Have you ever been watching your favorite Netflix show when your internet suddenly cuts out? You sit and watch that spinning circle instead of learning about who won that cooking competition. And so you just wait. Maybe it’s your modem, might be your router, possibly it’s the internet company, or possibly it’ll just fix itself. It’s not a very good feeling.
When technology breaks down, 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 conversations with co-workers, and keep up with your neighbors.
But when they stop working, your hearing loss symptoms can abruptly become much more frustrating. The technology you’re counting on has let you down. Why would your hearing aids just stop working? So how do you cope with that? Here are the three prevalent ways your hearing aids can malfunction and how to troubleshoot and identify them.
Hearing aids can often have three common issues
Even though hearing aids are sophisticated technology, individuals might experience three common issues with them. Here’s what might be causing those issues (and what you can do to correct them).
Feedback and whistling
Perhaps you suddenly begin to hear a terrible high-pitched whistling while you’re trying to have a conversation with a friend or family member. Or perhaps you hear some feedback. You begin to think, “this is strange, what’s up with this whistling”?
Here are three possible problems that could be causing this whistling and feedback:
- You might not have your hearing aids correctly positioned in your ears. Try taking them out and putting them back in. If the fit isn’t right you might need to come in so we can help you get a better fit.
- The functionality of your hearing aid can be affected by earwax accumulation in your ear canal. This is a relatively common one. Whistling and feedback are frequently one result of this sort of earwax buildup. If possible, you can try clearing some earwax out of your ear or talk to us about the best method 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 occasionally become compromised. Try to inspect this tubing as closely as you can and make certain nothing is loose and the tube does not appear damaged.
Depending on the underlying cause of the feedback, we can help you deal with these problems if you can’t fix them on your own.
No sound coming from your hearing aids
Your hearing aids should make, well, sound. That’s what they’re made to do! So if you find yourself thinking, “I can’t hear any sound coming from my hearing aid,” well, then something is definitely not right. So what could cause hearing aids to drop all sound? Well, there are a couple of things:
- Power: Everybody forgets to turn their hearing aids on once in a while. Make sure that’s not the problem. This possible problem can then be eliminated..
- Earwax buildup: Yup, earwax strikes again. Examine your device for signs of earwax on the microphone or speakers or any sensitive bits. You want to make certain the device is good and clean.
- Your settings: Scroll through the custom settings if your device has them. It’s possible your hearing devices are on the wrong custom setting (so maybe your hearing aids think you’re in a concert hall instead of around the kitchen table). This balance could throw off the sound you’re hearing.
- Batteries: If you have rechargeable batteries, make sure that they are fully charged. And even rechargeable batteries should be switched out once in a while.
We’re here for you if these measures don’t clear up your issues. Whether repair, maintenance, or replacement is your next step, we will be capable of helping you figure that out.
Your ears hurt when you’re wearing your hearing aids
What if your hearing aids are working fine, but every time you put them in your ears, your ears start aching? And you’re likely thinking: why do my ears ache when I wear my hearing aids? You’re not as likely to use your hearing aids every day if they make your ears hurt. So, why do they ache?
- Time: Getting accustomed to your hearing aids will take a little while. How long it takes will depend on the person. It’s worth talking about when you buy your hearing aids so you have a realistic idea of how long it may take you to become comfortable with your devices. Also, speak with us about any discomfort you might be experiencing.
- Fit: The fit of the device is the most obvious issue. After all, the majority of hearing aids work best when the fit is nice and snug. Which means that there can occasionally be pain involved in a poor fit. Many hearing aids can be personalized to your particular ears. Over the long run, you will have fewer issues if you have a snug fit. We will be able to help you get the best possible fit from your devices.
Take your new hearing aid out for a test ride
Before you decide on a set of hearing aids, it’s a good plan to try them out for a while. Most of the time we will have loaner pairs for you to try out before you make a decision.
Choosing the correct hearing aids, adjusting them to fit your requirements, and helping with any extended issues you may have, are all things we will help with. In other words, when your devices stop working, you’ll have a resource that can help!
And that’s a lot more than you will get with an over-the-counter hearing aid!
