Have you ever had your internet disappear right as you’re getting to the best part of your favorite Netflix show? Instead of finding out who won the baking show, you have to watch a never-ending spinning circle. All you can do is wait around for it to come back. Perhaps it’s your modem, could be your router, possibly it’s the internet company, or maybe it’ll just fix itself. It kind of stinks.
When technology malfunctions, it can be really aggravating. The same is definitely true of your hearing aids. Most of the time, your hearing aids will give you the means to stay connected to loved ones, have discussions with co-workers, and keep up with your neighbors.
But your symptoms of hearing loss can suddenly become really frustrating when your hearing aids quit working. You’ve been disappointed by the technology you count on. Why would your hearing aids just stop working? So what can you do? Well, there are three common ways that hearing aids can malfunction, here’s how you can start to recognize and troubleshoot those issues.
Three common issues with hearing aids (and some possible solutions)
Even though hearing aids are complex technology, people may encounter three common issues with them. Here’s what could be causing those issues (and what you can do to correct them).
Feedback and whistling
So, maybe you’re trying to have a chat with your family or watch your favorite show and you start to hear a dreadful whistling noise. Or perhaps you hear some feedback. And so you think, “Why do I hear whistling in my hearing aids? This is strange”.
Here are three potential problems that could be causing this feedback and whistling:
- You may not have your hearing aids seated properly in your ears. Try taking them out and putting them back in. If the fit isn’t right you may need to come in so we can help you get a better fit.
- Earwax buildup in your ear canal can compromise how your hearing aid works. You’ll find this comes up fairly often. Whistling and feedback are frequently one outcome of this sort of earwax accumulation. If possible, you can try clearing some earwax out of your ear or consult with us about the best way to do that (don’t use a cotton swab).
- The tubing that attaches the hearing aid with the earmold, on behind-the-ear models, can sometimes become compromised. Try to inspect this tubing as closely as possible and make certain nothing is loose and the tube does not appear damaged.
Depending on the root cause of the feedback, we can help you deal with these issues if you can’t fix them on your own.
No sound coming from your hearing aids
The main goal of hearing aids is to produce sound. That’s their primary function! So if you find yourself thinking, “I can’t hear any sound in my hearing aid,” well, then something is definitely wrong. So what could be the explanation when hearing aids work but no sound comes through? Here are some things to watch for:
- Power: Look, we’ve all disregarded turning on the hearing aid before. Make sure that’s not the issue. Then you can eliminate that as potential problems.
- Your settings: Scroll through the personalized settings if your device has them. Your hearing aids may think you’re in a huge space when you’re actually in a small room because the setting isn’t right. This incorrect setting could throw off the sound you’re hearing.
- Batteries: If you have rechargeable batteries, be sure that they’re completely charged. And even rechargeable batteries should be swapped out on occasion.
- Earwax buildup: Here we go again with the earwax! Have a close look to see if you discover any earwax on the microphone or speakers. Keep your device very clean.
We are here for you if these steps don’t clear your issues up. Whether repair, maintenance, or replacement is your next step, we will be able to help you figure that out.
When you have your hearing aids in, you feel pain in your ears
Perhaps your hearing aids are fine functionally but they hurt when you put them in. And you’re likely thinking: why do my ears ache when I use my hearing aids? You’re not as likely to wear your hearing aids every day if they hurt your ears. So, what could be causing it?
- Fit: The most evident issue can be the fit. After all, the majority of hearing aids work best when they fit tightly. So when your hearing aids aren’t fitting very well, there can be some pain. Many hearing aids can be customized to your specific ears. The better the fit, the fewer issues you’ll have with discomfort over the long haul. We will be able to help you achieve the best possible fit from your devices.
- Time: Usually, it just takes a little while to get accustomed to your hearing aids. How long will depend on the person. When you first get your hearing aids, we can help you get a reasonable concept of the adjustment period you can anticipate. If uncomfortable ears persist, speak with us about that too!
Avoid issues with a little test drive
One of the best ways to avoid possible problems with hearing aids is to take them out for a bit of a test drive before you decide. In the majority of cases we’ll let you try out a pair of devices before you determine that’s the pair for you.
Choosing the correct hearing aids, adjusting them to fit your needs, and helping with any ongoing issues you might have, are all things we will help with. We will be your resource for any assistance you need.
And that’s a lot more than you will get from an over-the-counter hearing aid!