Have you ever had your internet disappear right as you’re getting to the best part of your favorite Netflix movie? Instead of discovering 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. Maybe it’s your modem, might be your router, possibly it’s the internet company, or maybe it’ll just fix itself. It’s not a great feeling.
When technology breaks down, it can be really aggravating. The same is certainly true of your hearing aids. When they’re functioning properly, hearing aids can help you stay connected with the ones you love and better hear co-workers when they talk to you.
But when they stop working, your hearing loss symptoms can abruptly become a lot more frustrating. The technology you’re counting on has let you down. How do hearing aids just quit working? So how do you cope with that? Well, there are three prevalent ways that hearing aids can fail, here’s how you can begin to recognize and troubleshoot those problems.
Three common issues with hearing aids (and some possible solutions)
Even though hearing aids are complex technology, individuals may experience three common problems with them. Let’s have a look at possible causes of these issues and potential fixes.
Whistling and feedback
Maybe you suddenly start to hear an awful high-pitched whistling while you’re attempting to have a conversation with a friend or family member. Or perhaps you hear some feedback. And so you think, “Why do I hear whistling in my hearing aids? This is strange”.
Whistling and feedback can be caused by these possible problems:
- The tubing that connects the hearing aid with the earmold, on behind-the-ear models, can occasionally become compromised. Have a close look to identify whether the tube might have detached or may be compromised in some way.
- Your hearing aids might not be seated in your ears properly. Try to take them out and re-seat them. You can also try turning the volume down (if this works, you may find some temporary relief, but it also likely means that the fit isn’t quite right and you should consult us about it).
- The functionality of your hearing aid can be impacted by earwax accumulation in your ear canal. This is a relatively common one. That includes causing your hearing aids to whistle or feedback. You can try to clear some of the earwax out (never use a cotton swab) and if that fails, you can get some help from us.
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.
Hearing aids not producing sound
Your hearing aids should make, well, sound. That’s what they’re created to do! So if you find yourself thinking, “I can’t hear any sound in my hearing aid,” well, then something is certainly not right. So what could be the explanation when hearing aids work but no sound comes out? Well, there are a couple of things:
- Power: Look, we’ve all disregarded turning on the hearing aid before. Check for this first. Then you can eliminate that as potential issues.
- Your settings: If you have them, flip through your custom settings. Your hearing aids may think you’re in a very large room 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, make sure that they’re fully charged. And even rechargeable batteries should be switched out from time to time.
- Earwax buildup: Yup, earwax strikes again. Take a close look to see if you find any earwax on the microphone or speakers. Keep your device really clean.
We’re here for you if these steps don’t clear your issues up. Whether repair, maintenance, or replacement is your next step, we will be capable of helping you figure that out.
When you have your hearing aids in, your ears hurt
What if your hearing aids are working fine, but whenever you put them in your ears, your ears begin aching? And you’re most likely wondering why your hearing aids would make your ears hurt. You’re not as likely to wear your hearing aids on a daily basis if they hurt your ears. So, why do they hurt?
- Fit: The most obvious issue can be the fit. Naturally, when the fit is nice and tight, your hearing aids will work best. Which means that there can sometimes be discomfort involved in a poor fit. Some hearing aid models can be fit to the particular shape of your ears. Over the long run, you will have fewer issues if you have a snug fit. We will be able to help you achieve the best possible fit from your devices.
- Time: Getting used to your hearing aids will take some time. Each individual will have a different adjustment period. It’s worth talking about when you purchase your hearing aids so you have a reasonable idea of how long it may take you to become comfortable with your devices. If uncomfortable ears remain, talk to us about that as well!
Take your new hearing aid out for a test ride
Before you commit to a pair of hearing aids, it’s a smart 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 right hearing aids, adjusting them to fit your needs, and helping with any ongoing problems you might have, are all things we will help with. We will be your resource for any help you need.
And that’s a lot more than you will get from an over-the-counter hearing aid!