Have you ever been watching your favorite Netflix show when your internet abruptly cuts out? You sit there and watch that spinning circle instead of finding out who won that cooking competition. All you can do is wait around for it to come back. Is it your internet provider, modem, router, or perhaps it will simply come back on its own? It kind of stinks.
When technology breaks down, it can be very aggravating. The same is certainly true of your hearing aids. The majority of the time, your hearing aids will provide you with 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. You’ve been disappointed by the technology you count on. How do hearing aids just stop working? So what should you do? Well, there are three prevalent ways that hearing aids can malfunction, here’s how you can begin to identify and troubleshoot those problems.
Three common issues with hearing aids (and some possible solutions)
Hearing aids are sophisticated devices. Even still, there are some common issues that people with hearing aids may encounter. Here’s what could be causing those issues (and what you can do to fix them).
Feedback and whistling
So, perhaps you’re attempting to have a chat with your family or watch your favorite television show and you start to notice a horrific whistling noise. Or perhaps you notice some feedback. And so you think, “Why am I hearing whistling in my hearing aids? This is odd”.
Whistling and feedback can be caused by these possible issues:
- For people who use behind-the-ear hearing aids, the tubing that connects your earmold with your hearing aid might have become compromised. Try to examine this tubing as well as you can and make sure nothing is loose and the tube does not appear damaged.
- Earwax buildup in your ear canal can compromise how your hearing aid functions. You’ll notice this comes up pretty regularly. That includes causing your hearing aids to whistle or feedback. 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).
- You may not have your hearing aids correctly positioned in your ears. Try to remove them and re-seat them. If the fit isn’t right you might need to come in so we can help you get a better fit.
Depending on the underlying cause of the feedback, we can help you deal with these problems if you can’t figure them out on your own.
Hearing aids not generating sound
Your hearing aids are supposed to make, well, sound. That’s their main function! Something has definitely gone wrong if you can’t hear any sound coming out of your hearing aid. So what could cause hearing aids to drop all sound? Well, there are a couple of things:
- Earwax buildup: Here we go again with the earwax! Have a close look to see if you find any earwax on the microphone or speakers. Keep your device very clean.
- Batteries: Make certain your batteries are completely charged. And even rechargeable batteries should be swapped out once in a while.
- Power: Everyone forgets to turn their hearing aids on once in a while. Be sure that’s not the problem. Then you can cross that of the list of potential problems.
- Your settings: Scroll through the personalized settings if your device has them. Your hearing aids might think you’re in a very large room when you’re actually in a small room because the setting is wrong. This incorrect setting could throw off the sound you’re hearing.
If these steps don’t correct your problems, we may have the answers. We’ll be able to help you identify the next steps, and whether maintenance, repair, or replacement is required.
When you have your hearing aids in, your ears hurt
What if your hearing aids work perfectly, but every time you put them in your ears, your ears start hurting? And you’re likely thinking: why do my ears ache when I wear my hearing aids? This type of discomfort is not exactly conducive to using your hearing aids over the long term. So, why do they hurt?
- Fit: The fit of the device is the most evident problem. Needless to say, when the fit is nice and tight, your hearing aids will work best. Which means that there can occasionally be discomfort involved in a poor fit. Some models of hearing aid can be fit to the specific shape of your ears. Over the long haul, you will have fewer problems if you have a tight fit. We will be able to help you get the best possible fit from your devices.
- Time: Getting accustomed to your hearing aids will take some time. How long will depend on the individual. When you first get your hearing aids, we can help you get a reasonable concept of the adjustment period you can expect. Also, speak with us about any discomfort you might be experiencing.
Take your new hearing aid out for a test ride
Before you decide on a pair of hearing aids, it’s a good idea to test them for a while. In the majority of instances we’ll let you test out a set of devices before you decide that’s the pair for you.
In fact, we can help you determine the best kind of hearing aid for your requirements, adjust the fit to match your ears, and help you handle any ongoing problems you might have with your devices. We will be your resource for any help you need.
And that’s a lot more than you will get with an over-the-counter hearing aid!