In most cases, hearing aids work incredibly well and can allow a person to converse with others and engage in everyday life while being able to hear clearly. However, just like any other medical device, a hearing aid does not last forever. The time will come when a hearing aid ceases to operate properly and will need to be replaced with a new model. Since people rely on their hearing aids to hear clearly, it is important to recognize the signs of a failing hearing aid so a replacement can be ordered promptly. Some of the most common signs that a hearing aid needs to be replaced include the following.

Volume Goes Up and Down

Most hearing aids are designed with an adjustable volume control, which allows a user to make adjustments depending on his or her hearing. If you wear a hearing aid and the volume is continually fluctuating despite the fact that you have not made any adjustments, there is most likely a major problem with your hearing aid. A hearing aid in good working order should be able to maintain a set volume at all times until it is manually adjusted.

Damaged

Sometimes the interior components of a hearing aid may work just fine, but the exterior of the hearing aid can be damaged or have physical defects. Common physical defects include cracks in the outer shell, issues with the hearing aid's tubing, or a broken hearing aid body. If you inspect your hearing aid and can visually detect damage, your best bet is to make an appointment to see your audiologist. In some cases, a damaged hearing aid can be repaired, but if your hearing aid is beyond repair, an audiologist can assist you in ordering a new model.

Constant Whistling Noise

A hearing aid is made to help a person hear clearly, so it can be very frustrating to experience a constant whistling noise when you're wearing your hearing aid. An annoying whistling sound can be caused by a few different things, such as a build up of ear wax or a hearing aid that does not fit properly. If you experience this problem, first try cleaning your ears to see if the issue subsides. In the event that removing ear wax does not solve the problem, see an audiologist to have your hearing aid inspected and to determine if it is the right fit for your ear. Whistling sounds when you have clean ears and a good fit usually means that the problem lies with the hearing aid, and it will need to be replaced.